http://www.herald-dispatch.com/2005/April/25/MUspota.htmDavis, Charles agree to free-agent deals
Herd's Griffin, Hill weighing NFL options
By ANTHONY HANSHEW - The Herald-Dispatch
HUNTINGTON -- Former Marshall football standouts were scratching their heads following this weekend’s NFL Draft.
Johnathan Goddard, projected as a mid-round prospect, was the 206th player selected, taken by Detroit in the sixth round. He was the lone Thundering Herd player drafted, leaving wide receiver Josh Davis, offensive lineman Nate Griffin and others seeking free agent contracts Sunday night.
Shortly after the draft, Davis reached a free agent deal with the Miami Dolphins. Running back Earl Charles agreed to a free agent contract with the New England Patriots and Griffin and quarterback Stan Hill were among those mulling options.
"It was kind of crazy," said Davis, the No. 2 receptions leader in NCAA Division I-A history. "By my expectations, the lowest I thought I might go would be the fourth round. But like I’ve said, anything can go with the draft. People don’t know how the draft works. They think it’s about playing in college and putting up good stats and looking good on film but it’s about more than that."
When asked what caused his draft day drop, Davis could only laugh.
"I don’t know," he said. "That’s a great question. I ran good when I was supposed to run good -- at Indianapolis (at the NFL Combine). I ran faster than (drafted receivers) Reggie Brown and Fred Gibson.
"I really can’t tell you. I thought I did everything I was supposed to do."
Minnesota, Philadelphia, Houston, Green Bay and Washington were among teams calling Davis following the draft. After conferring with his agent, Todd France, Davis decided that Miami provided the best opportunity.
Wide receiver is a need position and the Dolphins did not draft a wideout.
"Knowing what I can do I think I’ll have a real good chance," Davis said. "I’m just going to have to do what I always do, prove myself all over again. It’s the same old song."
Davis will travel to Miami on Thursday for mini-camp. Following one of the top careers in NCAA history (306 receptions, 3,889 yard, 23 touchdowns), Davis didn’t expect to enter camp as an undrafted free agent.
He admitted to a range of emotions on Sunday but said his focus will be properly set for mini-camp.
"It’s a little bit of everything," Davis said. "I’m kind of disappointed. I’m kind of angry. But then I’m kind of happy that everything is over with. I’m glad I got somebody to pick me up. I’ve got no doubt that I’ll make the team. I know what type of person I am."
Charles deflected disappointment with humor Sunday night. When asked if he had found an NFL home, the 1,000-yard running back shot back with a shocking answer.
"I’m retired," Charles deadpanned. "I’ve retired from football."
After about a three-count of phone silence, Charles broke the mood, saying, "I’m only joking."
Instead, the two-time defending Super Bowl champions called shortly after the draft and secured the Thundering Herd’s leading rusher the past two seasons.
Like Davis, Charles was thrown by the lack of interest during the draft. He pointed to the third round selection of former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett as part of his frustration.
"He’s a guy that’s been out of football for two years and he played about a half season at Ohio State," Charles said. "I played for two years, had one good year and was hurt the other but I still played. I never complained and I did what I could do to help the team.
"I guess this is the way God wants me to go. I guess I’ll go this way to show what I can do."
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