A.J. Feeley did not start a game during his senior season.
In fact, the Oregon quarterback from Ontario played against only Nevada and Idaho, where he threw for his season total of 5 for 13 for 87 yards.
Yet, when the 2001 NFL Draft came to a close, Feeley was the only Oregon Duck to be plucked by a team in the National Football League. Feeley was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round as the 155th overall pick.
Among those Ducks not selected during the two-day, seven-round draft included linebacker Matt Smith, punter Kurtis Doerr, wide receiver Marshaun Tucker and defensive ends Saul Patu and Jason Nikolao. Smith was listed by The Sporting News as the best linebacker not drafted.
Despite sitting out last season behind starter Joey Harrington, Feeley opened some eyes with his impressive pre-draft workouts, and pro teams liked his 6-foot-3, 217-pound quarterback body.
Feeley began the 1999-2000 season as Oregon’s first-string quarterback and started the first eight games en route to a year where he completed 136 for 259 for 1,951 yards and 14 touchdowns. He gave way to Harrington in the ninth game of the season, though, when a nerve problem in his right throwing elbow got the best of him.
“As you well know, A.J. was hurt over the last couple years, and he lost his starting position,” Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid said. “However, we liked what we saw from a mechanical standpoint and a decision-making standpoint. He possesses nice size and arm strength.
“We think he has a nice upside to him.”
Feeley will be joined by another Pacific-10 Conference player in UCLA wide receiver Freddie Mitchell, who was selected by the Eagles in the first round at the 25th spot and was the only Bruin taken in the draft.
A total of 24 Pac-10 players were drafted over the weekend, with every team having at least one representative. Washington led the way with five players, highlighted by Marques Tuiasosopo’s second-round pick by Oakland. Arizona State had two first-rounders in safety Adam Archuleta (20th, St. Louis) and tight end Todd Heap (31st, Baltimore).
Oregon State’s successful season helped land four Beavers spots in the NFL. Wide receiver Chad Johnson was a second-round pick of Cincinnati (36th overall), while defensive end DeLawrence Grant is headed to Oakland (third round, 89th). Beaver offensive tackle Mitch White was picked up by New Orleans (sixth round, 185th) and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh will join teammate Johnson on the Bengals, who took Houshmandzadeh in the seventh round with the 204th pick.
Those Oregon players not drafted may have another opportunity at entering the NFL if they make it as free agents.