Indiana University Athletics
Hoosier Seniors Prepare for Possible Pro Careers
1/11/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Jan. 11, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Former Indiana offensive tackle Isaac Sowells and running back Chris Taylor are preparing to take the next step towards possible professional football careers, as both players will participate in the 2006 Las Vegas All-American Classic on Jan. 14 at Sam Boyd Stadium.
Less than two months after their final collegiate regular season game, Sowells and Taylor are auditioning for more than 100 professional scouts this week in Las Vegas. The trip culminates on Saturday with an all-star game featuring some of the nation's top senior players.
Both players are pleased with their performances so far.
"Scouts have told me that they know that I am a good straight ahead runner, but they want to see more finesse," Taylor said. "We were tested in the 40(-yard dash), and I ran the fastest 40 here (4.4), so that should help."
The 6-3, 330-pound Sowells knows that versatility will be the key in his pro career pursuits.
"I will probably see time at guard," the former IU left tackle said. "I have long arms, and I have improved my speed."
The all-star game also allows the players to renew old acquaintances as well as build new ones.
"(Former Miami [Fla.] middle linebacker) Leon Williams played on the same Pee Wee team as (current IU kick and punt returner) Lance Bennett," Taylor said of one of their East squad teammates. "I remember Lance telling me that he knew Leon, and when we reported to Las Vegas earlier this week, Leon introduced him to me and said that he knew Lance."
Taylor and Sowells have also caught up with some former Big Ten opponents.
"Brett Basanez from Northwestern is one of our quarterbacks," Sowells said. "When we played Michigan, I went up against (linebacker) Pierre Woods. We exchanged words during some of those games, but we laugh about it now."
However, Woods does not see the humor in one former Hoosier.
"Pierre told me that (former IU fullback-turned middle linebacker) John Pannozzo was the toughest fullback that he ever faced," Taylor said. "He said that when we played at Michigan (in 2003), John really pancaked him a few times."
Taylor and Sowells continue to face some of the nation's top players this Saturday, while Sowells continues on to the East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 21 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
