Darren McFadden News
FOOTBALL: Penix Enters NFL Draft
While all the attention was focused last week on the future of running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, another Arkansas underclassmen has decided to leave school early and enter the NFL Draft.
Granted, Sean Penix doesn't have the same name recognition as McFadden and Jones. And even the most die-hard Razorback fan might not know who Penix is.
Nonetheless, the reserve wide receiver -- who didn't catch a single pass in four seasons at Arkansas -- has decided to forego his final year of college eligibility and enter April's draft.
"(With) my will and determination, just my confidence in myself, I believe that I have a shot to go to the draft and get drafted," Penix said Monday afternoon from his parent's home in Fort Smith.
Penix's decision to turn pro came out of nowhere. The Forth Smith Southside graduate was a walk-on at Arkansas, and he spent his entire time on the Razorbacks' scout team.
The only playing time Penix is known to have gotten in his four seasons at Arkansas came in a 63-7 win over Southeast Missouri State on Oct. 14, 2006. But he didn't catch a pass in the rout.
That didn't stop the receiver from entering the draft, though.
When the NFL released this week its list of the 53 underclassmen who have decided to enter the 2008 NFL Draft, Penix's name appeared along with Darren McFadden and Jones.
"I went about making that decision (to turn pro) with my parents and also with a couple of my friends," Penix said. "I just felt I was ready in a sense to (enter) the draft."
Penix, who will graduate this semester with a marketing degree, said he felt this was the right time to prove himself. But his chances of making the NFL appear to be a long shot.
The 6-foot, 185-pound junior said he hasn't spoken to any NFL experts to find out what his chances are of making a team's roster.
Penix also didn't speak with new Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino before making his decision to leave school early. He wasn't expected to get much playing time, if any at all, as a senior in 2008.
"He considered (returning to Arkansas), but of course he also thought this was an opportunity," said Sherri Penix, Sean's mother.
Penix said he'd like to make an NFL roster any way he can, whether that means playing on special teams or moving to cornerback. But he said he hopes to remain at wide receiver.
[More at www.nwaonline.net ]
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