By By Jeremy Smith
The next few days will likely be a nerve-wracking time for former
Demopolis High and University of Minnesota standout Cedric McKinley.
The NFL Draft begins Thursday and runs through Saturday. During that time, McKinley will likely check his phone almost compulsively.
A number of teams were present at that showcase, with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly showing some level of interest in McKinley.
In the weeks since then, McKinley has been concentrating on keeping in shape in the event that his call does come.
The defensive lineman is in the same boat as hundreds of other former collegians this week as his football future remains murky at best until the dust settles after the draft.
He also forced two fumbles and recovered three while starting only nine games for the Gophers. his play was productive, but was a tick below his hopes following a breakout performance in the 2008 Insight Bowl that saw him record four tackles and two sacks against Kansas.
But college numbers mean little in the draft process and that is partially what the 6-foot-6, 282-pound defensive end is counting on.