By Terry Rodgers

Special to Allied News

Living the dream.

That is the best way to put it for Mike Butterworth, an offensive lineman at Slippery Rock University.

The dream of just about every college football player in the country is to hear their name called by the commissioner of the National Football League on draft weekend.

Butterworth, a Northern Cambria, Pa. native, could very well achieve that this weekend as the NFL draft takes place in New York City.

Butterworth said he has not been told any specifics but there is a good possibility he could be drafted in one of the later rounds.

The draft is a two-day event and the 32 teams have seven rounds to pick and choose college prospects.

“We have been talking to some teams and there is definitely some interest in getting me into camp (for 2008),” Butterworth said. “I have heard possible late second day to free agency.”

If Butterworth is not drafted there is no need to worry.

Being that the draft is not an exact science, teams scramble afterward to sign eligible undrafted players as free agents to fill out the rosters.

If Butterworth were drafted he would be the first Rock player taken in the NFL draft since the Atlanta Falcons selected running back Greg Patera in 1989.

“I still think being drafted is a possibility,” said Butterworth. “But if not, definitely free agency.”

This route can actually be more attractive for Butterworth because if a variety of teams call, he can pick the best fit for his situation.