by JUSTIN BROWN

2.24.10

To date, there are 477 prospects registered for the 2010 NFL Draft and only 224 total draft selections. (Scout.com) For many former collegiate athletes, these next few months, prior to the April 22^nd event, means making the most of a once in a lifetime opportunity. Everything is on the line. Every choice made and action taken can lead to a desired, or undesired, result. For most of these players, the realization of a dream is closer now than it ever will be. The process by which most athletes adhere to is just as phenomenal as their world-class athletic abilities.

The process of preparing for the NFL draft starts as early as sophomore year for outstanding prospects to the likes of Florida Safety Joe Haden, USC Defensive End Everson Griffin, and Oklahoma Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy. The NFL requires that draft declarees have at the least 3 years minimum post-high school experience. Even still, most collegiate players find the four years of eligibility essential to their career development, much like I did.

The first step of the process is taking the time to select a reputable and trustworthy agent. The agent selection process can be tiring and difficult, but very necessary. It’s important that players find an agent who will work in the player’s best interest in a persistent and prudent manner. Surprisingly, even though there is an abundance of agents to choose from, finding one who meets this criterion is a daunting task.

As a starting Defensive End for Notre Dame, I started receiving calls and packets weekly during the summer before my final season. While I was not a highly touted prospect, this was the norm for most prospects looking to embark upon their dream of playing in the NFL.

The next step of the process in draft preparation is halted until the end of the college football season. When the athlete plays his last game as a collegiate player, the time now comes to make things official with the agent and register for the NFL draft. This means paperwork and meetings with agents and college coaches to be clear on your status as a prospect.

It’s much like going through the recruiting process again as high school athlete. The phone calls, sending out tapes, working out, etc. All of this is just an upgraded version of recruitment.

By January, most athletes have been able to sit down with their agents and schedule training locations and sessions. I worked out in Atlanta, Ga. for six weeks prior to my pro-day. No matter where a player trains, January-April is a continuous work cycle when athletes tune their bodies suitable for the tests and measurements administered by the NFL Scouts. In Indianapolis, on Feb. 24^th at the NFL Scouting Combine, the top players in the nation will undergo a series of tests to evaluate prospects physically, mentally, and psychologically.

All of this takes place while these athletes are still involved with classes and in some cases are working to graduate at the conclusion of this academic semester. There are many distractions and deterrents along the journey to April 22^nd. Focusing in on the dream at hand and the inspiration to that dream may be the only thing to keep the athlete going at times. The hard work for those determined and driven is just beginning.

This whole process is draining. Physically, players exhaust the maximum effort from their bodies, and emotionally, nothing draws more emotion and passion from an individual than pursuing their dreams.

Through the end of it all, most prospects will realize through some unfortunate circumstances that the roads of life will be taking an alternate route, while others will realize and capitalize on the opportunities afforded to them. Some will look at their circumstances and claim unfairness. Some will go on to compete for starting NFL positions on premier teams.

It’s a business just like any other. Some prospects will be good, some will be lucky. Some succeed. Some fail. There’s no exact formula for success in making it to the NFL. Most times, it’s where hard work and determination meet opportunity. And through some odd chance of luck and preparation, someday, whether it’s April 22 or beyond then, an NFL team may just call your name. Just be ready when they do.