Road to the NFL: Florence journal, Part X

In the 10th installment of his draft journal, Tuskegee defensive back Drayton Florence describes his recent experience at his pro timing day on campus. For the second time during the offseason, Florence tweaked his hamstring, but he is still a highly rated prospect. Just read, like Florence did, the draft chatter from SportsLine.com's NFL writer Pete Prisco ...

By Drayton Florence
Tuskegee CB draft prospect
Tuesday, April 1

This past week I had my individual pro day at Tuskegee. It was another interesting step in fulfilling my lifelong dream of getting to the NFL.

A total of 20 teams sent scouts, coaches, directors of scouting and defensive back coaches to watch my individual workout. I was flattered many teams sent representatives to watch me work out.

I wasn't nervous. I know what I can do and I think most of the teams are aware of my abilities. I was treating it like it was just another workout with my trainer, Tim Martin, in Ft. Lauderdale. The only difference was that there were NFL personnel watching me.

I went through the drills and think I did well. I feel I showed my speed in the three-cone drill, long shuttle and 20-yard shuttle. I didn't set any goals for myself; I just wanted to do the best that I could. After I finished, I thought I accomplished what I wanted to in those drills.

When I started doing my defensive back drills, I tweaked my hamstring a little. Just like the combine, I could've finished the drills, but I didn't want to become seriously injured.

Drayton Florence tweaks his hamstring once again.(Provided to SportsLine)

This coming week is a big one for me. The Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints have both made arrangements for me to come tour their facilities and meet their coaches. I am very excited to be going both places. I am truly honored these teams are considering drafting me and taking the time to fly me into their cities. It is very flattering.

In my spare time this past week when I was not preparing for the individual workout, I surfed on the Internet. I always check and see what the NFL writers are writing about the draft. I find it interesting to see what they are hearing from NFL front-office personnel. I stumbled upon the following sentence in an article by (SportsLine.com's) Pete Prisco:

"Watch out for the Florence kid," one scout said. "He could end up in that first round."

I really enjoyed reading that sentence.

With all that is going on in my life, and being written about me, I don't feel I have changed a bit. I'm just working hard and hanging out with my cousin, Cortlandt, just like I have during every other offseason. It is a very exciting time for me, but I'm not getting a big head. I'm staying very humble, because I haven't been drafted yet and I know I have to work hard each day to get the opportunity to play in the NFL.

I won't be one of those guys who, when they get to the NFL, people say they changed. Regardless if I'm picked in the first two rounds, or if I'm the last guy picked, I'm confident people will say, "Drayton Florence is a good guy, a hard worker and a fine football player who didn't let getting drafted go to his head."

Past Florence journals: Part IX | Part VIII | Part VII | Part VI | Part V | Part IV | Part III | Part II | Part I