WHEELING - Several pro football teams have kicked the tires on former record-setting West Liberty University quarterback Zach Amedro. The next step is to get one to buy into what he and agent John Oluyole are selling.
Amedro said Friday that he was told by the Miami Dolphins prior to the NFL Draft that he was on their board. Though he didn't get a call, Miami officials told Amedro to keep training and to make certain his arm remained healthy.
''I don't know what all that means,'' said Amedro, a Moundsville native and John Marshall graduate. ''I don't know if it means I'll get a shot.
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Former John Marshall and West Liberty University quarterback Zach Amedro has caught the attention of plenty, but has yet to be offered a pro contract.
''Still just working out and staying in shape.''
Amedro, a strong-armed right-hander, certainly has plenty to offer a potential suitor. He was named to the AP Little All-American Team two straight years, was the runnerup for the Harlon Hill Trophy, which is the Division II equivalent of the Heisman. Amedro threw for more yards (14,733) and completed more passes (1,079) than any other D-II quarterback in history, leading the Hilltoppers to back-to-back national scoring and offense titles in his junior and senior years.
''I think one of the things a lot of people don't understand is how much competition there is for these jobs,'' said Amedro, a two-time West Virginia Conference and Super Region One Player of the Year. ''People say 'if you don't go to NFL, you can just go to the (Canadian Football League).
''It's not that simple. There's competition everywhere.''
He already knew that, but Amedro took a refresher course when called and subsequently flew to Florida recently to work out for a couple CFL teams. Upon his arrival, Amedro was taken back a bit by his competition.
''I get down there and there's Chris Leak and Jevan Snead,'' Amedro said of the former standouts at Florida and Ole Miss, respectively. ''They ended up signing Leak after a three-day camp.
''I didn't know what to expect, but after being there with big-name guys I feel like that is my level and I can compete with those guys.''
Amedro and Oluyole thought they were onto something when informed the quarterback was on the negotiations list of the British Columbia Lions of the CFL.
''To be on a negotiations list, it's pretty serious that they're going to sign you,'' Amedro said.
The only problem is, the Lions ended up not requiring his services, after all.
''They thought he was going to retire. He did, but then he came back out and they didn't need a quarterback,'' Amedro (6-foot, 200 pounds) said. ''That was kind of a bummer.''
Amedro, who owns a degree in Exercise Physiology, says Oluyole is going to wait until the Arena League season ends and contact various teams to gauge potential interest. If not, Amedro is going to look for a job coaching in college.
''That's what I have to really sit down and think about,'' he said. ''If I don't catch on in the Arena League, it's time to think about (coaching).''
In the meantime, Amedro is planning to run his own camp at the end of this month. He's not sure of the exact date as he still needs to finalize the plans with John Marshall Athletics Director Chuck Duckworth and football coach Dan Wilson, but said the price is going to be $30-35.
''It's going to be for any quarterback and receiver from the age of 10 to high school seniors,'' Amedro said. ''I was talking to my coaches about it and it was something I've always wanted to do.
''I just want to help the kids in the valley, give them basic quarterback knowledge like footwork and reading defenses.''
Those interested can contact Amedro at home by calling (304) 845-8433, or on his cell at (304) 312-5458.