The NFL draft will take place from April 25 to 27 and Geoffrey Cantin-Arku will try to become the next Quebecer to make the jump to the big league. He believes that his Pro Day, which took place Thursday in Memphis in front of recruiters from the 32 teams, opened many eyes.
• Read also: “I’m sure I’ll have my chance”: Geoffrey Cantin-Arku is the next Quebecer to approach the NFL
The inside linebacker, who played at Cégep Garneau before continuing his career in the NCAA with the universities of Syracuse and Memphis, trained in front of NFL scouts present on campus.
Different exercises to which all the hopefuls undergo have made it possible to measure their speed, power and agility.
All NFL teams were on hand to watch 14 University of Memphis Tigers players practice.
“I don’t have any official results at the moment, but I know I did well. I was able to talk to teams after Pro Day and the scouts seemed very happy. For the moment, I know little, but I am very happy with what it turned out,” rejoiced Cantin-Arku, who is trying to follow in the footsteps of his good friend Matthew Bergeron, drafted a year ago year by the Atlanta Falcons.
A great opportunity
Photo Getty Images via AFP
At the end of his fifth university season, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Lévisien did not receive an invitation to a bowl for graduates, such as the Senior Bowl. He was also not invited to the evaluation camp (Combine) of the NFL in Indianapolis.
This Pro Day in Memphis therefore became the ultimate opportunity to get noticed by NFL teams. In the past, the exercise has opened the doors of the Goodell circuit to other Quebec players who have looked good.
“I feel like I’ve increased my value to teams. If I didn’t have their attention, I definitely have it,” he said.
Cantin-Arku says that before Pro Day, he had good discussions with the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys, as examples. In Memphis, he spoke at length with a Philadelphia Eagles recruiter.
“I’m very confident. It was a first for me to have the opportunity to train in front of NFL scouts. It’s a golden opportunity and I’m grateful.”
“In the linebacker drills, I was able to show that I could move my hips well in pass coverage. I can cover receivers, tight ends and running backs. I am really satisfied,” he said.
Time for interviews
Now that Cantin-Arku has completed the physical phase of his evaluation process, there remains the mental part to attack. Some teams will want to get to know him more during interviews with him in the coming weeks.
“I’m waiting to hear from four or five teams for interviews. Of course, the fact that I have a different story, that I come from somewhere else, can attract their attention. “Teams are interested in players who have a good head on their shoulders and who put in the effort.”
“What we realize at this point in a Pro Day is that they don’t reveal their game. Once there, teams want to be subtle. Basically, what I was told was that I did really well and that we’ll see each other again soon,” said Cantin-Arku, specifying in passing that teams from the Canadian League were also on the spot.
“I know the future is positive for me, no matter what happens. I gave everything and my fate is now in God’s hands. I put all the chances on my side.”
2024-03-28 21:55:22
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