NFL up next for Marian grad Bulaga

The next block Marian Central grad Bryan Bulaga makes will be in an NFL uniform.

Bulaga, the standout junior left offensive tackle at Iowa, announced Wednesday night in a news release posted on the university's Web site that is leaving for the NFL.

"After much deliberation and careful consideration, I have decided to forego my fourth year of college eligibility and enter the upcoming NFL draft," said Bulaga, who was chosen the Big Ten Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year this season. "This was not an easy decision since my Iowa experience has been very positive and rewarding."

Bulaga's strong season ended Tuesday night with Iowa's 24-14 Orange Bowl win against Georgia Tech. Bulaga played a solid game and helped keep Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan quiet. Morgan, a fellow junior, was the Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year who entered the game with 12 1/2 sacks.

Bulaga had faced questions about the NFL since he started and was a second-team All-Big Ten choice as a true sophomore. At least one of his Iowa teammates has little doubt Bulaga could succeed in the NFL right away.

"He's a grown man," former Iowa running back Shonne Greene told the Northwest Herald last summer.

But Bulaga's junior season started in a difficult fashion. He missed three games with a thyroid condition that caused him to be hospitalized. The 20-year-old Bulaga regained his form, though, and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and was a second-team all-American. 

"The illness I was faced with at the beginning of the 2009 season made me realize how important football is in my life and how quickly it can be taken away," Bulaga said in the news release. "I want to thank (Iowa head coach Kirk) Ferentz, (offensive line) coach (Reese) Morgan and the rest of the Iowa football staff who played a significant role in my development. I will always be a Hawkeye and will carry that with me proudly wherever my future takes me. Thanks to everyone for the support you've always given me." 

The 6-foot-6, 312-pound Bulaga has been projected as a first-round pick by ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay, who in a recent mock draft predicted Bulaga would go No. 20 overall to the New England Patriots. 

Bulaga was recognized since he first walked onto campus by Ferentz for his leadership and attention to detail.

Ferentz lauded Bulaga, who missed time as a true freshman with a shoulder injury, for improving while he was on the sidelines.

"That showed me that he paid attention," Ferentz told the Northwest Herald last summer.

Ferentz, a former NFL offensive line coach, continued his praise Wednesday.

"Bryan has been a valued team member, well beyond his outstanding play on the field," Ferentz said. "I'm very appreciative of his efforts on the team's behalf. I am confident Bryan will do very well in the years to come and again be a valuable asset to his future team. We wish him the best and continued success." 

Barry Bottino writes a weekly column and a blog about local college athletes for the Northwest Herald. Write to him at BarryOnCampus@hotmail.com and check out his On Campus column every Saturday in the Northwest Herald sports section.