Stocco To Tryout For the Packers

[HarveyWallbangers]

For you Stocco lovers. Didn't get drafted--like Bollinger and Sorgi, but at least he'll get a shot with the Pack.

UW's Stocco gets a tryout with the Packers
By BOB McGINN

Green Bay - University of Wisconsin quarterback John Stocco's long wait to enter the National Football League is over. Well, sort of.

On Tuesday, Stocco accepted an offer from the Green Bay Packers to attend their rookie orientation camp this weekend for a 72-hour tryout. It's better than nothing but still doesn't mean he will be offered a free-agent contract. That decision will be made by the Packers next week.

"It's definitely been real stressful," Stocco said Tuesday night. "But I'm just excited and looking forward to it."

Also in for weekend auditions will be tight end Joe Werner, a standout basketball player at UW-La Crosse who hasn't played football in eight years, and Corey White, a fullback from Alabama-Birmingham.

Stocco, 6 feet 1 inch and 203 pounds, was a three-year starter with a 29-7 record. He saved his finest season for 2006, when his passer rating of 97.0 improved his four-year mark to 88.9.

"I thought I'd be drafted and, if that didn't happen, I thought for sure soon after somebody would sign me," Stocco said. "On Sunday, I thought either Arizona or St. Louis would sign me. Then my agent got a call today from the Packers saying they wanted me to try out.

"It's been really stressful, but at the same time all I want is a shot. Guys like Chris Leak and (Tyler) Palko didn't get drafted, either. I think it's a good situation and I'm going to try to make the most of it."

Stocco and rookie free agent Jerry Babb will be the only quarterbacks at the camp. The veterans are Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers and Ingle Martin.

[Partial]

WHOO HOO, ship out AROD the back-up is on his way into town!!!

[bbbffl66]

He could be a better #3 than Ingle. Can he punt though?

[Lurker64]

I thought the Packers were trying to get some youth in at quarterback to prepare for our next QB era. I remember last season, Favre called up Camp Randall to suggest it was about time that Stocco retired.

No way he beats out Ingle.

[Freak Out]

You have to like it when they give the local guys a try.

[SD GB fan]

it definitely helps the press. think about the stories if this guy makes the roster and becomes a starter. "local boy gets dream job"

[GrnBay007]

Also in for weekend auditions will be tight end Joe Werner, a standout basketball player at UW-La Crosse who hasn't played football in eight years,

I think it was mentioned before....have any of you guys submitted your application? :P

[falco]

They probably just need someone to throw balls at the other players, since the other QB's won't be there.

[Badgerinmaine]

it definitely helps the press. think about the stories if this guy makes the roster and becomes a starter. "local boy gets dream job"

Just like Jerry Tagge, and...
Oops--never mind

[Badgerinmaine]

Also in for weekend auditions will be tight end Joe Werner, a standout basketball player at UW-La Crosse who hasn't played football in eight years,

I think it was mentioned before....have any of you guys submitted your application? :P

Hey, he's the next Antonio Gates.

[3irty1]

They probably just need someone to throw balls at the other players, since the other QB's won't be there.

Bingo. They are just using him and making a story at the same time.

[LL2]

They probably just need someone to throw balls at the other players, since the other QB's won't be there.

Bingo. They are just using him and making a story at the same time.

Hopefully not. Give the guy a shot. I do not know much about him or Babb for that matter, but he was 29-7 at a big ten school. Let him compete for the #3 spot. If anything he should be real hungry and ready to prove himself and that goes a long way. Does anyone know his bio or how old Stocco is?

[HarveyWallbangers]

I'd imagine they are bringing him and seeing how looks compared to Babb. One or the other will likely be the camp arm.

[Merlin]

Joe Werner is from my high school and his family is extremely talented and so is he. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't get offered a contract and at least end up on the practice squad. He's got speed and size and he is very athletic. Catching a football shouldn't be a problem for him. He is also a very smart individual as is his whole family. The story behind the Werner's family is sad. I grew up with his step brother Mike Werner. Mike's mom passed away while we were in grade school. His dad remarried a younger woman and had more kids, Joe and Andrew. His dad was old when I was growing up. I see him all the time at McDonell athletic events, the last time was yesterday at my daughters softball game. He looks the same as always. I always thought the guy has to be 100 years old because he has remained the same forever it seems.

[pbmax]

The Packers haven't held too many tryouts for ex-Badgers, so I doubt this was strictly for PR.

But it likely was strictly for a camp arm, but as with kickers and punters, if you aren't practicing with a team, its much harder to get noticed.

Just one step on a long ladder. I can't believe Sorgi was drafted but not Stocco. Sorgi had to be 6"4' and weigh 125 lbs Stocco's light, 203, but at 6 foot 1 inch he's as tall as Brees. Was arm strength a concern?