The ultimate dream for nearly all up-and-coming college football players is to play in the NFL.
For some, the dream is realized on NFL Draft day. For others, it’s a waiting game.
Former Tiger defensive tackle Al Woods, running back Keiland Williams and wide receiver Terrence Toliver all signed NFL contracts this season. All three were also waived or released earlier in the season.
The New Orleans Saints drafted Woods in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He then bounced from the Steelers to the Buccaneers and then to the Seattle Seahawks before the 2011 season. He was waived by the Seahawks on Nov. 8 of this season and claimed by the Steelers the next day.
Toliver went undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft but later signed with the Houston Texans. The Texans waived Toliver, who was later signed to the Lions’ practice squad Nov. 8.
Williams went undrafted in the 2010 NFL Draft but was signed by the Washington Redskins a few days later. He accrued 261 yards and three touchdowns in 2010 before being released by the Redskins and then signed by the Detroit Lions before the 2011 season. This season, Williams has 119 yards and one touchdown through eight games.
The future is uncertain for players who aren’t drafted, but LSU players said the right attitude and motivation to make it to the NFL can promote eventual success.
“They’re tremendous players,” said sophomore running back Alfred Blue. “I think the want and the commitment they have to play in the NFL kept them going to make it. They won’t be denied their away.”
Sophomore defensive tackle Michael Brockers agreed that playing at LSU helps in making it to the NFL in ways on and off the field.
“They just got it in their mind that they’re not going to be shut down, and that comes from going to LSU,” Brockers said. “We learn that you don’t ever give up, and you push through