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Over the past few weeks, I have been lucky enough to conduct some interviews with players getting ready to venture their way into the National Football League. Along with learning more about these great players and future stars, I’ve also had the chance to realize them as amazing people. Driven, determined young men with a life long dream that is about to be fulfilled. The kids embarking on a journey in what will be their toughest and most stressful year of their life, making the transition from college to the pros. For some, it will be an easier path, but each and every single one of these athletes are determined to not only be in the NFL, but to be great. I will take a look at some of these players and give my thoughts on them as the amazing athletes they are.

Conte Cuttino, RB, Stony Brook

Always facing a challenge, Conte Cuttino found himself always pushing forward. From being a small high school recruit to being a small college prospect, Cuttino was always fighting an uphill battle, one that he is determined to conquer. Cuttino finished his college career as the leading rusher in Stony Brook University history, but that isn’t the only thing capturing the eyes of the NFL scouts. His 4.44 40 yard dash time and explosive leg strength have people buzzing. His quick feet and great vision on the field can be compared to that of Brian Westbrook. A threat in the running and passing games, Cuttino provides a versatile player that will give his all everytime he laces up his cleats. If given the opportunity, Conte Cuttino could be a very big threat in this league.

Ekom Udofia, DT, Stanford

Ekom Udofia is not just your average athlete. Coming into his time at Stanford, Ekom’s deciding factor wasn’t just the athletics of the school. No, the intelligent young man also wanted a place where he could have a high valute in academics as well. With a big size and ability, Ekom definitely has what it takes to make it in the league. His 36 repititions of 225 lbs. is an impressive amount given the numbers put up by the participants at the NFL scouting combine. His college football career came to a close with 127 career tackles, a good number for a defensive tackle. Ekom is what some would call a sleeper in the draft, but this team player has the chance to be much more than that. Ekom Udofia is prepared to take the field on Sunday’s and he’s grateful for every single second of it.

Ricky Sapp, DE/OLB, Clemson

In a league in which the 3-4 defense is becoming even more popular, the defensive end-outside linebacker hybrids are becoming a hot commodity. Enter Ricky Sapp. The Clemson defensive end is projected to be someone a 3-4 team will take to be a linebacker. With 4.7 speed, Sapp definitely can do it. His 16 career sacks and 54 quarterback pressures at Clemson makes him a player that many teams will consider as a pass rusher. He’s fought back from injury and questions to give teams something to talk about. In the next few days, Sapp hopes to hear his name being called within the first 3 rounds, and that is a very good possibility. With his mix of size and speed, look for Sapp to make some noise in the backfield of many offenses in the coming seasons.

Walter McFadden, CB, Auburn

Battling questions of being too small was something Walter McFadden was used to. When the time came to show up at his pro day, he answered those questions with flying colors. The 5′11″, 181 lbs. cornerback also put on a show with his 4.4 40 yard dash and 35″ vertical leap. However, it isn’t just his workout numbers that have teams talking. He finished his senior year with 6 interceptions, proving that he has a nose for the ball, something all teams can appreciate. He has football in his blood. The bright young man from Auburn will follow in his brother, Bryant’s, footsteps in his path to the NFL. With just days to go, Walter looks towards the future, a job in which he should have for a long time as he’s a hard working kid.

Andre Anderson, RB, Tulane

A high character guy with a lot to give to any NFL team, Andre Anderson is on the right road to the NFL. His dedication to hard work and his ability to help in any aspect of a running back’s game, Anderson looks like a possible steal in the draft. Being projected as a late round pick, Anderson has something to prove to those that may doubt him and he should get the chance to do just that. His ability to catch the ball and be a ‘North-South’ runner will earn him playing time early in his career. If his character and motivation is any sign of things to come, he’ll take advantage of any opportunity that comes his way. He’s taking in the advice of those that took this same path, and he’s coming into the league with an open mind. Watch for Anderson to be a possible big time player.

Matt Mayberry, LB, Indiana

He loves hard work, he loves football. What more can you ask for? Matt Mayberry is a motivated young man with a strong work ethic and skills to show for it. His 4.45 40 yard dash makes him one of the fastest linebackers in this year’s class. His 10.5 sacks and 3 interceptions also provides a look at his playmaking ability from the linebacker spot. With the NFL teams in love with athletic players, Mayberry fits the bill. He also takes time to motivate others to do great things, including working hard for whatever it is you want in life. With his mentality and skill level, there is no doubting that Mayberry has everything you want in an NFL player. A projected late round pick, Mayberry just wants to play football, and he has a great chance to do so for a long time.

In less than 48 hours, the 32 NFL teams will begin the selection process of the NFL Draft. Name after name will be called over the course of three days and seven rounds. And whether or not these players will have their names called is yet to be determined. Regardless of the outcome, you can expect each of these players to do whatever they can to play on Sunday’s for the coming years of their lives. With their hard work and dedication to greatness, each of these players have the shot of a life time and there is no way they let it slip through their hands. For Conte, Ekom, Ricky, Walter, Andre and Matt, the next few days will be the most important days they have ever experienced. While there is no determining how it will play out for them respectively, they all deserve to play the game of football. The game they love and the game they’ve always wanted to play. They deserve greatness.