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Utah Utes football: U.'s Kruger will enter NFL Draft
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70 | 11:29 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
I'm saddened that so many college athletes are electing to go pro before
graduation. Not to take away from these athletes who could do very well in pro
sports, but I just think a college degree would serve them tremendously. We all
know the odds of making it pro, or at least having a long sustained pro career
aren't always that great. Plus, the college programs suffer from their
adsence. I think all college athletes ought to stick it out the 4 years and then
turn. Just my humble opinion from a guy who wishes he could have played pro, or
college for that matter.
haha | 11:36 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Oh no, all the precious Uties are bailing on next season! Paul doesn't
believe the Utes could ever go undefeated next year so he's bailing out!
What a wimp...come back and try and prove this wasn't a hoax. I bet Gary
Anderson leaving as defensive coordinator had a lot to do with this decision as
well. Uh oh Utes. Looks like rough times are ahead already. Oh the sweet
smell of another Cougar victory lies ahead. Actually with the BYU basketball
team there are many Cougar victories ahead in the future. Don't worry
though Utes, you can always remember Bama and the Sugar Bowl.
ps. Paul Kruger is a beast and I hope he does well at the next level.
ps. Paul Kruger is a beast and I hope he does well at the next level.
NFL COMBINE is KEY | 11:37 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Collie and Kruger will both get a dose of reality when they enter the NFL
combine this spring. At the combine, they will get their "real
evaluation" against other top NFL prospects with speed and strength.
I'm not sure either player will fare very well at the combine and if not
they can expect their stock to drop dramatically. This is especially true for
Kruger being just a Soph in college. The NFL isn't too excited about taking
such a young kid into their ranks but there is always an exception I
guess.Collie will have to post some impressive 4.5 40 yard dash numbers to even
be considered in the first 6 rounds. Good luck to these two but again I think
reality will set in after the combine.
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 11:40 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
whiners
Hemuli not 300 lbs | 11:41 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Hemuli is 6'2 294lbs not 6'3 305 lbs.
Rebuilding? | 12:02 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
I think most people in the know would say the Utes are reloading, not
rebuilding. Ya, a bunch of guys are graduating and Kruger and maybe Smith are
leaving early. But there are experienced, quality backups and/or recruits in
just about every position. The one position that has me only a teency bit
anxious is QB.
I would encourage all you y-ners to take a lesson from your Quest for Perfection experience this past year and not believe your own hype quite so much. Unless of course you're starting to take a liking for all the crow you've had to eat the last month.
I would encourage all you y-ners to take a lesson from your Quest for Perfection experience this past year and not believe your own hype quite so much. Unless of course you're starting to take a liking for all the crow you've had to eat the last month.
WOW | 12:25 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
BYU just plugs in new players into their system. The yewts don't have a
system yet. They will not recover from all the good players graduating and
leaving early.
MWC in 2009
BYU 11-1 (undefeated in MWC)
TCU 11-1 (only loss to BYU)
yewts 9-3 (losses to BYU, TCU, and AF)
MWC in 2009
BYU 11-1 (undefeated in MWC)
TCU 11-1 (only loss to BYU)
yewts 9-3 (losses to BYU, TCU, and AF)
yes get out now | 12:26 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
so you won't have to endure the beat down BYU is going to administer to the
u next season.
REDHAWK | 12:31 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Way to go Paul! AS a a huge Ute fan, I can honestly say we will miss you on the
D-line next year but you are doing what is best and moving on.
Good luck. I hope Denver gets you so I can watch you play out here.
Good luck. I hope Denver gets you so I can watch you play out here.
way to go | 12:46 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
I'm sure Kruger will do great in the NFL just like Alex Smith has done.
RE Provo | 12:49 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
IF you are not TROLL you are right.
Take Ty Detmer. He was by far the best Heisman Winning FG/Clipboard holder in the history of the NFL.
And Luke Staley was so fast he ran right off of a practice squad.
Tell Steve Smith that Utah has "no where near the success of Y players in the NFL especially in speed positions."
I hate BYU fans even if "Provo" is a troll
Take Ty Detmer. He was by far the best Heisman Winning FG/Clipboard holder in the history of the NFL.
And Luke Staley was so fast he ran right off of a practice squad.
Tell Steve Smith that Utah has "no where near the success of Y players in the NFL especially in speed positions."
I hate BYU fans even if "Provo" is a troll
UofUman | 12:52 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
While Kruger will be missed, it just means Max Hall will throw it to someone
else on our team.
We survived Alex Smith's departure, Eric Weddle's departure and Urban Meyer's departure. We will just reload, come back and beat the Zoobie's with new people.
We might not be in a BCS bowl next year, but it will be because Boise State is starting higher ranked, not because the TDS is any better or that we fall very far from this year.
We survived Alex Smith's departure, Eric Weddle's departure and Urban Meyer's departure. We will just reload, come back and beat the Zoobie's with new people.
We might not be in a BCS bowl next year, but it will be because Boise State is starting higher ranked, not because the TDS is any better or that we fall very far from this year.
Wally West | 12:58 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
re: BYU Leg Up Next Season? | 10:52 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
>>He actually reminds me of a former Cougar now playing d-line in the pros - Brett Keisel. Both are a bit smallish (weight) but fast and athletic. >Who knows Kruger and Collie might even be on the same team (though not picked in the same round).<<
The Dolphins have multiple picks in the 2nd and 7th. Though, I can't see Collie being drafted on the 1st day unless Philly is really desperate for another KR/PR.
>>He actually reminds me of a former Cougar now playing d-line in the pros - Brett Keisel. Both are a bit smallish (weight) but fast and athletic. >Who knows Kruger and Collie might even be on the same team (though not picked in the same round).<<
The Dolphins have multiple picks in the 2nd and 7th. Though, I can't see Collie being drafted on the 1st day unless Philly is really desperate for another KR/PR.
Hey Dead People | 12:55 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Do you keep up w/ recruiting? Next year BYU will have to learn to say JAMES
AIONO! He's the top rated JC player in the nation, yup a 5 Star player.
Guess where he play, yup Left Defensive End. James is a 6'3" 285
pound monster - recruited by everyone. Love punching holes in your half baked,
poorly thought through ideas. Better luck w/ your next post. Don't forget
Derrick Shelby who due to injury was forced to play NT this year and of course
the Utes have Dave Kruger, Paul's little bro at 6'5" and 265 lbs.
Real programs just plug in another great player.
Re: way to go | 12:56 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Re:I'm sure Kruger will do great in the NFL just like Alex Smith has done.
Bitter your team can't play in BCS bowl GameS?
Maybe he'll do as well as pro-bowler Jordan Gross or as well as one of the best WR in the NFL Steve Smith.
Bitter your team can't play in BCS bowl GameS?
Maybe he'll do as well as pro-bowler Jordan Gross or as well as one of the best WR in the NFL Steve Smith.
Cougar Living in Reality | 1:24 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
To the cougar who said Utah doesn't have a system - 9 bowl wins in a row
including 2 bcs bowl wins seems like a decent system to me. I love my Cougs but
the Utes simply have us beat in recruiting. At the U, the very best LDS kids get
everything that BYU players get as far as the Church goes (without being
obnoxiously saturated by it) and good kids who are not LDS can actually live a
life without being in a fishbowl afraid of being reported to the honor code
nazis. Kruger and Weddle are prime examples of both (Weddle actually joined the
Church while at the U). Half the student body and most of the coaching staff are
LDS. Mendenhall has committed to literally an all-LDS team who has to sell
themselves to him rather than the other way around. Great if we are trying to be
a GA factory but we simply will not get the top speed athletes with this
recruiting philosophy. I'm afraid there are very few Mike Reeds out there -
good non-LDS kids and quality players who can also survive Provo.
KC | 1:35 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Maybe Paul will come back to Kansas City...we need a good citizen defensive end
in KC...Way to go Paul!!
AZ Ute | 1:56 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Good luck to you Paul. You will be missed. It has been so much fun watching you
tear up everybody you have faced.
GO UTES!!!
GO UTES!!!
BYU Fans | 2:03 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
It has only been 7 weeks since the U absolutely blasted the Y and yet here are
the Y fans talking smack???? The fact is the U has D-linemen coming of the bench
and coming into the program that would replace every starter you have and yes
that includes Jorgenson.
Good luck to Paul his pick in the BYU game is a classic.
Good luck to Paul his pick in the BYU game is a classic.
Way to go Paul! | 2:36 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
BYU fan here, I actually played high school ball with Paul Kruger when he was a
QB, I caught passes from him in practice, (his arm was a cannon), and it is
crazy to see him get drafted so early! But I wish him the best he is a total
stud, and everyone in his family is way awesome too!
I even tackled him during a scout play I was on the defense when he ran QB during the play. The coaches were mad cause I wasn't supposed too. I was still learning at the time.
Whenever I watch him make a big play I'm just like (I totally tackled that guy in HS practice)! But I was also blown up by him on another play too, (he hits pretty hard)!
All the best Paul in the NFL!
Go Krugers! and Cougars, too.
I even tackled him during a scout play I was on the defense when he ran QB during the play. The coaches were mad cause I wasn't supposed too. I was still learning at the time.
Whenever I watch him make a big play I'm just like (I totally tackled that guy in HS practice)! But I was also blown up by him on another play too, (he hits pretty hard)!
All the best Paul in the NFL!
Go Krugers! and Cougars, too.
RE;heimuli | 3:13 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
I was going by the stats posted on scout.com. Look it up. They say he is
6'4" 305. But either way he's a monster lineman.
To Paul | 3:45 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Paul,
You are a tremendous player and person. I speak for all Ute fans when I say we are forever indebted to you for choosing to be a Ute. It has been an honor and privelage to watch you tear up opposing teams lineman for the past two years. I know you will make an impact at the next level as well. Stay true to yourself, your faith, and your University. We love you and will miss you.
Utah Mann
You are a tremendous player and person. I speak for all Ute fans when I say we are forever indebted to you for choosing to be a Ute. It has been an honor and privelage to watch you tear up opposing teams lineman for the past two years. I know you will make an impact at the next level as well. Stay true to yourself, your faith, and your University. We love you and will miss you.
Utah Mann
Paul Thanks | 4:30 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
We all know with how good Utah is going to be next year that Paul is leaving so
he won't have to worry about picking off Maxie and running it back almost
to the goal line again. Thanks for your hard work and dedication. Good luck
and Go Utes
Cali Coug | 4:43 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Best of Luck gentlemen, we wish you well...smart to get out now before the Cougs
paste you in Provo...GO Cougs!!!
RE: ha ha AND 70 | 5:46 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
RE; HA HA----- YEAH YOU HAVE IT EXACTLY RIGHT, WE ARE JUST SCARED, (NOTICE
SARCASM) THE REASON THEY ARE GOING PRO ( KRUGER AND COLLIE) IS CUZ THEY ARE
OLDER (MISSIONS) AND PROJECTED TO BE HIGH DRAFT PICKS... UTAH WILL BE GOOD NEXT
YEAR JUST WATCH... DEFENSE WILL BE THE STRONG POINT AGAIN AND WE'LL WIN 10
GAMES..
RE; 70----- THE REASON THEY DONT STAY 4 YEARS IS OPPORTUNITY COST, YOU HAVE TO FIGURE THE AVERAGE LIFE OF A PLAYER IN THE NFL IS 3-4 TO YEARS SO TO USE UP 2 OF THOSE YEARS IN PURSUIT OF A DEGREE WOULD BE VERY COSTLY TO KRUGER... IF HE GOES WHERE HE IS PROJECTED IN THE DRAFT HE SHOULD MAKE OVER 1 MILLION DOLLARS NEXT YEAR, SOOOOO IT WOULD COST HIM ABOUT 2 MILLION DOLLARS IN LOST SALARY.. ALL FOR WHAT A COMMUNICATION DEGREE FROM THE U OF U.... ALSO SINCE HE PLAYS SUCH A VIOLENT POSITION HE MOST LIKELY WILL BE 28 YEARS OLD AND OUT OF FOOTBALL, STILL YOUNG ENOUGH TO DO WHATEVER IT IS HE WANTS.. INCLUDING SCHOOL IF HE CHOOSES.. JUST FYI
RE; 70----- THE REASON THEY DONT STAY 4 YEARS IS OPPORTUNITY COST, YOU HAVE TO FIGURE THE AVERAGE LIFE OF A PLAYER IN THE NFL IS 3-4 TO YEARS SO TO USE UP 2 OF THOSE YEARS IN PURSUIT OF A DEGREE WOULD BE VERY COSTLY TO KRUGER... IF HE GOES WHERE HE IS PROJECTED IN THE DRAFT HE SHOULD MAKE OVER 1 MILLION DOLLARS NEXT YEAR, SOOOOO IT WOULD COST HIM ABOUT 2 MILLION DOLLARS IN LOST SALARY.. ALL FOR WHAT A COMMUNICATION DEGREE FROM THE U OF U.... ALSO SINCE HE PLAYS SUCH A VIOLENT POSITION HE MOST LIKELY WILL BE 28 YEARS OLD AND OUT OF FOOTBALL, STILL YOUNG ENOUGH TO DO WHATEVER IT IS HE WANTS.. INCLUDING SCHOOL IF HE CHOOSES.. JUST FYI
Hey Cougar Fans | 5:48 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
An article about Ute success, and there are tons Ute-hating comments from
jealous, angry, bitter Cougar fans.
You guys hate Utah more than you root for BYU. If the Ute football team did not exist, you would not even follow college football.
Keep it up!!
You guys hate Utah more than you root for BYU. If the Ute football team did not exist, you would not even follow college football.
Keep it up!!
Re: Hey Cougar Fans | 7:12 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Can we be invited to your pretend National Championship party?
Idahoan | 8:57 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Have any arrests ever been made in the stabbings of Kruger and his teammate?
Anonymous | 9:43 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
re: WOW | 12:25 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
>>BYU just plugs in new players into their system. The yewts don't have a system yet. They will not recover from all the good players graduating and leaving early.<<
BYU's system is a fireside right? Wait; its that same college friendly doesn't translate well to the pros, watered down run & shoot that Texas Tech runs.
I promise not to tell Urban Meyer what you said about no system at the U. No to mention, they are STILL using the Defense Whit has had some success with.
>>BYU just plugs in new players into their system. The yewts don't have a system yet. They will not recover from all the good players graduating and leaving early.<<
BYU's system is a fireside right? Wait; its that same college friendly doesn't translate well to the pros, watered down run & shoot that Texas Tech runs.
I promise not to tell Urban Meyer what you said about no system at the U. No to mention, they are STILL using the Defense Whit has had some success with.
Southern CA Porter Rockwell | 10:41 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Paul Kruger could have learned a thing or two from Florida's Tim Tebow and
stayed in school. Honestly, can a football player two years out of high school
be ready to play professional football? He will miss the maturity and experience
that can only come by having more play time. Hit the weights and drink plenty of
protein shakes to bulk up!
Ute Fan | 12:21 a.m. Jan. 13, 2009
As much as I hate to see Kruger go he will be easier to replace than Smith. Our
defensive line is pretty loaded, including Paul's brother who is currently
at the U (David I think). But 6'4" shut down corners don't exist
anywhere - college or the NFL. Plus, now we need to replace both corners, not
just one.
Prayer? | 11:15 a.m. Jan. 13, 2009
Why did I get edited out yesterday when I commented on Kruger talking about
"prayer"?
RE PORTER ROCKWELL | 4:37 p.m. Jan. 13, 2009
kruger is 5 years removed from high school brief synopsis for ya!
2003-2004 graduated hs
04-05 redshirted as a freshman
05-07 missionary
07 broke into the line up and played well
08-09 improved even more
09 entered nfl draft more than 2 years removed from high school
and to all you guys who think he should stay.... read the post in all caps on jan12th the guy made some great points.. GO PAUL!!!
2003-2004 graduated hs
04-05 redshirted as a freshman
05-07 missionary
07 broke into the line up and played well
08-09 improved even more
09 entered nfl draft more than 2 years removed from high school
and to all you guys who think he should stay.... read the post in all caps on jan12th the guy made some great points.. GO PAUL!!!
Alex Trebek | 1:06 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009
Doesn't sound like a good move when your newly appointed DL coach (who has
over 20 years in the NFL coaching DL) comes in and says, "You're good
Paul, but unbelievably raw. Don't worry, I'll get you ready for the
first round next year." To which Kruger replies, "But what about that
house I just bought?" Guess he had no choice but to declare for the draft
since he accepted money from an agent already. The move will probably cost him
millions in the long run though. He's a very, very good athlete, but not
great. If he goes on the first day it will be a small miracle. If he waited a
year he would've definitely been a first day pick.
Alex Trebek | 1:22 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009
Also, let's not forget that he's still a pup at the position. This
was only the 2nd year he had played Defensive End. Granted, it's not a
totally tough position to master (see the QB, hit the QB), but he will be
competing for draft status with others who've played the position all their
lives, and competing against OL who've been playing the position for many
more years than Kruger's played DE. He's got the tools and his upside
is huge, there's no disputing that. But he's short on experience and
he'll probably get drafted by a team looking to bring him along slowly, not
looking for him to make an immediate impact right now.
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