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The smaller colleges in Louisiana have always sent quality talent into the NFL. This year is no exception as Nicholls State defensive back Lardarius Webb, McNeese State wide receiver Quentin Lawrence and offensive tackle Kyle Link, Northwestern State offensive guard Tim Henderson and wide receiver Dudley Guice and UL-Lafayette wide receiver/return specialist Jason Chery, are expected to be selected in next weekend’s draft.
One player looking to prove that he has the skills to play at the next level is UL-Lafayette running back Tyrell Fenroy. Fenroy ,who I have projected to be a fifth round selection, has heard the same story every time he has made a step up that he is too small to play football.
Despite rushing for 4,320 yards and 72 touchdowns at St. Charles Catholic High School, Fenroy was passed over by every Southeastern Conference and Conference USA schools.
<center><p><a href="http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20090420/OPINION01/904209966?Title=Potential-trades-could-shake-things-up-in-first-round-of-NFL-draft" target="_blank">The rest of the story</a>
Mike Detillier
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With the NFL draft quickly approaching the same sort of questions about his lack of size is being brought up, however, it does not bother the record breaking running back from the River Parishes.
“People have questioned my ability and my size since I started playing football and I just answer them with what I have done on the football field,” Fenroy said. “I love playing the game and it has always been my dream to play pro football. I enjoyed my time at UL-Lafayette. Maybe it was meant to be because if I had gone to a larger school, they may have not given me the chance to showcase my skills like what has happened to me at UL-Lafayette.”
The 5-foot 8 ¼-inch, 208 pound halfback is UL-Lafayette’s and the Sun Belt Conference’s all-time leader in rushing with 4,642 yards. This past season he rushed for 1,375 yards, which made him only the seventh player in NCAA history to rush for over 1,000 yards in four straight seasons.
Despite those lofty numbers, Fenroy was not invited to any post-season bowl game or the NFL Combine in February.
“I was disappointed not to get to play in any bowl game or go to the Combine workout, but I can’t control those issues. It just made me work harder to prove to the scouts and the teams that showed interest in me that I could take my game to the next level,” Fenroy said. “I look at the NFL game and there are a lot of backs that were drafted in the later rounds and some from the smaller schools that some thought weren’t big enough and they are playing in the league. It’s all about making plays when given the opportunity.”
Fenroy says that he has worked hard in the off-season to pick up weight and also to upgrade his overall game.
“Since the season ended I have picked up about eight to nine pounds of weight and worked hard to improve my overall strength. I know the NFL is a more physical league and you have to keep yourself in top condition,” Fenroy said. “It’s also just not a league that wants you to run the ball, so I catch about 100 to 125 passes a day and I have also worked hard at improving my techniques as a pass blocker. I really believe my versatility is a big plus for me. The more you can do the better shot you have to play and last in the NFL.”
Fenroy says that many scouts have asked him about returning kicks.
“I would love to return kickoffs or punts also. In high school, I returned kickoffs and I know how important that element is in the NFL also. I grew up watching Michael Lewis return kicks for the New Orleans Saints and Devin Hester with the Bears is unbelievable returning kicks,” Fenroy said. “That part of the game gets everyone excited. The fans and team respond in a great way when you have a big return or when someone brings a punt or kickoff back for a touchdown. I am confident I have the speed and running skills to excel in that area.”
At UL-Lafayette’s Pro-Day Fenroy ran a (4.47) 40-yard dash time, he posted a 38-inch vertical leap and he did 18 reps of 225 pounds, but he knows his long resume of work is what will attract a team to select him.
“The process leading up to the draft is long, but I enjoy working out and I love the game. I have worked out for a lot of teams, the New Orleans Saints included,” Fenroy said. “The one team that showed the most interest in me so for has been the Chicago Bears, but I have been told that sometimes that doesn’t mean that the team that shows the most interest will be the one to select you. I can’t wait till next weekend and for the draft process to begin. I just want an opportunity to play in the NFL.”
If Fenroy is picked next weekend, he will become the first player from St. Charles Catholic to be selected in the NFL draft.
NFL analysts Mike Detillier lives in Raceland.
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