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Audio Interview -- Player Spotlight (01.26.10) -- LISTEN

SCOUT'S TAKE

Skinny: Decker had a good sophomore season catching 67 passes for 909 yards and nine touchdowns, and followed that up last season with 84 catches for 1,074 yards and seven touchdowns. Decker has good size at 6’2, 215 pounds and a good overall athlete. While he isn’t a super fast, he does a good job coming in and out of his breaks and has good hands. Decker is a player that most likely won’t be a number one receiver in the NFL, but will be a great number two receiver, in the mold of Vincent Jackson of San Diego or Anthony Gonzalez of Indianapolis. Not a guy who will wow you with the big plays, but will make all the catches and will be there to make that catch on third down to keep the drive alive.

Our View: Decker has good size at 6-2 215 pounds and a good overall athlete, he isn’t a super fast, but does a good job coming in and out of his breaks and has good hands. Decker is a player that most likely won’t be a number one receiver in the NFL, but will be a great number two receiver, kind of like a Vincent Jackson of San Diego or Anthony Gonzalez of Indianapolis. Not a guy who will wow you with the big plays, but will make all the catches and will be there to make that catch on third down to keep the drive alive.

NEWS

11.01.09 - Minnesota WR Eric Decker will be undergoing surgery to fix torn ligaments in his left foot. Decker will have the operation later this week in North Carolina to repair what is being described as a sprain Lisfranc ligament. Unfortunately, the normal rehab period for such an injury is at least months meaning Decker won't be able to participate in the combine or other pre-draft workouts and likely won‘t be 100% until close to the opening of training camp next summer. Decker, who was drafted by MLBs Minnesota Twins in June, also hasn’t ruled out playing baseball once he’s healthy.

11.28.09 - Brandon Stokley had never met or talked to University of Minnesota receiver Eric Decker, but he wanted to help him. Stokley, the veteran Denver Broncos receiver, found out through Minnesota offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch that Decker suffered a season-ending foot injury. Fisch was Denver’s receivers coach in 2008. Decker suffered a Lisfranc injury, which consists of torn ligaments in the foot, last month. His college career was done and his status as a potential 2010 first-round pick in next year’s NFL draft was in jeopardy. Stokley felt for Decker. He had the same injury in 2002 when he was with the Baltimore Ravens. Stokley said when he was diagnosed with the injury, he cried all day. “I just wanted to let him know everything was going to be OK, that it’s not the end of his career,” Stokley said. “It’s a tough injury but from what I hear he’s a hard worker and it shouldn’t affect his future in the NFL.” - Colorado Springs Gazatte

6.11.09 - As soon as Eric Decker stepped back into the batter's box last spring, Major League Baseball scouts began their watch. But for now, Decker is a football player first -- a focus he made clear to the Minnesota Twins as they drafted him in the 27th round with the 822nd overall pick on Wednesday. The chance to start a professional baseball career with his favorite team this summer wasn't enough to change Decker's mind. He'll be running and lifting weights with his football teammates to prepare for the upcoming season, with an eye toward the NFL draft next spring. "You've got to prepare yourself for anything. It's always nice to have options. Right now, all I'm worried about is getting myself in shape and getting bigger and stronger for the football season," Decker said.

12.27.08 - From the start of training camp until Decker wound up having post-regular-season knee surgery, the Gophers star wide receiver has paid his dues for being quarterback Adam Weber's top target. "It felt like two seasons all together, with the injuries," Decker said. "Every day was a battle to wake up and come in here."

08.03.08 - Standout linebacker Sean Lee was expected to be the leader of the Penn State defense in 2008, but an ACL tear in the spring will sideline him for the season. He'll return to the field in 2009, but was still elected a captain for this year's squad. Paterno included him on the 105-man practice roster because of his leadership and mentoring abilities. "We've included Lee even though he can't work because I wanted him around the team," Paterno said.

School Bio

Photo Credit: University of Minnesota Athletic Communications