University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Panthers Prepped For NFL Draft
4/28/2016 4:48:00 PM | Football
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - When it comes to NFL success, not many programs can boast the impressive record the Panthers display. The Panthers have had 12 players drafted by an NFL team since 1990, the most in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Last season, David Johnson was selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
With the draft upon us in the coming days, the Panthers will again be sending promising prospects into the league in Deiondre' Hall, Makinton Dorleant and Tim Kilfoy.
Dorleant, a Naples, Florida native, is lauded for his speed and ability to mirror receivers all across the field. He has impressed scouts with a blazing 4.34 forty yard dash, with one AFC scout calling him an "athletic freak" according to NFL Draft Diamonds.com.
Dorleant, through his fantastic play, was invited to and played in the 2016 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. The bowl is a collection of the top talent in the country and is a great measuring stick for college prospects. Despite such success, scouts are still unsure where he will go, Dorleant is simply looking for a chance.
In an interview with Andrew Sogreden of Naples news, Dorleant said, "I know I will be getting a shot somewhere, I just want to prove I belong in the NFL, and that I can play in this league."
Tim Kilfoy, a Davenport, Iowa native, has been recognized for his versatility in the secondary. He has been known to roam as a free safety in a ball hawking role. He also isn't afraid to lay the wood when called upon, with one AFC scout comparing him to John Lynch in his punishing style of play, according to NFL Draft Diamonds.com. Kilfoy, like many players, is simply looking for a chance to make an impact at the next level.
Deiondre Hall, a Kansas City native, has flourished in the Panthers secondary, recording a team-high 13 interceptions in his time at UNI. Hall returned four of those picks for touchdown to also set a school record.
Hall's play was recognized by him being named the 2015 MVFC Defensive Player of the Year. His dynamic play throughout his career, earned Hall a slot at the Senior Bowl.
This Senior Bowl is a collection of the top senior talent in the country. Hall, who was assigned to the North team, was coached by the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff. This exposure to top talent and an NFL coaching staff was an invaluable experience. Hall would go one-on-one against Ohio State's Braxton Miller frequently in these practices trading victories.
Following a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, Hall was invited to the annual NFL Combine where he showcased his abilities. The first thing that jumped out to scouts was his freakishly long arms, measuring in at 34 3/8 inches. This length is usually seen in offensive lineman, and scouts see his long arms as an enormous benefit in a league where press coverage is key.Â
Hall ran a 4.68 40-yard dash and posted a very impressive 20-yard shuttle time of 4.06 seconds. His performance along with his ball-hawking ability has made quite the impression on draft analysts across the country.
Dane Brugler of CBS Sports described Hall as a player with "terrific ball skills and possessing a contagious swagger."
Hall has been compared to long-time Chicago Bear and current Carolina Panther Charles Tillman. Tillman, like Hall, is renowned for his turnover-causing abilities. With such a lofty comparison, Hall can't wait to finally step on an NFL field, something he's looked forward to since he was young.
"It was always a dream, a goal of mine," Hall said.
Hall, widely considered a top-10 corner or safety depending how you view him, is expected to be taken somewhere between the third and fifth rounds in this year's NFL Draft. Scouts and front office members of various NFL teams have become enthralled with his length, intensity, and ability to attack the ball. No matter where Hall is drafted, that team will be getting a player committed to making every play count.
Draft schedule
Round 1:Â Thursday, 7 p.m. CT on ESPN and NFL Network.
Rounds 2-3:Â Friday, 6 p.m. CT on ESPN and NFL Network. ESPN's coverage moves to ESPN 2 at 8 p.m. ET.
Rounds 4-7:Â Saturday, 11 a.m. CT on ESPN and NFL Network.
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With the draft upon us in the coming days, the Panthers will again be sending promising prospects into the league in Deiondre' Hall, Makinton Dorleant and Tim Kilfoy.
Dorleant, a Naples, Florida native, is lauded for his speed and ability to mirror receivers all across the field. He has impressed scouts with a blazing 4.34 forty yard dash, with one AFC scout calling him an "athletic freak" according to NFL Draft Diamonds.com.
Dorleant, through his fantastic play, was invited to and played in the 2016 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. The bowl is a collection of the top talent in the country and is a great measuring stick for college prospects. Despite such success, scouts are still unsure where he will go, Dorleant is simply looking for a chance.
In an interview with Andrew Sogreden of Naples news, Dorleant said, "I know I will be getting a shot somewhere, I just want to prove I belong in the NFL, and that I can play in this league."
Tim Kilfoy, a Davenport, Iowa native, has been recognized for his versatility in the secondary. He has been known to roam as a free safety in a ball hawking role. He also isn't afraid to lay the wood when called upon, with one AFC scout comparing him to John Lynch in his punishing style of play, according to NFL Draft Diamonds.com. Kilfoy, like many players, is simply looking for a chance to make an impact at the next level.
Deiondre Hall, a Kansas City native, has flourished in the Panthers secondary, recording a team-high 13 interceptions in his time at UNI. Hall returned four of those picks for touchdown to also set a school record.
Hall's play was recognized by him being named the 2015 MVFC Defensive Player of the Year. His dynamic play throughout his career, earned Hall a slot at the Senior Bowl.
This Senior Bowl is a collection of the top senior talent in the country. Hall, who was assigned to the North team, was coached by the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff. This exposure to top talent and an NFL coaching staff was an invaluable experience. Hall would go one-on-one against Ohio State's Braxton Miller frequently in these practices trading victories.
Following a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, Hall was invited to the annual NFL Combine where he showcased his abilities. The first thing that jumped out to scouts was his freakishly long arms, measuring in at 34 3/8 inches. This length is usually seen in offensive lineman, and scouts see his long arms as an enormous benefit in a league where press coverage is key.Â
Hall ran a 4.68 40-yard dash and posted a very impressive 20-yard shuttle time of 4.06 seconds. His performance along with his ball-hawking ability has made quite the impression on draft analysts across the country.
Dane Brugler of CBS Sports described Hall as a player with "terrific ball skills and possessing a contagious swagger."
Hall has been compared to long-time Chicago Bear and current Carolina Panther Charles Tillman. Tillman, like Hall, is renowned for his turnover-causing abilities. With such a lofty comparison, Hall can't wait to finally step on an NFL field, something he's looked forward to since he was young.
"It was always a dream, a goal of mine," Hall said.
Hall, widely considered a top-10 corner or safety depending how you view him, is expected to be taken somewhere between the third and fifth rounds in this year's NFL Draft. Scouts and front office members of various NFL teams have become enthralled with his length, intensity, and ability to attack the ball. No matter where Hall is drafted, that team will be getting a player committed to making every play count.
Draft schedule
Round 1:Â Thursday, 7 p.m. CT on ESPN and NFL Network.
Rounds 2-3:Â Friday, 6 p.m. CT on ESPN and NFL Network. ESPN's coverage moves to ESPN 2 at 8 p.m. ET.
Rounds 4-7:Â Saturday, 11 a.m. CT on ESPN and NFL Network.
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