By Adam Studzinski
NORMAL – Former Illinois State football players looking to continue their careers at the pro level had a chance on Wednesday to impress NFL scouts during the school’s pro day.
In all, about 20 players participated in the day’s various drills. Offensive lineman Jermaine Barton felt like things went well for him.
“I didn’t get to participate in any drills or work out, but I did get to weigh-in and they took my height,” said Barton. “I’ve been pretty banged up from the season so I’m just waiting that out.”
Barton added he’d love to be a part of any NFL organization.
“Whether I get drafted, or free agency, or anything,” Barton said.
Defensive lineman Colin Keoshian said the success ISU had this past season helped a lot of players get noticed.
“We have a lot of great prospects to, hopefully, go into the league,” said Keoshian. “I feel like we did the best we could in a season to actually get attention.”
Receiver Lechein Neblett believed his numbers say a lot about the type of player he is.
“I felt real clean in and out of my breaks. I felt like I caught the ball pretty well,” said Neblett. “I showed that I can be productive after an injury and I’m only getting better. I know just have this underdog mentality and I just need one team to believe in me and I can help them.”
Long snapper Chris Highland said his goal Wednesday was to look athletic and let his snapping do his talking for him.
“I went up to Northwestern’s pro day a couple of weeks ago and they were very pleased with my performance up there,” said Highland. “There are some things that I have improved on since the season was over. (I) changed little, minor technical problems in my snap.
“Everything else has been in the weight room getting faster, getting stronger and that helps my snap, but also just helps my overall athleticism.”
Highland said the NFL scouts don’t provide too much feedback.
“They take everything that they see and they take it back to their general managers and their directors of scouting, and then decisions are made at that point,” said Highland. “Hopefully, when the draft gets closer I’ll start to hear more and more from teams about the actual logistics”
At least four NFL teams were in attendance Wednesday, those being the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, and Houston Texans.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].
