As the former Cornhusker starting quarterback, Zac Lee has known his share of adversity. With the approach of the NFL 2011 Draft, however, Lee is hopeful that his luck will soon turn around.

“I know that the Panthers will be calling sooner or later,” a rain soaked and ragged Lee said outside Radio City Music Hall in New York. “They’ll be calling me any minute now and telling me I’m the new face of their franchise. They’ll be calling any minute now.”

The Carolina Panthers have the first pick in the upcoming National Football League player draft.

“Though I’m excited to move on to this exciting new chapter in both my life and the storied history of the National Football League, I do have one regret,” Lee said.

“The Husker Spring game is coming up, and I’m really going to miss not being there. There’s just something special about the feeling of new opportunity, the chance to redeem myself from atrocious showings against Texas and the undying admiration of thousands of Nebraska fans. It’s no less than I deserve. But I’m sure that Husker nation will miss me nearly as much as I miss them.”

At press time, Nebraska athletic director Tom Osbourne could be seen frantically deleting Lee’s name from all team recruiting materials and team media information.