With the looming January 15th deadline for juniors to make a decision on “stay or go,” it is now official that USC Gamecocks Defensive End Clifton Geathers has elected to pursue the latter.
Word came today that he is officially going to make the leap after weeks of speculation about him eyeing the NFL. Geathers has the blood-line of a NFL player with his father, uncle and brother all playing in the pro league. So most knew that he would eventually find his way to the big leagues as he has the size and talent.
Early projections have him being taken in the 4th – 7th rounds.
The 6-foot-8, 281-pound Geathers, like most juniors with his talent, has decided to go pro due to the NFL’s pending salary cap issues that could change the way rookies are paid. Mainly stating no minimum salary and the “outside” possibility of a lock-out in 2011. (Read this)
Geathers has stated that he is worried about a potential career-threatening injury during his senior season if he was to remain in college. If you are projected in the 1st 3 rounds, there is an insurance policy you can get but Geathers was projected again some where in the 4th to 7th rounds so some anxiety there.
Geathers should make the roster of a NFL team and enjoy success for years to come after finishing the 2009 season with 41 tackles and 3.5 sacks despite missing some time due to a “off the field issue.”
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