Stancheck, Isdaner Hopeful

Isdaner, Stanchek Itching for Draft: Linemen Hope to Hear Names Called Sunday
By Stefanie Loh
The Dominion Post, April 24, 2009

On Sunday morning, former WVU offensive lineman Greg Isdaner will wake up to embrace the first day of the rest of his life.

Well, the first day of the next chapter of his life, anyway.

After months of waiting in limbo, Isdaner expects to learn his fate Sunday, when the NFL draft comes to a conclusion.

"This week has been the longest week of my life," Isdaner said. "I'm ready for Saturday and Sunday to come and just be over.

"It's felt like I'm sitting around and waiting. I want to control my own destiny."

Isdaner has spent the past few weeks at home, in Gladwyne, Pa., working out wherever he can find a weight room, and just hanging out with friends and family.

According to Stephan Halpert, Isdaner's agent, the lineman is on the Philadelphia Eagles' top-30 list, and has received phone calls from every team in the league.

On his visit to the Eagles' practice facility, Isdaner said, he met with head coach Andy Reid and line coach Juan Castillo.

They just "talked about life," Isdaner said. "They don't really tell you anything."

Still, the past couple of weeks have looked promising. Aside from the Eagles, the 6-foot-4, 315-pound guard said he's spoken to Kansas City, Jacksonville and Pittsburgh.

"They just want to know where I'll be on draft day, that type of thing," Isdaner said. "I've heard the same thing from every team. I guess it's good to know they're worrying about getting my phone number."

It's been the same story for former WVU offensive tackle Ryan Stanchek.

Along with a couple dozen other NFL hopefuls, Stanchek recently worked out for his hometown Cincinnati Bengals.

This week, he's been contacted by some teams checking to get his draftday phone number.

"I've had a couple of teams do that," said Stanchek, who declined to name the teams. "I feel that you know a team's really interested when they call and say, 'What's your draft-day number?' "

Both Isdaner and Stanchek said they feel pretty good about their position leading up to the draft, which starts at 4 p.m. Saturday (ESPN). Neither player expects to go on the first day, but Isdaner has been projected as high as the fourth round by some analysts, while Stanchek is hoping to get snapped up in the six or seventh round, or through free agency.

"I feel confident I'll be drafted," Isdaner said, "As for when, I have absolutely no clue."

Stanchek just wants a chance.
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http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/yb/129021397