• Former McDonald’s All American Eric Boateng is transferring from Duke to Arizona State. This is a huge first get for Herb Sendek, who also transferred from the ACC (NC State) to Arizona State a little over a month ago.
• Hey Rasheed, did you mean TONIGHT’s game when you guaranteed a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers? Nah, I didn’t think so.
• Former Virginia Tech QB and general troublemaker/finder Marcus Vick has signed a contract with the Miami Dolphins. What the heck would make the Dolphins, already burned by Ricky Williams, take another chance on someone like this? I know everyone deserves a second chance, but with Vick, we’re on, like…….6 or 7!
• Doug Flutie, 21 year veteran of professional football, is calling it quits. This is probably the first time in Flutie’s career that he actually has decided to quit. The ultimate warrior, he often overachieved and outperformed all the expectations people put on an undersized QB. He was never a superstar, or earned mega-money, but he holds a special place in all football fans hearts. Congrats on finishing one career, and starting another. Flute: An all around good guy.
• Reggie Bush may be having an MRI on his hamstring and hasn’t been active yet in camps, but he has his mind set on being in camp on time and has told his agent specifically, NO HOLDOUTS. And I for one would like to add, AMEN!

The 49ers made out like a bandit in this draft. First things first, Vernon Davis is going to give young QB Alex Smith a real target that has the speed to get out and make things happen once he gets his hands on the ball. And once you catch him, you have to actually tackle him, which is another chore. He is a future Pro Bowler in my opinion.

Later in the first round, SF drafted Manny Lawson. As I am sure you have picked up reading this blog, I am one of the biggest NC State fans you will ever find. But I do hope I am being objective when I say that when Manny makes the switch to linebacker in the 3-4 defense, he is going to get a few licks in on opposing QBs. Manny is a little on the thin side for a DE, which is why he will probably move to the LB position, but he is also fast enough to run down and catch most WRs from behind. 4.43 speed is ridiculous for someone his size. He’s also a brilliant kid. If I’m not mistaken, he was an engineering major at NC State. Another good pick.

Next, they drafted 2 wideouts, one being Michael Robinson, the converted QB from Penn State. The guy is a playmaker and given a little time to make the transition to a new position, he should be quite a pick up. Parys Haralson from Tennessee is another DE who made quite a name for himself in college and should be in contention for playing time this coming year with the 49ers.

Oh yeah, can’t forget Marcus Hudson, yet another Wolfpacker, who the Niners picked up int the 6th round. Hudson is a big, physical guy in the secondary, who played just about every position back there during his stint in Raleigh. Good job Mike Nolan and the rest of the staff!

PLEASE EXCUSE MY RED SHADED GLASSES FOR A MINUTE:

I asked my wife tonight if she now understood why I lost my mind screaming at the top of my lungs a few years ago as Mario Williams, the then high school prospect, pulled out an NC State hat and placed it on his head, announcing his decision to join the Wolfpack family on Countdown to Signing Day. I absolutely cannot believe it. I have been looking forward to this draft for several weeks now, as a both a football fan and a Wolfpack fan. With 2 potential first round picks, and more surely to follow in the later rounds, it is going to be a good day. But never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that Mario would be picked #1. I was part of the crowd that believed he was being used as leverage to get Bush to come down on the asking price. Even after they specifically said, “we aren’t using him as a bargaining chip”, I still didn’t believe it. So tonight, my buddy Stonecoldjz called me and broke the news. I’m on cloud nine! Sounds a little funny that I am so excited about having a #1 draft pick from NC State, but I love my Pack, so that’s just the way it is. I also know that Mario is a first class guy, very respectful young man (unless you’re an opposing QB). He deserves everything he gets and we are proud of him.

Just a few links about Super Mario:

Texans sign Mario Williams with No. 1 pick

Mario Williams Bio

6 year, $54 million deal

Texans to draft Williams No. 1, not Bush