SLIPPERY ROCK — At season's end, Brandon Fusco figures to become a three-time All-PSAC selection at center.

Then the Slippery Rock University senior and Seneca Valley graduate figures to play more football.

Four games into the season, the 6-foot-4, 310-pound Fusco has already been looked at by 28 of the 32 NFL teams. Five of those teams have been back to see him more than once.

"(Offensive lineman) Mike Butterworth was looked at by about 26 teams a few years ago," SRU coach George Mihalik said. "The difference now is the number of teams coming in for repeat looks."

Butterworth wound up signing with the Atlanta Falcons as a non-drafted free agent and spent a couple of years on the team's practice squad.

Fusco has been scouted three times by the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. He received four preseason All-America honors during the summer.

"The No. 1 thing scouts like about him is his versatility," Mihalik said. "Some teams see him as a potential starting center and backup guard, or starting guard and backup center.

"He's got the size they're looking for, too, and Brandon is still quick on his feet."

NFLDraftScout.com lists Fusco as the 12th-best center prospect in the country. One NFL team has elevated his ranking to fifth.

"This is a really exciting process for me," Fusco said. "I've dreamed about playing in the NFL since I was a little kid.

"It's looking more and more like I'm gonna get a shot. It'd be awesome to be drafted because so few Division II players get drafted. But a free agent shot wouldn't be bad, eithsr, because I could choose my situation."

Fusco said he's working on his flexibility and continues to be loyal to the weight room. He weighed 240 pounds as a senior at Seneca Valley.

"If he weighed 280 or so back then, we never would have gotten him," Mihalik asdmitted. "Division I schools didn't want him then because of his size. They want the ready-made product.

"We have a Division I center playing for us now. Brandon could play for almost any team in the country this year."

During the season, Fusco hits the weight room three days a week, 90 minutes each day. During the offseason, he's in the weight room for three hours every day.

"I do a lot of running, too," Fusco said. "Mike Butterworth was here when I first came to The Rock. I saw his work ethic and where it was getting him.

"He was a hard worker on and off the field. I wanted to be the same way."

Opposing coaches have noticed the result.

"That kid is a beast of a center," Indiana (Pa.) University coach Lou Tepper said. "He's a concern because you just can't match up with him."

The past two SuperBowls have had former PSAC offensive linemen starting in the game. Reggie Wells (Clarion) started for the Arizona Cardinals two years ago and Jahri Evans (Bloomsburg) started for the New Orleans Saints last year.

"I have no idea what kind of career lies ahead for Brandon, but Reggie Wells was no better than him at this stage of Wells' career," Mihalik said.

Wells is with the Philadelphia Eagles this season.

Fusco carries a 3.0 grade point average as a health and safety major and is graduating in December.

"If pro football doesn't work out, I may go into coaching or look for work as a safety consultant for a company," Fusco said.

"Division II football is getting better and better. If you're good enough, they'll find you."

A number of former Slippery Rock University football players found their way into the pro ranks. Here is a sampling:<B>Mike Butterworth (offensive lineman)</B> — two years on Atlanta Falcons' practice squad<B>D.J. Flick (receiver)</B> — Among leading receivers in Canadian Football League after tryout with Steelers<B>Ricky Porter (running back) </B>— eight-year career in NFL<B>Greg Paterra (running back)</B> — four-year career in NFL<B>LaMonte Coleman (running back) </B>— Training camp with Steelers<B>Chuck Sanders (running back)</B> — two-year career with Steelers<B>Greg Hopkins (receiver)</B> — Listed among top 15 Arena League players of all-time<B>Matt Kinsinger (noseguard)</B> — played on Arena Football League championship team<B>John Sikora (defensive lineman)</B> — played in Arena Football League