MV II getting a shot

Marcus Vick has signed a free agent contract with the Miami Dolphins.

The oft troubled quarterback, who was suspended from the Virginia Tech football program, participated in a three day mini camp with the Dolphins and impressed them enough to sign him to a deal.

“As an organization, we did an enormous amount of research, including consulting with professionals in detailed, in-depth analysis to feel comfortable that giving Marcus an opportunity as a free agent is a risk worth taking,” Dolphins coach Nick Saban said in a statement released by the team.

He clearly has not been given any long term guarantees by the club, but Vick is going to get a chance to legitimately make the team. What is not clear is the position he will be playing. The Dolphins are listing Vick as a “wide receiver-quarterback-specialist,” clearly indicating that he could be tried in a number of roles.

During the recent minicamp, Vick spent at least one practice session at wide receiver, and probably isn’t being looked at as a serious quarterback candidate considering the signings of Daunte Culpepper and Joey Harrington.

The Dolphins are trying to assemble talent. This is a club that looked as though it was headed to the cellar just two seasons ago. A new coach and an aggressive run at free agency and the draft have this team looking as though it could contend for a division title this season. Whether or not Vick can contribute to their success is largely up to him.

No one can deny his talent and potential. The question that surrounds this young man is whether or not he has the integrity and character to succeed in life as well as the NFL.

Vick completed 177 of 289 passes for 2,393 yards with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, leading Virginia Tech to an 11-2 record and berth in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game in 2005. However, his career with the Hokies included many miscues. He made an obscene gesture to fans during a game at West Virginia, and stomped on Louisville player Elvis Dumervil's leg during the Gator Bowl.

Vick was suspended by Virginia Tech for the 2004 season because of legal problems, then was eventually dismissed from the team after being stopped for speeding and driving with a revoked or suspended license.
The Dolphins released a statement making it clear that they are prepared to address any future transgressions by Vick.

“I want to make it very clear that we will not condone any behavior issues in the future relative to Marcus Vick. Marcus acknowledges that he has made some mistakes, all of which has resulted in severe consequences for him. They have helped him learn that he will need to make much better choices and decisions in the future or risk similar consequences that could jeopardize his career as a professional player.”

Marcus Vick is getting a chance of a lifetime. It is one that many others never realize. Only time will tell whether he turns this chance into a success story or a nightmare like those that Lawrence Phillips and Maurice Clarrett have lived.

- Stephen Winslow