Quotables: Zach Mettenberger ‘97 percent’ healthy, Adrian Peterson supports college pay-for-play
The LSU draft hopeful backed up claims of his recovery from ACL surgery with a solid pro day. Meanwhile, Peterson believes college athletes should be paid by the NCAA, and A.J. McCarron attempted to downplay his appearance in an upcoming reality show.
Kevin C. Cox
- Albert Breer, NFL Network
The LSU training staff claimed that Zach Mettenberger has all but completed rehab on the torn ACL he suffered in December, and the quarterback backed it up at the Tigers’ pro day on Wednesday. The knee looked sturdy as he threw in public for the first time since the injury, and he showed off his mobility while rolling out off play-action.
If anything, it was Mettenberger’s arm that had scouts worried. He cooled off after a hot start throwing the ball, suffering through inaccuracy and a decline in velocity as the drill wore on. That being said, his primary goal on Wednesday was proving he’d made progress with his knee, and it seems he accomplished that.
“I feel like, as much money as universities make, some of that should come down to the players, as well.”
Adrian Peterson threw his hat into the college pay-for-play debate on Wednesday, telling ESPN.com’s Ben Goessling he believes the NCAA should pay college athletes because of the money they generate for universities.
“Johnny Manziel made Texas A&M so much money,” he said. “When I was at Oklahoma, they made so much money.”
Peterson, who fathered a daughter during his All-American career with the Sooners, argued that many players have responsibilities outside of playing sports and going to class, and believes monetary compensation would help relieve those pressures.
“I think it’s funny how people think I am doing a TV show. I play football that’s it! What my future wife does is her business.”
- A.J. McCarron, NFL Draft prospect
News broke on Wednesday that former Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron and his fiancee, Katherine Webb, have already started filming a reality show that would focus on the planning of their upcoming wedding. McCarron attempted to deflect the oncoming criticism of that decision by distancing himself from it, claiming his primary focus is on playing football.
With the draft approaching in May, McCarron certainly doesn’t want teams to get the impression that he’s distracted.
Webb, who was named Miss Alabama in 2012, has already appeared on shows like Inside Edition and the celebrity diving show Splash. There’s been no word on whether Brent Musburger will narrate the action.
“I can tell you the surgery wasn’t as major as it sounded. That’s why I rebounded so quickly. I also worked my ass off. I’m expecting to do bigger things and bounce back.”
Arian Foster was medically cleared last month to return from back surgery that ended his 2013 season. According to the Pro Bowl running back, the procedure wasn’t as serious as reported. While he wouldn’t go into detail about his expectations for next season, he made it clear to Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman that he’ll be ready to handle a heavy workload.
That will be more important than ever now that long-time backup Ben Tate has moved on the Cleveland. The Texans did add former New York Giant Andre Brown during free agency, but Foster's ability to return to form will have a major influence on the team's 2014 season. Though even Barry Sanders wouldn't have been able to save Houston last year, the fact that Foster missed eight games certainly had an effect on the team's 2-14 finish.
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