VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Georgia Southern All-American and Walter Payton Award winner Adrian Peterson was selected by the Virginia Destroyers in the third round, 14th-pick overall, of the United Football League (UFL) draft on Monday, May 2nd. Peterson, who played eight seasons with the NFL’s Chicago Bears from 2002-2009, helped Georgia Southern win back-to-back national championships in 1999 and 2000. Head coach and general manager Marty Shottenheimer leads the Destroyers into their inaugural season which begins in August.
    “I’m excited about this opportunity and hopefully we’ll agree to terms,” said Peterson. “Football has been a big part of my life and it would be great to continue playing.”
    The Apopka, Fla., native helped Georgia Southern to a 52-7 mark during his four-year career with two titles as well as a national runner-up finish in 1998 and FCS semifinals appearance in 2001. His name has a lasting presence on Georgia Southern, Southern Conference and NCAA record books as Peterson still ranks as the NCAA Division I leader in career rushing with 6,559 yards.
    Peterson and 2007 Walter Payton Award winner Jayson Foster both have opportunities with the UFL this season. Foster, who played for the league’s Florida Tuskers in 2009 and 2010, is on the roster for the Sacramento Mountain Lions.
    Players selected in the draft remain on each team’s reserved unsigned list until they are formally added to the roster by virtue of a negotiated contract. Each UFL team could protect a maximum of 40 players from the 2010 rosters and add 10 free agents.

Braves delayed by rain
    The Atlanta Braves 7 p.m. contest against the Milwaukee Brewers scheduled for Tuesday at Turner Field was delayed by rain.
    The game will be played today in a doubleheader beginning at 4 p.m. Starters are TBA.