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Pro scouts can't block Groth out of their heads By Michael Thayer One of the most unrecognized parts of any football team is the offensive line. Whether it is because fans don’t sport the jersey at the game, or the fact that there are truly no statistical numbers to be credited, these athletes strap on the pads each week to work as hard as they can, for little credit. However, one offensive lineman at the College at Brockport is getting big recognition. Cuyler Groth will be a senior when the Golden Eagles open up their 2008 season in September, but has already made a name for himself. Groth has been turning heads since his sophomore season, and recently has been getting some response from professional teams across the National Football League. The Buffalo Bills and the Arizona Cardinals have both received film from the Golden Eagles football office, and have even met and tested Groth. One of the biggest attributes the scouts have found was his arm wingspan and hand size, which measure to be the second largest in any of the National Football League Combine this year. Next season, Groth will have a lot to live up to. Practices and games will be about a little more than training and winning for the lineman, as general recruiters from the NFL will be in attendance to watch. He has already passed one test, when he put up 39 repetitions in the bench press. Putting that in perspective, Groth outlifted the No. 1 draft pick, Jake Long, who only found 37 in his test. Success is nothing new for the to-be senior, who already has an All-American title to his name. Had he been a senior when he received the award, it would have also been an automatic invitation to the Aztec Bowl, which is the All-Star game for NCAA Division III football program. Also, recruits have expressed interest for Groth to participate in the East-West Shrine Game, which is traditionally an event for Division I athletes. Throughout his college career, Groth has also been faced with numerous obstacles in injuries. However, they have all been overcome, and sometimes he was the only person to know about them at all. Using crutches when meeting for this story, he is recovering from having his right knee scoped. This is the same right knee that suffered an ACL injury. Although some may think that an injury of this severity would cause concern, Groth takes it positively. “If anything, it should help,” Groth said. “My shoulder was bothering me, and I still made All-American.” The scoping of the knee, as well as the micro-fracture will stimulate growth to get him back to full strength. The team and Cuyler both look forward to him appearing at the preseason practices without missing any true action. Cuyler is just one of the many athletes to come off of the 2007 campaign with professional potential. With defensive lineman Dale Buck already playing with the Rochester Raiders, and wide receiver Mike Maciejewski signing with the Canadian Football League, Groth joins an elite force. Wide receiver Mike Smith and running back-turned-quarterback Matt McCormick spent last weekend trying out with the Canadian Football League, as well. “These guys are all Division III, and I know all those guys,” Groth said. “It gives us something to talk about when we see each other, and it gives the [Brockport] program a better name.” Culyer Groth and the Brockport Golden Eagles start their first season in the New Jersey Athletic Conference Sept. 6, when they host William Patterson College at Special Olympic Stadium. The former ACFC First Team and All-American will be on the offensive line to lead the Golden Eagles to the post season, and perhaps himself to a future beyond college football. |
Women's Lacrosse: Eagles get revenge on Buffalo State; Cortland wins title Baseball: Brockport impresses in runner-up performance Softball: Brockport bounced from SUNYACS by Saturday Sweep Track: Eagles win both championship at States Pro scouts can't block Groth out of their heads Mike Maciejewski signs with CFL's Tiger Cats Despite being filled with Yankees, Hall of Fame is worth the trip Nomadic Rattlers have talent to overcome stadium problems |