The Florida Tuskers has added a big time arm to their roster. It was announced today that the Tuskers have signed QB Matt Grothe from the University of South Florida. Grothe likely would have been drafted in the NFL draft if he had not severely injured his knee early on in the 2009 season. Never heard of South Florida? Well up till this year few had, but they had five of their players drafted by in the NFL draft including one in the first round, and they have quietly made themselves into a proven school for developing talent for all of the professional football leagues.
When Grothe went down with an injury is was already one of the best QB’s in the history of the Big East Conference. In his career with the USF Bulls he completed 68% of his passes for 8,669 yards and 49 touch downs. Those are impressive numbers any way you slice them and the Tuskers should be that much improved for having him on the roster.
Since they seem to have retained 2009 QB Brooks Bollinger, who led them to an undefeated season and is the reining UFL MVP, it seems that Grothe will be stepping into a backup situation with the team. However his presence there is sure to push Bollinger to improve on a great 2009 performance. Healthy competition at the QB spot is always a good thing.
It is also a very good thing for the UFL itself. This league would like to be the place where undrafted players come to impress the scouts. A good number of 2009 UFL players ended up moving on to the NFL late into that season. Guys like Grothe who go down with an injury and miss the NFL draft no longer have to move north to play in the Canadian League. They can stay right here and play in front of numerous NFL scouts.
Related Links:
• The Business of the UFL • Florida Tuskers news and notes •UFL News reservationforsix.com •MTR Football.com