Draft winds unfamiliar to IU

As a soon-to-be graduate of this fine university, I must say I'm a bit worried. Especially if the journalism industry is as harsh to IU grads as the National Football League has proved to be.\nDuring this weekend's NFL Draft, Hoosier receiver Courtney Roby joined the ranks of professional footballers when the school's all-time leading receiver was selected at the beginning of the third round by the Tennessee Titans.\nRoby's inclusion in the NFL, and more importantly the draft, reminded those watching around the country that Indiana does in fact still wear pads and helmets. Since 1993, only four Hoosier football players who heard their names called during the televised melodrama remain in the league. They are, without further adieu: quarterback Trent Green (selected in the now nonexistent eighth round in '93), offensive lineman Chris Liwienski (seventh round in '98), wide receiver Antwaan Randle El (second round in '02) and quarterback Gibran Hamdan (amazingly chosen in the seventh round in '03).\nGreen has become an All-Pro, throwing 133 touchdowns in his career and leading the prolific Kansas City offense. Liwienski became notable when a White House intern with a similar last name enjoyed her 15 minutes of fame, but he has established himself with a string of 64 consecutive starts for Minnesota. Randle El, a former option quarterback, has made the switch to wide receiver with relative ease as Pittsburgh's No. 3 target and return specialist. Hamdan is still a work-in-progress, applying his trade overseas in NFL Europe allocated by Seattle.\nOf course, Hoosiers in the NFL aren't limited to the select few who got drafted. Although only five Hoosiers have the luxury of calling themselves draft picks, six other former IU alumni currently lay claim to an NFL roster spot. Surprising, I know. But with Roby's selection Saturday evening, the number of Hoosiers in the NFL has reached 11. Sure, it's far behind Ohio State's 45 and the 44 of Michigan, and it ranks last in the Big Ten, but 11 ain't that bad.\nNow, the numbers really would have spiked if Indiana University of Pennsylvania allowed its five NFLers to drop the "of Pennsylvania" and join our ranks. But that's as unlikely as founding an Alabama University of New Hampshire. Seriously Pennsylvania, don't name your university after another state. Trust me: There's a lot more in the Keystone State than in the Hoosier State. Get creative.\nThe list of former Hoosiers include linebacker Justin Smith, defensive end Kemp Rasmussen and cornerback Marcus Floyd, who all call Carolina home; offensive linemen Enoch DeMar and Craig Osika, who apply their trade in Cleveland; defensive lineman Kris Dielman, who is in San Diego; and Pro Bowl defensive end Adewale Ogunleye, who is chasing quarterbacks in Chicago, and who can thank Dave Wannstedt's daughter (an IU grad) for providing pops with a scouting report. \nThe route of the undrafted free agent trying to fight his way onto an NFL roster is not an easy one, and it speaks volumes of the player's character and commitment to his craft. Watching name after name, player after player receive that ever-important phone call, it's tough not to question one's place in a sport they have devoted so much time and sweat to.\nAfter the conclusion of the draft, former Hoosiers defensive lineman Jodie Clemons, safety Herana-Daze Jones, tight end Aaron Halterman, wide receiver Travis Haney and offensive lineman Chris Jahnke's resolve will be tested. They'll sit by the phone, hoping a team comes calling to extend a free agent contract and an invite to training camp. But like the other six IU survivors, they'll claw and scratch their way onto an NFL roster if their heart is in it. And if not, they'll be in the same boat as me -- still looking for work.\nI hope none of them write well.