Time is Now for NFL Hopefuls

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – When most kids pick up a football for the first time they dream of one day making it to the NFL. That dream could become a reality for several former Orange players this week.

Punter Riley Dixon, defensive end Ron Thompson, offensive lineman Rob Trudo, quarterback Terrel Hunt and cornerback Julian Whigham are among a handful of those hoping to take the next step in their football careers when the 2016 NFL Draft gets underway Thursday, April 28 in Chicago.

This year's annual NFL selection meeting runs through Saturday, and while most of the focus is on the draft, the free-agent process affords another pathway into an NFL camp for many players. As soon as the draft ends, teams frantically work the phones signing undrafted free agents, all in the quest of securing the best talent available.

Since the conclusion of the 2015 season, Syracuse's pro football hopefuls have been trying to prove to scouts that they have the skills teams covet. Dixon and Thompson attended the NFL Scouting Combine in February. Seven players participated in Syracuse's annual Pro Day in March, and some, including Hunt, have arranged individual workouts for teams.

Dixon and Thompson are the most likely to be selected. They are projected as potential late-round picks by some analysts. For Dixon, who went from walk-on to All-ACC First Team honoree at Syracuse, the whole experience up to this point has been surreal.

"To be in this position is a blessing," Dixon said. "I never thought in a million years that I'd be on the phone talking to some of the coaches I've talked to during this process."

Dixon estimates he's spoken with approximately 20 teams. Some have just called to verify his phone number or his agent's contact information, while others have expressed more serious interest. Draft analysts have pegged Dixon as one of the top two or three punters available, and NFL.com's Chad Reuter projects Dixon will go in the seventh round to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

While being chosen by a six-time Super Bowl champion would certainly be exciting, Dixon said all he's looking for is an opportunity. Whether that's with Pittsburgh or any of the other 31 teams.

"I'll play football anywhere. I love kicking footballs. Wherever that may be I'll be happy to go there. I'm in," Dixon said.

Dixon said he plans to gather with family and close friends this weekend to watch the draft, however, tuning in for the proceedings will be more difficult for Trudo. He'll be in IDE 712, a class entitled "Analysis for Human Performance Technology Decisions," that meets from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Trudo knows he's under the radar, but the feedback he's received has been positive. He said teams have been most impressed by his versatility and toughness. A starter since his freshman year in 2012, Trudo played right guard, left guard and center during his Orange career. He sometimes played both guard spots in the same game and rarely missed time due to injury.

As for that class Saturday? Trudo says he might have to step out for a minute.

"Teams have told me to be by the phone," he said.

For those who get the call this weekend, they will enter an impressive Syracuse fraternity. The Orange have sent at least one player to the NFL through the draft or free agency every year since 1953.

Live coverage of the first round begins Thursday night at 8 p.m. on ESPN and the NFL Network. The second and third rounds are Friday night, while Rounds 4-7 are scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

For complete coverage of Syracuse and Syracuse football, follow us on Facebook (Syracuse Orange & Syracuse Football), Twitter (@Cuse & @CuseFootball), Instagram (@Cusepics, @CuseFootball) and watch exclusive video content on Cuse TV.

Syracuse University Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Riley Dixon

Terrel Hunt

Ron Thompson

Rob Trudo

Julian Whigham

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