BleedGopher
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2008
- Messages
- 62,293
- Reaction score
- 18,972
- Points
- 113
per STrib:
Hurdles for prospective players started before rookie minicamps were shelved. Winston DeLattiboudere, a former Gophers defensive end, wasn't invited to the NFL scouting combine in February. He, like many, anticipated the Gophers' March 25 pro day as his chance to show off to NFL scouts. It was canceled.
DeLattiboudere made his own stage. He recruited former Maryland high school teammates who played at Division II programs to record their own "pro day" on cellphone video. DeLattiboudere took notes on combine drills run by top prospects such as Iowa's A.J. Epenesa, a second-round pick by the Buffalo Bills, and mimicked them for a video sent to NFL and CFL teams.
"I want to show I can do the exact same drill," DeLattiboudere said. "Like, I can compete with the big dogs, basically."
DeLattiboudere, who has an undergraduate degree in criminology and a master's degree in youth development, wants to eventually become a football coach. But that passion and understanding of the game is best shown to NFL teams in person. For now, outside linebacker drills at a skills development gym in Minneapolis could expand his game and provide the versatility teams covet.
"That's something I decided to push to make my superpower," DeLattiboudere said. "Tyler Johnson can catch one-handed behind his back, and with me — I use my brain."
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
Hurdles for prospective players started before rookie minicamps were shelved. Winston DeLattiboudere, a former Gophers defensive end, wasn't invited to the NFL scouting combine in February. He, like many, anticipated the Gophers' March 25 pro day as his chance to show off to NFL scouts. It was canceled.
DeLattiboudere made his own stage. He recruited former Maryland high school teammates who played at Division II programs to record their own "pro day" on cellphone video. DeLattiboudere took notes on combine drills run by top prospects such as Iowa's A.J. Epenesa, a second-round pick by the Buffalo Bills, and mimicked them for a video sent to NFL and CFL teams.
"I want to show I can do the exact same drill," DeLattiboudere said. "Like, I can compete with the big dogs, basically."
DeLattiboudere, who has an undergraduate degree in criminology and a master's degree in youth development, wants to eventually become a football coach. But that passion and understanding of the game is best shown to NFL teams in person. For now, outside linebacker drills at a skills development gym in Minneapolis could expand his game and provide the versatility teams covet.
"That's something I decided to push to make my superpower," DeLattiboudere said. "Tyler Johnson can catch one-handed behind his back, and with me — I use my brain."
Absent tryouts, NFL hopefuls from Minnesota look for options to lost dreams
Adam Thielen knows his chance to play in the NFL came from tryouts he attended after playing at Minnesota State. But this year's top small college players don't have that option because of the pandemic.
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!