Steve Breaston was best known at the University of Michigan for his electrifying punt and kick returns. A fall weekend almost never went by the past four seasons without the requisite Breaston return highlight.

Breaston is the Big Ten's all-time leader in punt returns and is fifth all-time in kickoff returns in the league's long and storied history.

It is that dynamic return ability that helped make Breaston, a former standout at Woodland Hills High School, a likely mid-round selection in this weekend's NFL draft. But it's not the only reason.

Special teams certainly gave Breaston a stage to get noticed, but he is projected to get drafted, perhaps as high as the third round, because of his abilities as a receiver.

Despite playing in the shadow of former Michigan receiver and No. 1 pick Braylon Edwards and then Jason Avant and Mario Manningham, Breaston has developed into a solid receiver prospect as well. Breaston is fifth all-time at Michigan in receptions and led the Wolverines with 58 catches last season.

"I feel like I did a really good job at Michigan," Breaston said. "I was never the go-to guy in the system, but I made plays, got first downs, did those types of things. I stuck to my role and did my job. I did everything they asked of me. I played a lot of positions. I did a lot for the team. I never regretted any of it because we had success as a team."

Scout Joe Butler is among those who believe Breaston is underrated as a receiver. Butler, who runs the Metro Index football camps, said Breaston has the potential to be a starting receiver in the NFL in addition to providing a team with dynamic return capabilities.

"He makes people miss," Butler said. "He ran a 4.4 at the combine. He has good hands and he's good after the catch. He has quickness. He'll be a No. 2 receiver in the NFL. He'll be solid, someone you can depend on. And he'll block, too. He's not afraid of contact."

NFL teams have drafted return specialists in the early rounds in recent years with the idea of developing them at skill positions. The Steelers did that with Antwaan Randle El and Chicago did it last season with Devin Hester.

"I see myself as one of those guys," Breaston said. "I'm just looking to get my foot in the door. When I came to college I had never played receiver. I'm still learning the position."

Breaston helped himself by having a good showing at the NFL combine, where he ran a 4.41 40-yard dash and performed well in the other agility drills. He is projected to get drafted anywhere from the third to the sixth round. Whenever he is taken, he will be the latest former Woodland Hills player to draw the attention of an NFL team.

The most famous Woodland Hills player in the NFL is Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor, but Shawntae Spencer and Lousaka Polite also have made it to the NFL in recent years. Spencer was drafted in the second round in 2004 and Polite made it as a free agent.

"When I was younger I looked up to those guys," Breaston said. "They've been helping me out, giving me advice. They've just told me to do what I normally do and enjoy myself."

Other former WPIAL players could hear their names called this weekend as well.

Former Pine-Richland lineman Jason Capizzi is drawing some interest. Capizzi, who began his career at Pitt before transferring to IUP, is 6 feet 9 and weighs 315 pounds, with surprising athleticism.

"He has tremendous potential down the road," Butler said.

Capizzi could get drafted in the sixth or seventh round or be signed as a free agent.

Several other former WPIAL players are expected to be late-round selections or free agents.

Steel Valley grad Luke Getsy of Akron, another Pitt transfer, was a record-setting quarterback with the Zips.

Rochester grad Antoine Horton, a cornerback from the University Cincinnati, had a better junior season than senior season, but is still garnering consideration.

Mt. Lebanon grad Bob Whitaker, an offensive lineman from Kansas, was a three-year starter for the Jayhawks.

Fox Chapel grad Matt Brunck, a nose guard from Robert Morris, is one of the better small-college players from the area.