If You Build It, They Will Come

 The newly fashioned USFL had their draft February 22nd and 23rd to fill the rosters of their new 8 teams.  Now, I'm trying to not be cynical because I do want this league to survive and provide opportunities for players to reach the NFL.  Just like I wanted the XFL to make it, and the American Alliance League, and the XFL again.   To be fair though...I just want the cards.  After the draft, I count 8 Iowa Connections in the league, with the Michigan Panthers leading the way with 2.  Houston currently with zero, but each team has end of rosters, practice squads and coaching staffs to fill. Here are the 8 Iowa Connections in the league: Seth Thomas, OT, UNI (Birmingham) Derrick Willies, WR, Iowa (Tampa Bay) Kamilo Tongamoa, DT, ISU (New Orleans) Jackson Brown, G, UNI (Philadelphia) Angelo Garbutt, LB, Iowa (New Jersey) Kirby Wilson, HC, ISU (Pittsburgh) Jaquan Bailey, DT, ISU (Michigan) La'Michael Pettway, TE, ISU (Michigan) Its still early, but current...

        Profile La'Michael Pettway was a wide receiver from Iowa State* who had transferred from Arkansas** as a graduate, thus avoiding the year off.  La'Michael had a solid year with the Cyclones, with 676 yards (after leading Arkansas with 499 the year before) and 6 TDs.   * Pettway filled in Hakeem Butler 's spot after he left early the year before ** In Iowa/Arkansas history, this completes the trade of A.J. Derby to Arkansas. Personal Notes So...how does SAGE build their list of players they will have in their set?  I imagine there is some sort of deadline when the checklist has to be complete, especially since they have to acquire signatures from the players.  I assume that they check mock drafts, try to nail as many 1st rounders as they can, then gather QBs and RBs that may get looks in training camps, but then how does La'Michael Pettway get a card?  Never a top prospect, but I wonder if they saw his Iowa TD or his Texas game an...