ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, September 15, 1996 TAG: 9609170006
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: NFL NOTES
SOURCE: From Associated Press New York Times and Newsday reports
When Percy Ellsworth signed with the New York Giants, his bonus was about $10,000. To many professional athletes, that's pocket change. To get an idea where that ranks in the bonus standings, compare that with the $4 million lump sum Dave Brown received when the Giants' quarterback recently signed his new deal.
Yet, Ellsworth was so happy just to get a shot with a team, any team, that he would have signed for 50 cents. Several years from now he might be making a lot more money, because he definitely has the potential to be a starting safety in the NFL. And a good one.
Giants coaches say they love Ellsworth's athletic ability, which is why he might get his first taste of playing time today against the visiting Washington Redskins.
Ellsworth could be used in the Giants' extra defensive-back packages, the nickel and dime schemes used in passing situations. Considering that Ellsworth was deactivated for the first two games of the year, this could be a big step for him.
And although it is a long shot, it would not be a complete shock to see Ellsworth starting at strong safety in the near future.
Ellsworth isn't even thinking about such things now. He is smart and pleasant, and the quiet rookie from Virginia is trying to keep a low profile.
``They just told me to get ready and to be prepared to maybe play this week,'' Ellsworth said. ``I don't know if I'm going to play or not. I just do what the coaches tell me.''
It is no secret that some members of coaching staff have not been pleased with the play of veteran starting strong safety Jesse Campbell. They may eventually look to Ellsworth as someone who can make things happen.
For some reason, Ellsworth wasn't drafted. He signed as a free agent after Giants scouts liked how athletic he was with his 6-foot-2, 199-pound frame. His long arms and solid speed helped him make six interceptions last year at the University of Virginia, where he was the first defensive back in the Cavaliers' history to be selected as a first-team All-American.
Ellsworth was also a point guard on the Virginia basketball team in the highly competitive Atlantic Coast Conference.
Why didn't more football people follow him at Virginia, and how did he fall so far? The whole draft system is an imperfect one, and many players have slipped through the cracks over the years. Ellsworth could end up being just another example of a player who, for some reason, the system ignored.
``I wish somebody would give me an answer as to why I wasn't drafted,'' he said. ``I don't know. Maybe all the people in the NFL who make those decisions didn't think I was good enough to play in this league.''
Whether it happens this week or next year, Ellsworth will eventually get his shot at proving them wrong.
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshot) Ellsworth. GRAPHIC: Chart by staff: NFL teamsby CNBthat have not won a game in 1996. KEYWORDS: FOOTBALL MGR