'84 Chronology-Hectic Times

Event Date: May 2nd, 1984

Event Description: Hostetler Seeks Deal

Source: United Press International

Former West Virginia star quarterback Jeff Hostetler spent a “hectic” six hours watching the National Football League draft on television Tuesday before his selection early in the third round by the New York Giants.

Hostetler, a native of Holsopple, Pa., who transferred from Penn State to play his junior and senior years for the Mountaineers, was considered a possible first-round choice.

“It's been hectic,” he said at a news conference, originally scheduled for 1 p.m. but delayed until after his selection about an hour and a half later. “You never know what's going to happen.”

Hostetler watched the draft at the home of his former coach and future father-in-law, WVU's Don Nehlen. He is to marry Vicki Nehlen later this month in Morgantown.

“We just had some breakfast and sat back,” he said, appearing at the news conference with his fiance and dressed in a T-shirt and shorts. “It's nice to expect it (a first-round selection), but you can't get your hopes up.”

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Hostetler was the second quarterback chosen in the draft and the 59th player overall. "Last year they took six (quarterbacks) in the first round, and this year they didn't take any," he said.

Hostetler said he was "anxious" for his agent, Robert Bennett, a Washington, D.C., attorney, to begin contract negotiations with the Giants.

"I have no idea what the (dollar) numbers are going to be," he said. "I'm hoping things will work out. But if they don't, there's always the USFL."

Hostetler was selected in the USFL territorial draft by the Pittsburgh Maulers but failed to reach terms with the team because of a disagreement in salary.

Story-(UPI)