April 25, 2003

NEW ORLEANS, La. - Tulane University will have numerous former football players turning their eyes towards the professional ranks this weekend with the NFL Draft being conducted on Saturday and Sunday.

The draft, which will be televised live on ESPN, starts at 11 a.m. (Central) on Saturday with the first three rounds. Rounds four through seven will be held starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Kicker Seth Marler is rated by many as the top placekicker in the draft after a distinguished career with the Green Wave. In addition to winning the 2001 Lou Groza Award as the nation's top collegiate placekicker, Marler completed his career as Tulane's all-time leader in field goals and scoring. As a senior he doubled as the Wave's punter, earning all-league accolades at that position.

Underclassman Lynaris Elpheage is another likely draftee from the ranks of the Green Wave. One of the top defensive backs in the nation as a junior, Elpheage electrified Green Wave fans with his big-play prowess. The New Orleans native became the first player in NCAA history to score touchdowns by interception return, fumble return, kickoff return and punt return. He also scored a touchdown on his first-ever rushing play, while tallying 14 career interceptions and 171 tackles

Other players who completed their collegiate careers this year who will be looking towards the NFL, whether via the draft or as free agents, include defensive end Kenan Blackmon, defensive back Jeff Sanchez, defensive tackle Marlon Tickles, defensive end Floyd Dorsey and defensive tackle Rozie Shelvin.

These Green Wave footballers will be looking to join 10 other former Tulane players in the NFL. Most recently, quarterback Patrick Ramsey was a First Round draft pick of the Washington Redskins (2002) and punter Casey Roussel was signed as a free agent by the New Orleans Saints.

-THINK GREEN-