While many students carefully watch their favorite NFL teams draft new players in anticipation for the upcoming season, seniors Curtis James and Ayo Idowu wait for the call of a lifetime.

Idowu and James were not selected in the draft Saturday, but both believe they will be picked up by teams as “preferred free agents.” James said the final round of the draft is not the final straw of getting into the NFL. Once the draft is over, teams will continue to pick up players, first as preferred free agents, and then free agents. James said this was a way for teams to get players without having to pay signing bonuses.

“The teams can take 15 priority free agents after the draft who they think have a shot and can really benefit their program,” James said. “That’s where I want to land.”

Both players tried to relax while waiting for a phone call from a team during the big draft weekend. Idowu plans to spend time with his family while James will be relaxing in the sun in Las Vegas.

“It’s a blessing. We’re hoping for a PFA spot anywhere in the country, getting on a plane and heading out there for mini camp,” James said.

Both James and Idowu have trained to be at peak physical condition to impress NFL scouts With heavy workouts, speed training and meticulous diets, preparation for the big stage has taken top priority.

Idowu said he plans to be as flexible and knowledgeable as possible, studying multiple positions such as outside linebacker, going into the draft. James is trying out for the center position.

“I may be playing a different position, so it’s a lot of ‘back to basics’ stuff. I’m trying to learn new positions that take people four years to learn in a matter of a month or two,” Idowu said.

James and Idowu performed at the Minnesota Gopher Pro Day on March 4, where they showed their skills in events like the 40-yard dash, bench press and 20-yard shuttle run. Scouts watch and track each player’s progress throughout the Pro Day. With help from their agents, players then go on a mad dash to advertise themselves to teams before the draft commences.

Idowu said the idea of having an agent was weird at first, but he is happy for the help.

“I always would make jokes like, ‘I’ll have my people call your people,’ but it’s cool for (my agent) to really show me through this process,” Idowu said.

James and Idowu will head to training camp immediately if selected by a team as preferred free agents. New players are brought in and plunged into the strategy and terminology of each team.

Teams have shown interest in both players, with contact through their agents. According to James and Idowu, one team has kept eye on both of them: the Minnesota Vikings.

Junior Joey Mohlin attended the Vikings draft party at Mall of America Field Thursday night. Mohlin said he would like to see some Tommies on his favorite team.

“It would be pretty cool to see the Vikings pick up them up. It’s awesome that these Division III guys have a shot,” Mohlin said. “I think the community would love to see them in Vikings purple.”

With support from the St. Thomas community, James and Idowu can look specifically to one figure for words of encouragement.

Coach Glenn Caruso said he was proud of James’ and Idowu’s accomplishment of getting to this position and showing their dedication.

“They’re good football players, but you don’t get this opportunity by just being a good football player,” Caruso said. “The odds of moving on to the next level are staggering when you look at them, and for them to even have that option is a testament to their hard work.”

Alex Goering can be reached at goer8777@stthomas.edu.