Extreme Pro Wrestling Radio was LIVE on The FAN this past Sunday!  Check out the podcasted version HERE as we were joined by Hall of Famer Road Warrior Animal!

- Isaac

By: Nick ‘McFly’ McAndrews

Over the course of the last six months, Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o has gone from arguably the most coveted NFL prospect in the 2013 draft class to one of the most despised athletes in America—and I don’t really understand why.

Okay, I mean I understand why people would be skeptical about a guy that allegedly faked having a girlfriend that died for publicity or whatever you would like to assume, but it’s not like the guy killed someone; it’s not like he received a DUI after the college season ended or was suspended on drug charges. *cough Alec Ogletree cough*

I also understand why fans have turned on him after a poor performance at the NFL Combine and a worse-than-expected performance at the Notre Dame pro day.

However, fans need to remember that a bad combine does not mean automatic failure in the NFL. Just because Te’o ran a 4.82 forty-yard-dash does not mean he’s not a talented athlete. His ability was shown on tape all season long, and up until a poor game against Alabama, many considered him College Football’s best player.

Take this into consideration: only one year ago, then Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict was widely considered the best inside linebacker in his class. However, because of character concerns and a poor combine—one that was actually worse than Te’o’s performance—Burfict went undrafted and was picked up by the Bengals.

Combine results:

In his rookie season, Burfict put former first-round-pick Rey Maualuga out of a starting job and totaled 127 tackles (15^th in the NFL), including an 18-tackle performance in the Bengals’ last game of the year against the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens.

Career College Stats:

*Te’o’s statistics are over four seasons, while Burfict’s are over three.

Obviously, Te’o leads in every category in part because he has one more year of experience than the former Arizona State LB, but the most staggering statistic here is that Te’o’s seven career interceptions all came in the same season—his senior season. To put that into perspective, Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner (who is considered a top 5 lock) and Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes—who are both considered to be the two top defensive backs in the class—combined for five interceptions over the same season.

Regardless of how you choose to view the combine performances of these two players, there are two major differences between Te’o and Burfict from a stock perspective: Te’o is the most decorated defensive player in this draft class, and Te’o is a much more multi-dimensional player than Burfict.

Te’o did not win eight major college football awards, finish second in Heisman voting and lead the Fighting Irish to a National Championship berth by some sort of fluke.

Te’o will turn heads in the NFL. He will be selected in the first round without question. And some team that can look past this media-induced stigma that surrounds this young man will get an absolute steal on an outstanding leader and football player.

Say what you will about his “fake” girlfriend, his forty-time or his pro day. You’ll likely be singing a different tune this time next year.

Follow me on Twitter @McAndrewsSports

This Saturday is going to be a HUGE day for Minnesota independent pro wrestling fans!  Heavy on Wrestling, an independent promotion based out of Duluth, is hosting the Jerry Lynn Retirement Show.  Jerry Lynn, fellow WWE/ECW legends and current independent stars will make their way towards the Minneapolis Convention Center to put together one of the most talked about independent shows in years. 
 
What is being considered the Wrestlemania of Minnesota independent pro wrestling will take place at 6:00 PM this Saturday – let’s just say this card is going to be EPIC!  Check out the Facebook Event Page for more details! 
 
However, before this event, Extreme Pro Wrestling Radio’s Big D and I will be hosting a special edition live podcast taping at the KFAN Press Box Studios!  This podcast taping will feature the man himself, Jerry Lynn, as well as the innovator of violence, Tommy Dreamer!  Doors will open at 10:30 AM, taping starts at 11:00!   Interested in attending?  Check out the EPWR Facebook Page for your chance to win tickets!

I will be in attendance for both events, look for me wearing my EPWR gear and say hey!  

- Intern Isaac 

Follow Isaac on Twitter @isaacwenzel