So, it’s a dead period for college football. Most of the awards ceremonies are over and the teams that have earned the right to play in a bowl are focusing on preparing their respective games. Michigan is prepping for the Florida Gators, led by Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.

But for the seniors, there is an additional spotlight that comes with a bowl game. And that is in respect to the upcoming NFL draft. Unless they are playing in the 2008 Under Armour Senior Bowl, the last opportunity to showcase their on-the-field talent in a gameday environment is a bowl game. Although he has been invited, it is unknown whether or not Mike Hart will participate.

He is being projected on a couple of websites as a late first round draft pick, as well as the top senior running back prospect. However, something to keep in mind is that most of these projections are only using seniors and not underclassmen who may later forego their collegiate eligibility and make the jump to professional football.

Since he will have completed his coursework at the University of Michigan (graduating December 16th), following the Capital One Bowl, Mike’s attention will likely turn towards February’s NFL Combine. The official invitee list will be released February 1st.