It's only May, but Brady Quinn has narrowed his list of NFL agents to a nice, tidy six.
If that seems early, you're right, but we are dealing with the most hyped Notre Dame quarterback in years. That's the point of "Team Quinn," family members who are helping expedite the process ... which is to eliminate a distraction for the most hyped Notre Dame quarterback in years.
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| Coach Charlie Weis has been a valuable asset to Brady Quinn and other potential Irish draftees. (Getty Images) |
The family spent May 11-12 interviewing prospective representatives in Columbus, Ohio. Thirteen agents, a marketing specialist and an attorney each got an hour to make their pitch.
Quinn's uncle, David Slates, told CBS SportsLine.com that the six "winners" will be notified Tuesday. Team Quinn cross-checked the representatives with the NFLPA and received favorable feedback on each.
Among the 15 representatives interviewed, CBS SportsLine.com has learned, were Creative Artists Agency's Tom Condon, veteran NFL agent Mark Bartelstein and Bill Henkel, a marketing specialist who left IMG's football division in November to form his own company.
It is not known if IMG, a giant in the profession when Condon headed it, was involved.
"The guys that we're down to now are guys that have been there and done that," said Slates, a vice president for UBS Financial Services. "I'm sure that they weren't thrilled with the process because we didn't give them a lot of time. They want more time, they want to build relationships."
Quinn, a senior, is not allowed to sign with an agent until his eligibility is exhausted. But, per NCAA rules, the family can interview prospective representatives.
Team Quinn is roughly defined as Slates, another uncle Scott Bender, described as a venture capitalist, and Quinn's parents Ty and Robin. Oh, and of course Brady, who will make the final decision.
"I've told this to all the agents (because) they're still trying to sell the family," Slates said. "This isn't going to be Brady's mom's decision. This won't be Scott Bender's decision. It's going to be Brady's decision."
Quinn is projected as a first-round draft choice in next April's draft. He might have gone that early had he decided to make himself eligible for this year's draft.
Quinn decided to come back as a senior to pursue both a national championship and dual degrees in finance and political science. At some point, he would like to earn a law degree as well, whether that is during or after an NFL career.
