Nash hopes coronavirus didn't cost him his NFL dreams
Posted March 18, 2020 8:44 p.m. EDT
Updated March 18, 2020 11:16 p.m. EDT
Raleigh, N.C. — The coronavirus cost Durrell Nash thousands of dollars, and he's hoping it didn't just cost him his dream of playing in the NFL.
"Guys spent thousands of dollars for their testing and athletic training and for some guys all that time effort and money just went out the window," Nash said.
Here's the back story to understand what Nash is referring to.
In 2019, he was a stud for the St. Augustine's Falcons at linebacker. Offenses in the CIAA feared seeing Nash line up against them for a reason. He led the conference in tackles with 92 and ranked 18th in the nation in tackles in Division II football. Scary.
Because of his standout play last season, Nash was invited to the first-ever HBCU Combine held by the NFL. A way for players from HBCU's who normally fly under the radar to get direct feedback from and seen by NFL Scouts.
"As a small-school athlete you have to be invited to other school's pro days and my school (didn't) have a pro day," Nash said. "So this was basically my opportunity to showcase my talents to the NFL."
Nash, along with Keanu Gonzales and Kevonta Moses from Shaw, and Darius Royster from North Carolina Central were the four Triangle college football stars to get invited to the first-ever HBCU Combine. But after so many tournaments and seasons in the sports world were canceled last week due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, the HBCU Combine was also canceled.
"I was heart-broken, honestly," Nash said with sadness coming from his voice. "I've been training for it since November just getting my body right so I can make sure when I get the opportunity to showcase myself in front of NFL Scouts that I'll be prepared."
Since finding out the news, the Chicago native admitted he's had moments of doubt, fear and anger. Linebackers with his stats from the Alabama's or the LSU's never have an issue getting NFL Scouts to see them. Linebackers just four miles away at NC State with the same statistics wouldn't have an issue getting in front of scouts either.
"It does take a toll on me mentally because, you know, this is kind of all I've been working for and to see the opportunity get shut in my face, it's hard to deal with," Nash said.
But Nash is a fighter. He bounced from Lincoln (Mo.) to Murray State before he landed in Raleigh at St. Augustine's. So playing the underdog role is nothing new to him. He says going to the XFL or to Canada in the CFL isn't above him and that he'll do whatever it takes to finally capture his dream.
"All I need is a shot," Nash said. "All I need is my foot in the door and I guarantee they won't find somebody that works as hard as me or that'll get the job done the way that it needs to be, better than I can."
