Former Hornets quarterback
Greg Jenkins is ready for the 2013 NFL Draft to get here. Now, that day has arrived.
His sentiments are shared by former teammates, CB
Saeed Lee, FS
Kejuan Riley, and OT
Terren Jones as the draft is set for Thursday – Saturday in New York City.
"I've been very anxious. I'm had to practice staying patient," Jenkins said. "I'm ready for this to be over."
Completing 137 of 233 passes for 1691 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions, Jenkins played quarterback his entire collegiate career, but was switched to the wide receiver position during the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
"I hadn't played wide receiver since the ninth grade, but I'm a natural athlete so I adjusted very well; it was a natural transition," he said. "Also, having played quarterback, I will know what the quarterback wants, like where to be in your route and those type things. I'll know what he's looking for."
Lee, a walk-on at Alabama State, said it's the non-football part of the draft experience that's been the most frustrating.
"It's been an up-and-down roller coaster. It's really stressful because it's the parts you can't control, the parts that don't have anything to do with football," he said. "The pro days of which teams like you, which teams don't, those type things."
Also competing in a post-season game, the Raycom All-Star Game, Lee said he spent the week doing what he does best.
"It was fun. A great experience," he said. "It gave me an opportunity to practice and play with athletes of all calibers, and there was no difference. I spent the week working hard and having fun playing football."
Riley, a native of Wetumpka, is a two-time SBN All-American and was also named an All-American by the Sports Network, American Football Coaches Association, Boxtorow.com and College Sporting News. Competing in East-West Shrine Game, completed his Hornets career leading in both interceptions (21) and interception return yards (348).
"This entire draft process has been an interesting experience. From meeting new people to working on getting faster, stronger and bigger, it's been a wonderful experience," Riley said. "It's also showed me what I already knew - I can play with anybody, at any level.
"Playing in the SWAC, I think we carry a little bit of a chip on our shoulders because of all the "level of competition talk," he continued. "I've always played with a chip on my shoulder because I wanted to show everybody in the nation, not just the conference, that I was the best at my position."
Growing up a Baltimore Ravens fan, Jones has spent his time treating his draft workouts as a part of his regular routine.
"My all-star week was fun. Everybody was getting pumped up but it was something I've been practicing for my entire football life," he said "It was just like practicing again, only this time in front of NFL scouts."
