Professor

Sources: Terps OT Gaither declared academically ineligible

ESPN - Sources: Terps OT Gaither academically ineligible - College Football

Once-promising Maryland offensive tackle Jared Gaither has been declared academically ineligible for the 2007 season, sources close to the situation said Wednesday.

Gaither, a rising junior from White Plains, Md., was held out of spring drills to concentrate on academics, but didn't meet requirements to play this coming season. He met with Terrapins coach Ralph Friedgen on Tuesday to decide his future and is scheduled to meet with him again later this week.

Gaither has two options: enter the NFL's supplemental draft (he attended Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia in 2004 and two years with the Terps, making him eligible to turn professional) or return to Maryland this fall and attempt to become eligible for the 2008 season.

Sources said they believed Gaither was leaning toward returning to school this fall.

An NFL scout, who was attending former Georgia cornerback Paul Oliver's workout in Athens, Ga., on Wednesday, said Gaither would be the most desirable player available if he enters the supplemental draft. Gaither didn't allow a sack in 11 games as a freshman at Maryland in 2005.

Gaither, who started nine of 13 games in 2006, has tremendous size and athleticism. But the 6-foot-9, 350-pound tackle has been in and out of Friedgen's dog house during his two-plus seasons at Maryland. He quickly fell into academic trouble at Maryland and was suspended by Friedgen for last season's opener against Division I-AA William & Mary.

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gruntbygod

I remember posting rumors about this guy a month ago. Good to see he is actually coming out. This dude is easily worth a first, especially if Levi Brown is a top 5 pick. Gaither is a true elite prospect that could have wound up going before Long next year

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Professor

Can the cowboys choose which pick to use on him, like say use theirs to get Gaither and still have Cleveland's. I think he would be good for several teams that may be willing to give up that first rounder Miami, KC, Dallas, Tenn, Giants, Oakland.

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gruntbygod

I would love to see the Cowboys use a a pick on him, even after drafting Marteen and Free (Marteen is a natural RT anyways) most early rankings I early mocks I have seen have him 10-15, and IMO no way a 6-8 - 350 LT with Staley's athletisim makes it past 5. We still have Adams for another year, and we could sit Gaither.

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JGleas

You seem to massivly overrate Gaither. Yes, he had a great frehsman season and yes, he has amazing size and athletic ability. But, last season, Maryland produced 3 All-ACC O-Lineman, none of them being Jared Gaither. Gaither was acutally didn't start 3 games because extremly inconsistent play as well as extremly poor mechanics and technique. Let's also not forgot his extreme lack of intelligence and questionable work ethic. If the Cowboys (my fav. team as well) used a 1st Day Supp. Draft pick on him, I'm not going to be a happy camper. To say he was guarnteed to go ahead of Jake Long in the next draft is a pretty bold statement. Jake has excellent size and athletic ability, and has been able to at least hold down his starting position (as well as doing pretty damn good most of the time). Unless Gaither cranks out a 4.8 forty with a 40 inch vert and 35 reps of 225, he won't go 1st Rounder in the Supp. Draft, and he will need his rumored 4.9 and 36 inch vert to even touch the 3rd Round.

Dawardoe

Yea on another forum a few months ago people were talking about Gaither entering the supplemental draft. I have seen some highlights of this guy and he looks like a beast.

gruntbygod

I didnt "guarentee" he would go before Long
Based on his physical ability, he could easlily be a top 5 pick, LT's with his measurables dont grow on trees. As far as passing Jake Long, that would have been had he had a solid JR season, obviously Long is the best LT right now. I dont think a #1 is optimal (rather a second), honestly wouldnt be mad. Im one of the few Cowboy's fans that has faith in Sparano's ability, and Gaither would have time to settle and learn. I like Marteen and Free, but I think Marteen is more a RT, and IDK if Free will ever be a top LT, I think Gaither in the right enviornment could be our Erik Williams

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Professor

erik williams went to school near me at Bartrun, the guy was not a smart guy at all and he turned out pretty good.

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Professor

it's official, Gaither is going into the supplemental draft

Terps' Gaither to enter NFL supplemental draft - baltimoresun.com

Maryland junior offensive tackle Jared Gaither is leaving school early to apply for entry into the 2007 NFL supplemental draft, according to a press release from the university.

The 6-foot-9, 350-pound Gaither was recently declared academically ineligible for the upcoming college football season.

"This was a decision I came to after sitting down with my family and reviewing my academic situation," Gaither said. "I felt my best option now was to enter the supplemental draft, though I would like to come back and get my degree."

Gaither played in 23 of 24 games at Maryland, starting 17 in his two seasons as a Terp.

"It's a decision he's put a lot of thought into," coach Ralph Friedgen said. "He's expressed a desire to get his degree, but I think the opportunity to make a living and the chance to be successful at the next level was a deciding factor.

"We wish him the best of luck and hope he achieves success in the NFL and in life."

Any NFL team that selects a player in the supplemental draft loses their corresponding pick in the following year's NFL draft. The draft will take place on July 12.

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UCFNoleFan

Anyone know if Paul Oliver is still entering the supp. draft? I would love the Saints to spend a second or third on a lockdown corner.

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