By Grant Abston, Sports Editor
While the draft day memories of former all-American Danieal Manning still linger in the minds of ACU fans, this year could turn out even bigger, as a handful of former players look to make a name for themselves as well as their alma mater in the 74th NFL Draft.
Wide receiver Johnny Knox, running back Bernard Scott, quarterback Billy Malone, offensive guard Joseph Thompson, safety Nick Fellows and tight end Kendrick Holloway have all received attention from NFL scouts and hope to fulfill their NFL dream this weekend. Out of the six players, Knox has emerged as the top prospect and is expected to be the first Wildcat taken in the draft.
“He has speed, hands, great productivity and tremendous character,” head football coach Chris Thomsen said. “He’s a great kid and is very consistent and has a strong work ethic. He also has great return skill, and there are a lot of different things people like about him.”
Knox transferred to ACU after a two-year career at Tyler Junior College and was a two-year starter, earning first team all-LSC honors in 2008, as well as a second-team selection on the D2Football.com all-American team. He also led the team with 56 catches for 1,069 yards and 13 touchdowns his senior season.
After receiving an invite to the NFL Combine that took place Feb. 18-24, Knox took advantage of the opportunity by running the third-fastest time in the 40-yard dash (4.34) and made a name for himself by turning in a solid all-around performance. In an interview posted on acusports.blogspot.com, ESPN draft analysis Mel Kiper projected Knox to be a late fourth or early fifth round pick.
“I’ve talked to almost every team and had a couple of private workouts, but we will see on Saturday or Sunday which team shows the most interest,” Knox said.
While Knox, a Houston-native, said he would love to be drafted by his hometown Texans, he would be happy wherever he is drafted and will treat draft day like any other day as he watches with his family in Houston.
“My dream team is the Texans because I’m from Houston, but everyone’s dream is to get drafted, and I would go to any team when it comes to the NFL.”
Running back Bernard Scott, ACU’s all-time leading rusher after just two seasons, was another NFL Combine invite who turned in solid times and is expected to go anywhere from the fifth round to being a priority free agent. Scott capped off his ACU career winning the Harlon Hill Trophy, the Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, after rushing for 2,156 yards and 28 touchdowns and catching 47 passes for 826 yards and six touchdowns. Scott also was a first-team D2Football.com all-America selection and earned first team all-LSC honors. Scott, a transfer from Blinn College, turned in the eighth-best 40-yard dash time at the Combine for running backs (4.56) and ranked high in several other categories.
Quarterback Billy Malone finished his ACU career as the all-time ACU and LSC record holder in numerous categories, including yards and touchdowns, and is projected to be a late round to free-agent pickup. He finished his senior season as a first team all-LSC selection and second-team D2Football.com all-America selection.
Joining Malone as a likely free agent will be offensive guard Joseph Thompson. Thompson, a four-year starter, earned first-team all-LSC honors last season and was contacted by scouts throughout his senior season. In addition to working out after the season, Thompson hired an agent and participated in different events to improve his status.
“I’m looking at free agency and more than likely will be a free agent guy,” Thompson said. “I didn’t run as well as I wanted too, but all in all, I’m looking forward to draft day and not looking to do a whole lot.”
While Thompson looks forward to his future, he recognizes the impact ACU has had on his football career, as well as the influence it has had on his life.
“My time here made me more relational than I already was, and my quest to be a better man was facilitated very well in this place with the coaches, professors and other people,” Thompson said. “It was a very diverse and exciting experience for me.”
Safety Nick Fellows, another likely free-agent pickup, leaves as a two-year starter after transferring from Baylor University. Fellows earned second-team all-LSC honors last season after recording 64 tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. After meeting with different NFL scouts throughout last season, Fellows performed well during ACU’s pro day and was invited to a second pro day by the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington.
If not drafted over the weekend, Fellows believes he will receive a phone call and be invited to a training camp after Philadelphia, Dallas, Houston and Green Bay all expressed interest.
“I will just be laying back watching the draft with a few close friends, my girlfriend and some other guys and I’m going to be praying it up and keep my phone on,” Fellows said.
While Fellows does not know where he will end up, he said he will rely on his faith, and he believes God has a plan whatever the outcome.
“Right now my faith level is up 100 percent,” Fellows said. “I would like to get drafted and that’s what I’m hoping for, but if not, I will be satisfied with the opportunity to play for an NFL team.”
Another player who scouts have expressed interest in is tight end Kendrick Holloway. Holloway earned first-team all-LSC honors last season after catching 21 passes for 213 yards and five touchdowns. Holloway also caught scouts attention with a good showing at ACU’s pro day and possibly could get an invite to training camp.
The NFL Draft begins Saturday and Sunday at Radio City Music Hall in New York, and Thomsen is excited that such a large group of Wildcats will be representing ACU and have drawn so much interest.
“Johnny and Bernard’s combine brought some interest,” Thomsen said. “Hopefully all those guys get an opportunity, and it’s a great group with great leadership, and it was a lot of fun to coach them.”
