Another Hurdle Ahead

Draft is next challenge for versatile Frost


Steve Sipple, Lincoln Journal Star- April 15, 1998

For now, Scott Fros's life has been reduced to a guessing game.

This weekend's NFL draft can do that to a guy, especially one capable playing several positions.

Frost, the former Nebraska quarterback who is so adept at reading defenses, is having a difficult time getting a good read on what position he might play professionally.

"I've heard safety, linebacker, tight end, quarterback, running back, even special teams," Frost said Tuesday.

Frost's perference:Whichever spot puts him on the field the quickest.

The best-case scenario: Quarterback

The 6'3", 220 lbs Frost said a few teams are showing interest in have him play QB. He wishes there were a few more.

"I think I have a lot of characteristics it takes to be a quarterback," he said. "I don't necessarily have the best throwin motion in the world, and I haven't thrown for as many yards as Peyton Manning, but I think I can win games.

"You never know, some team might decide I can be a backup quarterback along with playing somethig else. Maybe I'll get my foot in the door that way and end up at just quarterback. I don't really care. I just love the game of football and want to play. "I'm definitely not ready to be finished playing."

Odds are favorable Frost will be selected sometime during the two-day, seven-round draft. Most "experts" project him being picked during rounds three through five. He hopes to be selected Saturday, when the first two roundsare conducted.

Frost scans the plethora of mock drafts but realizes projecting the selection order is like picking trifectas. Generally speaking, trying to calculate teh draft strategy of 30 NFL franshises is an exercise in futility. A guessing game.

Frost is rady for the game to end.

"For about the last week and a half, I've been so anxious, " he said. "I can't hardly think about anythign else. I'm ready to move on with things."

For the past few months, though, Frost has been an enthusiastic participant in the NFL draft game. Since leading Nebraska to a share of the title Jan. 2, he has played in a couple all-star games, attended the NFL Scouthing Combine in February, then was put through more tests, along with several other ex-Huskers, in front of about 35 NFL scouts last month in Lincoln.

Before all the testing, Frost said, he felt he would be a late-round pick. But he thinks his physical tests and individual interviews with teams improved his stock.

Frost, a native of Wood River, was invited to individual workouts with Miami, Minnesota, and Seattle. Pressed to name the teams he feels are most interested in him, he lists Miami, Seattle, Chicago, Arizona, Carolina, and the New York Jets. His father prefers the Kansas City Chiefs because it would be close to hom. His mother prefers wherever her son gets a chance to play immediately.

At this point, like so many college players, Frost just wanst a chance. He said he has dreamed about playing in the NFL since about the fourth grade. He initially went to Stanford, hoping former San Francisco coach Bill Walsh could help him become an NFL-caliber quarterback. Instead, Walsh turned him into a defensive back, and Frost headed to Lincoln, where the waters were often rough despite his 24-2 record as a starter.

The tough times, Frost said, have prepared him for the future. He has no regrets.

"everything turned out so well last season, I can't complain about anything," he said. "I wouldnt' change a thing."

Frost will watch the draft in Wood River with his partents and "a few other" people - a small party to celebrate what could be a life-changing moment.

"I've worked a long time for this," he said. "It's going to be a big day."