It’s all about putting your best foot forward when the NFL eyes are watching.
That was the case for 15 former Ragin’ Cajuns football players in front of just less than 30 team representatives Monday at UL’s Pro Day at the Moncla Indoor Practice Facility.
“It’s a lot of stress and a lot of pressure, because you’ve been working all these months with your head down buried under the water and you finally come up and have to put it all on display in one day,” left guard A.J. Gillie said.
Quarterback Ben Wooldridge remained as cool as ever.
“This is just bouncing around with your boys and you’ve got a couple more eyes watching you,” Woolridge said. “It’s all fun, it’s all good and then understanding the seriousness of it as well.”
Cornerback Keyon Martin showed off his speed with a sub-4.4 time in the 40-yard dash.
“I think this is the most nervous that I’ve ever been,” Martin said. “It’s just the anticipation up to it. You know you only get one shot to get it right. In a game, you’ve got multiple plays. Today, that pressure was there, but that pressure is a privilege.
“I’m comfortable with what I did today. I’m satisfied with it. I feel like I came out here and put it in all on the table. I think I did my thing.”
Martin and his former teammates have spent the offseason preparing to impress on pro day in the hopes of getting an opportunity in the NFL.
Lou Groza Award-winning placekicker Kenny Almendares was back at UL on Monday after a long stint working on his game in Buffalo, New York.
“I’ve been in some minus-10 type weather,” Almendares said. “Yes, I did that on purpose — trying to get away from distractions, but also if you kick in the cold, you can kick anywhere.
“Based on the way I worked out, the plan was to become the best kicker I could possibly become. The training was specified for that, and it’s something I’ve benefitted from a lot.”
Almendares' leg was so lively he was hitting the fan on the roof of the indoor facility. He made field goals as long as 63 yards.
“I haven’t taken a break since the bowl game,” Almendares said. “I’m trying to ride everything I’ve had and just feeling comfortable and confident.
“I think I did really well (Monday). I’m getting a lot of feedback, but at the end of the day, we’ve got to wait until draft day and see what happens.”
For linebacker K.C. Ossai, 277 career tackles at the college level doesn’t guarantee you anything in your NFL climb.
“I think I put my best foot forward out here,” Ossai said. “I still have a lot to do. This is just the beginning of the journey, though.
“I had a great team around me training-wise and facility-wise (in Frisco, Texas). Everybody I trained with pushed me as well. It’s been great.”
Wooldridge was working with his quarterback trainer Jordan Palmer during his scripted session. He’s been training in San Clemente, California, for the past three months.
“I think I’ve made tremendous leaps, and I’ve gotten a lot better,” Wooldridge said. “I got my shoulder healthy and got my body health. I think I’ve gotten a lot better with my footwork and being able to move efficiently and really adding velocity to my throws.”
Martin was a standout cornerback in Lafayette since transferring from Youngstown State and has been training in Deerfield Beach, Florida, since his college career ended.
“The whole process was a blessing,” Martin said. “I’m grateful for it. In my opinion, it was amazing. The whole time in Florida (I was) putting the work in and coming out here. A lot of people don’t get this opportunity, so I’m blessed.”
Gillie was also satisfied with his performance.
“Today, I felt like I did really good,” he said. “I came out and showed off pretty good and showed what I’ve been doing the whole offseason. It was good to be back around the guys on the team and be back in Cajun Nation.”