the Rice Thresher

Issue date: 1/9/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Ariel Shnitzer Sophomore James Casey finished the 2008 season as one of the top tight ends in the nation. Though he was slated to complete his triple major by the end of the summer, he decided to enter the 2009 NFL draft.

There is going to be a mammoth, Thor-sized hole at Rice Stadium next year. Sophomore James Casey, fresh off leading Rice to its first bowl victory since 1954, announced Monday that he will declare for the 2009 NFL Draft.

"After talking long and hard with my wife, with my family, and looking at all the factors, I've decided to enter the draft this year," Casey, who sent in the preliminary draft papers on Dec. 2, said. "I've enjoyed every minute I've had here at Rice. I'll be a Rice Owl 'til the day I die."

He said the decision was possibly the most difficult of his life. However, with his family and age in mind - at 24, he is the oldest football player - Casey said he felt the decision is the right one for his position.

"If I was 19 years old, and not married, with no wife, it would be a lot different," he said. "I don't know how I'd react in that situation … A big factor [of the decision] is my age, and 24 is a lot different than 25.

Since he signed in January 2007, Casey played in only two seasons with the Owls, a relatively short collegiate career that throws his achievements into an even greater light. At 6-4, 235 lbs., Casey ran roughshod over opposing defenses last season, compiling a Conference USA-record 111 receptions, good for second in the nation, and 1,329 total yards, placing him third on Rice's all-time list. The sophomore also earned a consensus All C-USA Team selection as well as All-American honors from Rivals.com and SportsIllustrated.com.

For a team already bracing for the loss of receiver Jarett Dillard and quarterback Chase Clement, the loss of Casey is a blow of equal, if not greater, magnitude. But if he is distressed, head coach David Bailiff is not letting on.

"Whatever that decision was going to be, we were going to celebrate it," said Bailiff, who was hired after Casey was recruited. "He is the greatest player I've ever been around, because of what he can do at so many positions offensively, what he did for us last year defensively, then to go pick up a javelin and score points for the track team [last spring]. He looked like that guy in 300. He's just the most amazing all-around athlete."

Continued...

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