Indiana University Athletics
Sudfeld Eager For New Opportunity, Wherever It Is
4/5/2016 9:13:00 AM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Nate Sudfeld said he doesn't have any idea where he might be drafted. He doesn't know by who, either.
And that's okay.
After throwing in front of scouts at Mellencamp Pavilion last Friday as part of Indiana's Pro Day, the Modesto, Calif., native said he's not concerned about when or where he'll get drafted. Instead, he's trying to enjoy the ride.
"I know I'll get an opportunity to play somewhere, and wherever that is, I'm going to out-work whoever is there and be the best player and teammate I can be," Sudfeld said. "My goal is to be a starter. I don't know when I'll get there, but I'm going to put in the work."
Sudfeld has gotten used to throwing in front of NFL scouts between the annual East-West Shrine Game, NFL Scouting Combine and Indiana's Pro Day. He's also got scheduled workouts with a number of NFL teams in the coming weeks.
In front of Friday's crowd, Sudfeld worked through his route tree with former Hoosiers Shane Wynn (now with New Orleans' practice squad) and Tandon Doss (an NFL free agent), as well as NFL hopefuls Andre Booker and Jordan Howard.
The majority of Sudfeld's throws in a roughly 45-minute session came from taking snaps under center to prove to scouts he could do so at the next level. For most of his Indiana career, the 6-foot-6 prospect worked out of the shotgun and has been adjusting to life under center in case the team he is drafted to plays out of it.
"If you watch Peyton Manning, he's standing in the gun. So is Drew Brees," IU head coach Kevin Wilson said. "We do so little (under center), that Nate wanted to show he could take a snap, take a drop and throw in rhythm."
Sudfeld also wanted to show he could compete elsewhere without a ball in his hands.
He participated in agility drills, the 40-yard dash and jumps before throwing.
Of note, he finished with an unofficial 4.57-second time in the pro agility drill, a 7.24-second three-cone drill and improved on his NFL combine vertical to 29.5 inches.
"For the most part I wasn't concerned about particular numbers," Sudfeld said. "I wanted to do the best I could and show I'm not afraid to do anything. I'll compete at whatever."
Sudfeld has been projected as a second or third day pick by various draft experts. One of the most decorated passers in Indiana history, Sudfeld said he hasn't bothered to pay much attention to where he sits.
For perspective on what is important through the process, Sudfeld has turned to older brother Zach for advice. Zach is a tight end for the New York Jets after originally signing with New England as an undrafted free agent in 2013 out of Nevada.
"My brother has been through the process," Sudfeld said. "He's talking me through ever part of it."
Ironically, Sudfeld said his drive to play professional football was rekindled when he couldn't throw at all.
While away from the game the second half of his junior season with a separated shoulder, Sudfeld said he missed the game. The injury hasn't set him back at all in the one-and-a-half years since, but the lesson from it remains just as strong.
He's not ready to stop playing football yet.
"When you lose something like that, you're like, 'I need it.' It's a precious opportunity to be out there," Sudfeld said. "I love it, the process, the third down in a big game, all that goes into it."
Sudfeld will keep loving it, too.
He just doesn't know where.
And that's okay.
After throwing in front of scouts at Mellencamp Pavilion last Friday as part of Indiana's Pro Day, the Modesto, Calif., native said he's not concerned about when or where he'll get drafted. Instead, he's trying to enjoy the ride.
"I know I'll get an opportunity to play somewhere, and wherever that is, I'm going to out-work whoever is there and be the best player and teammate I can be," Sudfeld said. "My goal is to be a starter. I don't know when I'll get there, but I'm going to put in the work."
Sudfeld has gotten used to throwing in front of NFL scouts between the annual East-West Shrine Game, NFL Scouting Combine and Indiana's Pro Day. He's also got scheduled workouts with a number of NFL teams in the coming weeks.
In front of Friday's crowd, Sudfeld worked through his route tree with former Hoosiers Shane Wynn (now with New Orleans' practice squad) and Tandon Doss (an NFL free agent), as well as NFL hopefuls Andre Booker and Jordan Howard.
The majority of Sudfeld's throws in a roughly 45-minute session came from taking snaps under center to prove to scouts he could do so at the next level. For most of his Indiana career, the 6-foot-6 prospect worked out of the shotgun and has been adjusting to life under center in case the team he is drafted to plays out of it.
"If you watch Peyton Manning, he's standing in the gun. So is Drew Brees," IU head coach Kevin Wilson said. "We do so little (under center), that Nate wanted to show he could take a snap, take a drop and throw in rhythm."
Sudfeld also wanted to show he could compete elsewhere without a ball in his hands.
He participated in agility drills, the 40-yard dash and jumps before throwing.
Of note, he finished with an unofficial 4.57-second time in the pro agility drill, a 7.24-second three-cone drill and improved on his NFL combine vertical to 29.5 inches.
"For the most part I wasn't concerned about particular numbers," Sudfeld said. "I wanted to do the best I could and show I'm not afraid to do anything. I'll compete at whatever."
Sudfeld has been projected as a second or third day pick by various draft experts. One of the most decorated passers in Indiana history, Sudfeld said he hasn't bothered to pay much attention to where he sits.
For perspective on what is important through the process, Sudfeld has turned to older brother Zach for advice. Zach is a tight end for the New York Jets after originally signing with New England as an undrafted free agent in 2013 out of Nevada.
"My brother has been through the process," Sudfeld said. "He's talking me through ever part of it."
Ironically, Sudfeld said his drive to play professional football was rekindled when he couldn't throw at all.
While away from the game the second half of his junior season with a separated shoulder, Sudfeld said he missed the game. The injury hasn't set him back at all in the one-and-a-half years since, but the lesson from it remains just as strong.
He's not ready to stop playing football yet.
"When you lose something like that, you're like, 'I need it.' It's a precious opportunity to be out there," Sudfeld said. "I love it, the process, the third down in a big game, all that goes into it."
Sudfeld will keep loving it, too.
He just doesn't know where.
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