DOWN goalkeeper Charlie Smyth will join Monaghan’s Rory Beggan and Wicklow’s Mark Jackson in American Football’s shop window at a combine in Indianapolis from February 27 to March 4.
Scouts from all 32 NFL teams will watch the three GAA goalkeepers, Connacht an Ireland U20 rugby international Darragh Leader and the best young hopefuls from the US College Football system taking kick-offs, kicking field goals and making punts. Their performances will be monitored for distance and accuracy over the week-long trial and those who impress will win a place in the NFL draft and with it the potential of fame and fortune.
Smyth, an Ulster U20 winner who made his Down senior debut last season, Beggan and Jackson all impressed during a two-stage selection process at Loughborough University and Dublin last month.
Tyrone and Dungannon Swifts goalkeeper Niall Morgan came agonisingly close to joining them in Indianapolis.
By Wed 13th Dec
