Jan. 28, 2008

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Two former Southern Miss athletes earned selection in the inaugural All-American Football League Draft held last Saturday.

Former quarterback, Brian Balazik, was taken by the Alabama franchise in the 21st round (126th pick). Balazik lettered for the Golden Eagles in 1997 and was 1-for-2 passing during the year for 6 yards.

Alabama also took Cedric Norman in the 34th round selection (199th pick) as a wide receiver.

Although he did not play football at Southern Miss, Norman was a three-time track and field All-American in the high jump as he lettered for Southern Miss from 2000-04. He garnered his lone indoor All-America accolade in 2004 and outdoor All-America honors in 2003 and 2004. He holds the school record in the high jump in both indoor and outdoor for the Golden Eagles. His school-best indoor mark was 7'3" and his outdoor mark was 7'6".

The professional league, which operates six franchises in Alabama, Arkansas, Michigan, Florida, Tennessee and Texas, will begin this April and play a 10-game schedule with a round of playoffs and a championship game to follow. Only players that have completed work for their 4-year degree as well as exhausted their collegiate eligibility can play in the league.