The Dream Lives On.

Article by Matt Anzio

The 2018 NFL draft has came and went.

Some guys heard there name called early, and some late  more became undrafted free agents after the festivities had ended.

Then there were the ones who never heard that phone ring. Never got the joy of celebrating with family & friends.Despite the fact they were productive in College , good numbers at pro days or have some amazing highlight reels. Every week i receive highlights of them working out, training and improving.

Many come from very small name schools. Most scouts don’t want to take the time out of there busy non stop hectic lives.Many teams don’t want to pay scouts to visit schools with only one prospect of interest.

With so many prospects from so many schools, it can be very hard to catch the right scouts or GM’s attention.   Not every NFL talent gets on a NFL team.So many schools and certain positions were extremely deep this year.Including positions like Safety, RB, WR and DT were extremely deep. Some guys that might normally of been drafted didn’t get a look.

I try to help all the prospects i can but certain ones jump out to me. Whether it’s pure talent, great work ethic,or just quality young men. Or in some cases all three. Here are some players i have gotten to known not only as players thru tape but as genuine good people.

*Wide Receiver- Tre Long, Shaw U 6’2 219 lbs.

Tough WR with a knack for making tough catches in traffic.Working extremely hard waiting for chance. Ran a 4.52 forty at his pro day, 4.4 twenty yd shuttle SR year 46 catches 447 yds and 2 TD’s.Played in FCS Bowl had 3 catches for 47 yds. Second all time in yards, school history and 100 yds from first

*Tight End- Kalias Robertson, Alabama A&M, 6’3 235 lbs.

A strong top notch blocking TE/H back that was CFB ranked top 10 tight end for 2017. Runs a 4.6 forty, 18 reps on the bench.Didn’t get used much in pass game but was a leading blocker and ST ace. Working hard everyday and I can tell you personally he has not given up. He is ready for a shot.

DL- Freddie Hart- Shorter U, 6’2 300 lbs.

Freddie is working in the gym getting faster and stronger everyday. Strong as an ox with 28 on the bench. This young man had 28 tackles, 5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FF and 2 QB hurries. 3 tackles in the 2017 American Bowl and team captain 2017.

Safety- Dorsey Q Norris, North Alabama 5’11 210 lbs

Smart player that can reads and reacts fast. Cerebral hitter with good vision that takes good angles and makes plays. 2 years had 135 tackles, 4 INT’s, 4 FF, 5 TFL and 6 pass break ups. Also set the NCAA D2 playoff record for most forced fumbles.

Level headed young man with a ton of heart.

Safety/nickel- Cedrick Malone Jr, Jax State transfer from USC 6’ 200lb.

Quick get off , strong with vertical ability. 4.46 forty, 1.55 split, 38” vert, 17 bench , 10’3 broad 6.8 3 cone drill. Good reach and 10” hands has the tools. Working hard willing to play CB, safety or whatever needed.

Wide Receiver/ KR- Treydonte Hill, Tabor 5’8 180lb

Normally guys with 4.31 forty’s get a shot.

Quick twitch exciting home run hitting weapon.

With new KR rules, he could carve out a niche in the return game. 33 inch vert for 5’8 is impressive.

Got some tryouts but in general has flown under the radar, pun intended.

All these guys process the ability and fortitude that deserves a chance at the next level. Whether in the NFL or CFL. The fact they still aren’t in camps is a testament to the depth of the 2017 class.

Getting harder and harder for small school guys to get noticed.

I can only hope this article reaches some scouts that can see  the light I see, in these great players. Type of guys that don’t give up first time things don’t go as planned. Keep hitting the gym, watching the tape and doing the work it takes. I am proud of these guys and blessed to tell their story.