Q&A with Eric Decker

Ali Haupt, Dml - Star Tribune Special To Th

Eric Decker on the baseball diamond for the Gophers.

By DENNIS BRACKIN, Star Tribune

Last update: June 6, 2009 - 11:39 PM

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Eric Decker is a young man with options. In two sports. On the football field he broke the Gophers' single-season school record with a Big Ten-leading 76 catches last year, and is expected to be among the top receivers picked in next year's NFL draft. That's if he doesn't choose a baseball career. Decker was a 39th-round pick of the Milwaukee Brewers in last year's draft after playing his first season of college baseball. This spring he batted .319, and has the size, speed and natural athletic ability that scouts crave. Baseball's annual amateur draft runs from Tuesday through Thursday this week, although Decker, a senior this fall, isn't holding is breath. He's told big league scouts that he plans to be playing football at Minnesota this fall.

Q Do you know at this point where your professional future lies?

A I don't. But my consistent message has been that I want to come back and play football in the fall, and have a summer to work out and prepare for the football season. After that, we'll see where my options lie and which path I want to take. I'm still open-minded to both.

Q Is there anything that could change being with the football team this fall?

A I don't think so. Growing up in Minnesota, it's always been a dream of mine to come and play for my home state, and to have the opportunity of being a captain and opening the new stadium on campus, there are some things that money can't buy. That's a memory I'll cherish for a lifetime, and it's more important than a signing bonus.

Q You've probably hurt your baseball draft position by making it known you plan to play football, do you agree?

A I'm probably not going to go high, because I've been very open with all the scouts I've talked with about my plans. They're probably turned off that I want to play football, and take the time to work out this summer and get ready for the fall.

Q There have been cases where major league teams will draft a player with your ability in a lower round, then offer high-round money. Any way a surprisingly large bonus offer could sway you?

A No. I want to play football this fall.

Q Will you play another season with the Gophers baseball team next spring?

A It's a possibility, but I don't know how likely it is. It's always there. After the football season we'll see what my options are.

Q That sounds like if you have the type of football season you want, you'll be at the NFL combine, preparing for the draft?

A That's a possibility. But like I said, I'm keeping my options open.

Q Are you looking forward to this week's draft?

A Yes, because I'm excited to see where [Gophers teammate] Derek McCallum is going to be picked. He had one of the best years I've ever seen.

DENNIS BRACKIN

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