TDR mailbag: Non-conference foes, the draft, Thursday game

We peek inside TheDerisoReport.com mailbag to answer the first in a series of offseason topics submitted from readers. Got questions?: Send them to tdr@thederisoreport.com for future publication.

1. Break down Grambling’s out-of-conference foes this season. I think the Tigers have a chance to repeat as SWAC champions, but I wonder if they can snatch any of these games along the way. — Jamal, Atlanta

Initially, of the three “states” on Grambling’s 2009 slate — South Carolina, Northwestern and Oklahoma — I’d say the Demons of Natchitoches could present the best opportunity for Grambling. Though Northwestern State had a banner recruiting class, it’s installing a new coach and scheme and this game arrives early enough in the season that all of these many moving parts might not yet be in sync. Too, GSU was very competitive the last time a Southland Conference squad played at The Rob (McNeese in 2003, then ranked No. 1 in the old I-AA), and Rod Broadway has yet to lose at home since arriving in Grambling before the 2007 season. Meanwhile, I think South Carolina State, the season opener, will present a stiff early challenge since the team returns that terrific running back to face a GSU defense with new faces along its interior line. Oklahoma State was among the top BCS programs for part of the last season — and, like SCSU, will play host to Grambling on the road. A split between these two games would be a triumph, and 0-2 not surprising.

2. Let’s talk about SWAC players in the NFL Draft. Are any going pro? — E.J., New Orleans

I think Mike Detillier, in his just-released 2009 NFL Draft Report, got it right: Four-year Alcorn State linebacker Lee Robinson — who the Raceland-based draft analyst ranked No. 16 of 57 available outside linebackers — should be the highest pick from the SWAC in this year’s draft. After that, Southern’s Vincent Lands and Jackson State’s Marcellus Speaks likely follow, though they project as second-day selections. Further back in the draft, and perhaps also edging into free agency, are JSU’s Domonique Johnson and Grambling’s Melvin Matthews. Matthews has the frame required to encourage scouts, but suffered a number of injuries which hurt his career numbers — and, maybe, his chance at selection.

3. What do you think about Grambling playing Texas Southern on a Thursday? Will anybody show up at the stadium on a school night? — DeMorris, Dallas

Honestly? Probably not. But I can’t think of a successful argument, given the exposure provided by the ESPN family of networks, for not moving this contest to complete Grambling’s 2009 football slate. It’s another national broadcast, another opportunity to sell the program, the school and the experience. That said, I would work hard to bolster what promises to be a sparse crowd — at Robinson Stadium, or most any other venue, on a Thursday. Offer discounts on the visitors side, which is most visible on TV, to fill out the stands. Approach on-campus groups that might arrive in clusters. Move the band over there, too. And, in the end, understand that you are not necessarily going to sell out on, yes, a school night. Embrace this for what it is: A opportunity both to grow enrollment for those who can’t get to Lincoln Parish anyway — and for your existing fanbase, which has always been more nationwide than local, to enjoy another game this year.