Posey and quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who opted for the NFL over an Ohio State suspension last year, were at the epicenter of the probe. The five extra games added to Posey's original suspension were a bitter, unexpected blow - Posey's mother told the Cleveland Plain Dealer it was "the most egregious witch hunt that I think I've ever witnessed."
Posey played in the final two regular-season games, and in the Gator Bowl loss to Florida, and caught 12 passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns. Those are excellent three-game totals, but they don't make much of a senior year.
You think about someone involved in a scandal, maybe you expect someone a little different than Posey, who comes off as thoughtful, reflective and mature. At 6-1 5/8, 219, with good speed, he has stood out in Mobile.
"I know it's been a big question, going into the interviews [with NFL teams]. It happened, and it's something I have to deal with," Posey said this week. "It's hard for me. But I feel like I've overcome that, like it's made me a better person, and also a better player. I missed the game a lot.
"I'm still the same person. I feel like I'm still a good guy . . . I really haven't gotten into trouble outside of that. NFL teams know that. I messed up, man. I made a mistake. It cost my program a lot. It cost my teammates a lot. I've learned, and I'm looking forward to moving on to the next level."
Posey didn't waste the 10 weeks of his suspension. Before the season he volunteered for scout-team duty, telling coaches he wanted to mimic the opponent's best offensive player each week, regardless of position.
