Been a Little While, Hasn't it Blog?

So goes it when you're trying to write the next great American novel. Or a novel, at least.

Seriously. I'm writing a novel. Nothing to do with the UFL or football at all, but it has eaten up a lot of my time lately. The lack of updates has certainly not been because there's been nothing to talk about. For starters, the Colonials' protected players list has been out since late April and contained notable names such as Ahmad Carrol and Colt Brennan. Both pictured below.

Colt wants to get rid of the ball.

Carroll wants the ball.

But in even bigger news, the UFL draft took place yesterday night at 8:00, entirely over Twitter. Hartford held the first pick and used it, to my surprise, on Texas A&M QB Jerrod Johnson. The move may have been necessitated by the lack of a commitment by 2010 starting quarterback Josh McCown, who would not or could not give Jerry Glanville a definite answer as to any future he might have with the team.

I don't blame McCown for wanting to move on, given what he lost by sticking with the Colonials. I'd also note that despite the fact he had what was statistically the best year of any UFL passer, his stats on the year are buoyed by two tremendous performances at the beginning of the year. Without games 1 and 2, McCown has a 60.36 passer rating and only about a 52% completion percentage.

1st pick in the 2011 UFL draft, seen here looking for a  high five.

In short we'll be fine with Brennan or Johnson, whoever starts for the year. Johnson's interview on ESPN 1410 today shows he's a class act. He said he was thankful for the opportunity to play for the team, which is a good attitude to have. I'm sure he wants to be in the NFL, but you have to take the opportunities you're given. Perhaps when he's proven that his shoulder has recovered from his surgery last year the other league will come a knocking.

In any event, the complete details are up here. Hartford spent numerous picks early on offensive line talent, and sought out help on the D-line with its later picks. Other notables are center Cecil Newton Jr., brother of quarterback Cam Newton, and running back Phil Tanner out of Tennessee.

They'll have to look towards free agency for wide receivers. Here's hoping Markee White returns.