University of Toledo record-setting player Eric Page will forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft, according to a source familiar with Page's decision.
Page, a Springfield graduate, is expected to reveal his intentions at noon Thursday at a news conference. He has accepted an invitation from the NFL Combine and will be one of more than 300 top prospects who will convene on Indianapolis from Feb. 22-28 for various physical and psychological evaluations.
UT coach Matt Campbell declined to comment on Page's departure through an athletic department spokesperson. Page could not be reached for comment.
According to the source, the NFL draft advisory board informed Page he likely would be chosen between the third and fifth rounds of April's draft if he opted to turn pro. That assessment apparently was strong enough that Page decided to end his brilliant career early and not attempt to break Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles' NCAA record of 349 career receptions. Page finished with 306 catches -- 43 shy of Broyles' mark -- to go along with 3,446 yards and 25 touchdowns. His totals for receptions and yards are UT records, and his receiving TDs are tied for most with former Rocket Lance Moore.
Page led the Mid-American Conference this season and was sixth in the nation with 169.3 all-purpose yards per game.
The Blade high school Player of the Year in 2008, Page said in the days leading up to the Military Bowl in late December that he was "100 percent" committed to returning for his senior year but that he hadn't given much consideration to his future. Campbell said at the time he'd discuss the matter with Page after the bowl, adding "I think Eric Page is as good as there is in the country, so for him it's a matter of what the NFL says."
Page caught 13 passes in his final game at UT, helping the Rockets beat Air Force, 42-41, on Dec. 28.
The Web site nfldraftscout.com rates Page the sixth best receiver prospect for the 2013 draft. Its rankings were last updated on Monday and don't reflect his turning pro for this year's draft.
Page's modest size of 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds might scare away some NFL teams. His versatility as a punt returner might attract him to others. At the combine, he'll look to bolster his stock.
There, he'll be assessed by, among other things, how quickly he runs 40 yards and how many times he can bench press 225 pounds.
Contact Ryan Autullo at: rautullo@theblade.com, 419-724-6160 or on Twitter @RyanAutullo.
First Published January 12, 2012, 6:57 a.m.
