John Taylor of CollegeFootballTalk.com broached the topic in October, and the likelihood appears to increase as each negative news item involving Auburn’s prolific quarterback emerges.
Cam Newton may be headed for the NFL.
The Heisman Trophy favorite is believed to be in danger of losing his eligibility, perhaps for the duration of the college season, as the NCAA and Southeastern Conference conduct probes into the dealings of Newton’s father with Mississippi State. Newton transferred from Florida to Blinn College following the 2008 season, ultimately landing at Auburn. Mississippi State narrowly lost the recruiting battle.
During the course of Cam’s recruitment, however, Newton’s father is accused of asking Mississippi State for between $100,000 and $180,000 to deliver his son to the Bulldogs. Naturally, the accusation raises questions as to whether coach Gene Chizik’s program paid Newton. But you can refer to the sister site for that sort of speculation.
Newton has played three seasons of college football and redshirted another, so he’s a fourth-year junior and eligible for the 2011 NFL draft. This season, the 6-foot-6, 250-pound dual-threat quarterback has put up numbers that may be unrepeatable. Newton has led Auburn to a No. 2 ranking and 10-0 record while accounting for 35 touchdowns (19 passing, 15 rushing, one receiving).
If Newton returns to school, it’s unlikely that his stock would improve.
Which means the Bills, Panthers, 49ers, Cardinals, Seahawks, Jaguars, Dolphins, and Vikings likely have a new quarterback to scout for next April’s draft.