Randall finally fits in at QB in Tennessee

Former Virginia Tech star is AAFL team's first pick

By Mark Burgess

Originally published 10:09 p.m., January 26, 2008
Updated 10:09 p.m., January 26, 2008

Bryan Randall can't help but feel like a part of his life has come full circle.

It was in 2000 that he came to Knoxville as a prospect on an official visit to the University of Tennessee.

He wanted to play quarterback. The Vols wanted him to play safety.

Eight years later, Randall became Team Tennessee's No. 1 selection in the inaugural All American Football League draft on Saturday.

"A lot of people don't know it, but when it came down to my decision for college I actually took an official visit here with (former UT receiver) C.J. Fayton," Randall said at Team Tennessee's draft headquarters at the Marriott. "It's like time has come back around and I have the opportunity to come back to Tennessee."

Randall went on to success as a quarterback at Virginia Tech. As a senior in 2004, he passed for 2,264 yards and rushed for 511 as the Hokies won the Atlantic Coast Conference title and played in the Sugar Bowl.

He tried to make NFL rosters in Atlanta and Pittsburgh, but never made it past practice squads. Now he senses a second chance is at hand with the new professional spring league.

"I'm really excited," he said. "Coming out of college I didn't have the opportunity to get drafted and I never thought the opportunity would come around again."

The big question now is how a quarterback race will shape up with Team Tennessee.

Former UT star Tee Martin is one of Tennessee's 21 protected players, but he hinted Saturday he's having second thoughts about returning to action.

"That's a great first pick for Team Tennessee because I don't know if I'm going to play," Martin said. "As of right now, I'm leaning to not playing more so than playing."

After leading UT to a national championship in 1998, Martin spent some time in the NFL, NFL Europe and the Canadian Football League before coaching at Morehouse College and this past season at North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Ga.

"You can be cheeered to come back and play, but then if you suck it's going to turn to boos," Martin said. "I'm smart enough to know I want to put the best product on the field.

"That's how I remember myself and that's the way I want the fans remember me leaving Tennessee. That's how I'd like to have it."

Martin admitted he hasn't made a final decision, but he has been working out in Atlanta and throwing with some receivers in the area.

As far as Fayton is concerned, it's a no-lose situation with either Martin or Randall.

"I would love to play with Tee," he said. "I came after him at UT and wore the same number. I was supposed to be the next Tee, but I got moved to receiver.

"Now I get a chance to hopefully catch some balls from that guy. It's a win-win situation because it's one of my close friends or a guy who persuaded me to come to Tennessee."

After the selection of Randall, Team Tennessee put a heavy draft emphasis on interior linemen.

Virginia Tech defensive tackle Tim Sandidge was its second pick and Iowa offensive lineman Pete Traynor went in the third round.

Virginia Tech defensive lineman Derrius Monroe was the fourth-round selection and Missouri offensive lineman Joel Clinger the fifth-round pick.

Tennessee opens training camp in March and plays its first of five games in Neyland Stadium on April 12 against Team Michigan.

The rest of the home schedule is Florida (May 3), Arkansas (May 17), Alabama (May 31) and Texas (June 14).

Team Tennessee season tickets went on sale Saturday with packages ranging from $265 (between the 40-yard lines at $53 per game) to $65 (discounted at $13 per game). Check www.aafl.com for more details.

Interested fans also can join Team Tennessee officials from 3-6 p.m. today at the Marriott for a replay of the draft and a meet-and-greet session.

Nuggets: Tennessee selected former Auburn fullback Jake Slaughter with its 44th pick ... Former Alabama and Memphis player Albert Means was selected in the third round by Arkansas ... Tennessee's final pick was Yale quarterback Jeff Mroz ... A 10-player supplemental draft is scheduled for Feb. 16.