Stafford, Moreno to announce NFL decisions today

[the Talking Can]

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Stafford, Moreno to announce NFL decisions today

By CHIP TOWERS

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford and tailback Knowshon Moreno will reveal at a 3 p.m. press conference today their decisions whether or not to submit their names for the NFL draft by the January 15 deadline for underclassmen.

“Coach [Mark] Richt, Matthew and Knowshon I believe as well are going to have a press confererence today at 3 o’clock Eastern time,” John Stafford said as he drove from Dallas to Athens early Wednesday morning. “I’m not going to reveal what Matthew’s decision is because it’s his decision and I want him to announce it. He went through the arduous process of trying to figure it out. He’s come to grips with it. So it’s up to him to speak about it.”

Mr. Stafford said his son consulted Kansas City Chiefs scout Mike Hagen, a friend of the family, as well as neighbor Troy Aikman and current NFL quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Jay Cutler about his decision. He also talked to Richt and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo at Georgia.

Richt said earlier this week that he’d talked to both players but wasn’t trying to heavily influence their decisions.

“There’s been some of contact but, again, I don’t want to put any undo pressure on these young men,” Richt said. “I want what’s best for them. They have to figure it out for themselves what that is. All I can say is, if they stay I want their whole heart. I want them to do it because they want to do it. I want them to love the place and believe in what we’re doing, love the people and want to do great things. I want them to want to be part of a great team and a great program. I don’t want a guy who is only half-hearted.

“But I will say this: If Matthew or Knowshon come back it will be because their heart said to. I’m not worried about those guys. If they stay it’s because they love it here and they want to help us win a championship.”

Stafford set a school record with 25 passing touchdowns this past season. He threw for 3,459 yards this past season and has 7,731 yards with 51 TDs and 33 interceptions in three seasons as Georgia’s starting quarterback. He was named MVP of the Capital One Bowl last week with 250 yards and three TDs.

Moreno, a redshirt sophomore, had an even 1,400 yards rushing and 18 TDs this past season. He has 2,734 yards in two seasons as the Bulldogs’ featured tailback.