Notebook

According to Tony Pauline of SI.com, OSU senior tight end Brandon Pettigrew is a probable first-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Wide receiver Adarius Bowman, still looking for a free-agent contract, is proof a player's stock can rise and fall. Still, Pauline's comments were very flattering.

"He's the most complete and dominant NFL prospect at his position in more than a decade,” Pauline wrote. "Pettigrew graded higher than any tight end in this year's draft.”

•Van Zant update: Cornerback Martel Van Zant is engaged in contract negotiations with the Tennessee Titans, who plan to offer him a free-agent contract when he's healthy.

Van Zant recently underwent ankle surgery but hopes to be close to 100 percent in late July, a week or two after training camp begins. Van Zant was born deaf and will have a movie filmed based on his life story.

If Van Zant can get healthy in time for training camp, it could make for a good final scene in the movie.

•Richardson gone: Last week it was reported that redshirt freshman linebacker Marcus Richardson was no longer with the team. Richardson ended spring on the third team but was regarded as a player with good potential. Reasons for Richardson's departure have not been released.

OSU is well stocked at linebacker. The starting linebackers this spring were Pat Lavine, Orie Lemon and Andre Sexton, a two-year starter at safety. Justin Gent led the team in tackles in the spring game. Deron Fontenot had a good spring backing up Sexton.

Two junior college transfers, Donald Booker and Tolu Moala, join the team this summer. Alfred Dupree, another linebacker, was one of the top recruits in the 2008 class.

By Mike Baldwin