With news of Drew Willy’s invitation to the Scouting Combine, there will now be two

UB QB Drew Willy

players with ties to Western New York attending the NFL’s pre-draft audition.  UB’s Willy will be joined by Williamsville North grad Dan Gronkowski, a tight end from Maryland.  Two other local players did not get invitations:  WR Derek Kinder (Albion) from Pitt, and SS Mark Rubin (Amherst) from Penn State.

Willy has a chance to make himself a late-round draft pick with a good performance.  At 6-4, he has the prototypical QB size the NFL is looking for.  Plus, with the explosion of the spread offenses in college, there aren’t as many classic pocket passers around.  Willy is one of them.

Maryland TE Dan Gronkowski

Gronkowski has great size at 6-5, 255 pounds.  He’s not a deep threat, and his stats at UM don’t jump out (40 catches, 401 yards, 4 TD).  But he’s a good blocker and a reliable short receiver.  He may be the first of a few Gronkowski’s in the NFL in the next few years.  His younger brothers Chris and Rob.  Both play at Arizona, where Rob is an All-American tight end.

Now that Bruce Smith and Ralph Wilson are the 7th & 8th Bills to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame, their attention turns to the ceremony on August 8th.  They have to decide who will present them.  Its always an honor and decision made with a lot of thought.

Ralph Wilson

Bruce Smith has already made his decision, almost.  Asked about it at his news conference, Smith says it will either be Marv Levy or Ted Cottrell.  Cottrell was Smith’s defensive line coach for four years and the Bills defensive coordinator for 2 years. 

Ralph Wilson, who seemed somewhat surprised by his election, said he hadn’t thought about who will present him.  I would guess Marv Levy is a consideration, based on their relationship.  That could leave Marv as a possible presenter for two different inductee.

It appears the coastal storm advertised over the past week will not have an impact on WNY.  While some models take the storm farther west, the more consistent and favored guidance develops and intensifies the offshore circulation too far east, preventing heavy precipitation from reaching WNY.  Meantime a series of disturbances dropping down from western Canada will begin to carve out a deepening trough across the Eastern Great Lakes allowing for a sharp cooldown into midweek.  Monday will be fairly tranquil with seasonable, comfortable temps in the low to mid 30s.  A short wave is expected to track from the midwest into the the mid-atlantic, dragging in colder, polar air.  North of this wave, light snow may develop in WNY Tuesday along with temps tumbling into the 20s and into the teens on Wednesday. There may also be localized lake snow activity as the cold air deepens.  Polar air will lift out toward the end of the week, replaced by a warmer Pacific pattern change that should linger into the weekend and the first half of the following week. Temps are expected to rise into the 40s by Saturday and Sunday and the melting process will be underway at least for a while.  For snow lovers, no need to worry, there’s still plenty of winter left.  (Don’t forget to check out the thread below for tips on how to make your own backyard ice luge run.)

Recently, our fellow BuffaloWeatherBlog Blogger, Sled Hill, was featured on News 4 and across parts of the good ole USA, too, for his back yard Ice Luge Run creation.  His story has won overwhelming praise from a lot of folks admiring his invention.  His creation is a great way to capitalize on Western New York winters and to enjoy the season to the fullest.  Family, friends and neighbors can go whipping down a home made ice luge run that will give thrills and chills.  “Sled Hill” is here to explain and show you how he crafted and maintains his winter masterpiece.  You may want to indulge and install one in your own back yard.  Feel free to ask him questions and give him your kudos and comments, too.  Thanks, Sled Hill for making WNY winters more enjoyable for all!