The Shark Jumps for the Diamond

The list for early entrees for the NFL draft is clearing up, and the look of this year’s crop of draftees will be complete.

One name that will be noticeably absent from any NFL draft board is Jeff Samardzija.

Shocked? Me too.

There’s no disputing the fact the Samardzija gave Calvin Johnson a run for his money as the best wide receiver in all of NCAA Football. I didn’t want to see it at first either, because Johnson is a freak!

With apologies to Dwyane Jarrett, if Johnson is 1, then Samardzija is 1-A, and it could easily be swapped and I would have no problem with that.

So how does one of the best players in NCAA Football, a probable first-round draft pick in the NFL turn down football? One word. Love.

This kid must love the game. The game of baseball. He’s signed a contract with the Chicago Cubs to take his skills to the show.

As a football fan, I hate it. But that’s me being very selfish. This guy is following his heart and staying on the diamond and away from runaway freight trains in the NFL. I can’t say I blame him. It’s much more likely that he could have a shot at playing both by trying baseball first anyway.

A few years on the diamond and if it doesn’t work out, I’m sure he could still get a tryout somewhere in the NFL. But starting out in pro football can cut an athletic timeline in half.

So good for you Samardzija. It was a pleasure to watch you play and enjoy the good years ahead of you. No matter what field they’re on.