Pat White’s quest to reach the NFL begins next week with practices for the Senior Bowl, which are generally more important than the game itself. The game, in Mobile, Ala., is Jan. 24 and White is, in essence, one of the reasons the event exists. After four years of college as a highly successful player, he gets four practices and one game to show off to NFL personnel who need further convincing.

And the interest is indeed there.

The Dolphins are intrigued by West Virginia quarterback Pat White in the upcoming April NFL Draft with an eye on his having a major role in the team’s Wildcat offensive variation next season. That’s according to a source of ours who is privvy to personnel guru Bill Parcells telling an associate exactly that within the past few days.

This is interesting on a couple of fronts. 1) It suggests Tuna is actively engaged in draft planning and has every intention of staying on despite recent speculation. 2) It indicates Miami feels there is much life left in the Wildcat and many ways to expand it.

– If you aren’t in West Virginia and want to see tonight’s WVU-Marshall game, which will be close and competitive just because, head to channelsurfing.net.

– Today is the last day to vote Joe Alexander into the dunk contest. His days with the Bucks may be numbered, too.

– In defense of Alex Ruoff, I’m not complaining he didn’t want to talk yesterday. In act, I like it. He’s never been trouble before and just wanted to cool his heels. He takes it all very seriously, which is good, and my sense is he wanted to get his mind and game right before tonight. I’m very interested to see how he plays.

– I’m off to Charleston. See you tomorrow.