March 26, 2024 is a date that might not ring a bell in the mind for most of the Barton College fanbase, but it is one they will need to mark down and remember as a first for their beloved college. It was on this spring Tuesday in Raleigh, NC, that two of the best athletes to play for Barton College's young football program (and any sport in general), RB Jordan Terrell and WR/ATH Kam Johnson, stepped up to perform in drills with other colleges and universities at the 2024 NC State's Pro Day at North Carolina State University's Close-King Indoor Practice Facility.
Leading up to the event, both Johnson and Terrell have been practicing in Charlotte, NC for a few months on the drills that they would be running at the pro day. There were no trophies or medals to hand out, and you honestly could not hear much that quiet background chatter and the sounds of the athletes giving it their all during drills. The only reward for these young men was the note taking, a few mumbles of instructions, and the eagle eyes locked on them by NFL scouts present to witness the events.
Over 50 NFL scouts and personnel were on hand to help run and evaluate football players from the host school, NC State, as well as several other smaller colleges in the region. The players for NC State took center stage and easily had the most buzz from the credentialed and invited guests on hand. NC State head coach Dave Doeren has opened this event to smaller schools in the region to offer their players an opportunity to perform in front of NFL and other professional football programs with the hopes of make a lasting impression with an organization and make it on the next level. "Coach Doeren doesn't have to do that" said Barton College head coach Chip Hester in a post-spring game interview with 98.5 The Big Dawg. "It gives the opportunity for guys who might not have the chance to showcase their skills for folks on the next level. That is both NFL teams and Canadian Football League as there was one team from Canada in attendance. All it takes is one person and opportunity to change the course of your future."
As the likes of potential first round pick NC State unanimous All-American linebacker Payton Wilson were running drills on the field for scouts, Jordan Terrell and Kam Johnson were quietly stretching on the sidelines and focusing on the moment at hand. I've seen them personally preparing for games for close to five years while playing at Barton. I can honestly say this was the most focused I've ever seen them both. Before games, they would have their teammates and coaches around to discuss game plans, hyping each other up and such...not this day. Terrell is normally quiet in general, but when Johnson is quiet, that lets you know it's business time. These guys were ready to cook.
While Wilson and other NC State players were doing media interviews and speaking with some NFL scouts, the players from the other teams started to line up and start the "Parade". This is when the players have their physical measurements (height, weight, hand sizes, etc) recorded. Following that they are split up into different stations to perform drills that include standing broad jump, bench press (225 LBS), cone drills, and of course the 40 yard dash.
Intently observing Johnson and Terrell was the Barton contingent which included head coach Chip Hester, associate head coach & defensive coordinator Treiston Burnette, running backs coach Jazz Vinson, fellow wide receiver DaVon Adams, and myself. As the two made their way through the different drills, the group followed closely and voiced support as they performed. As they made their way from station to station, it was easy to tell that both athletes started to get more and more comfortable in this new environment.
Unfortunately, results of the drills are not shared publicly. If you are close enough to the drills you could hear the scout running the drill call out the numbers / times to be recorded. Terrell had a 10 foot standing broad jump, and I was advised Johnson logged a 38 inch standing vertical attempt. They both turned in 21 reps on the bench press. To put it in comparison to the results from the NFL Draft Combine held in Indianapolis earlier in March, Terrell would have been in 6th place overall with Blake Corum (Michigan) as the leader whom had 27 reps. Johnson would have been tied for 1st place overall with Ainias Smith (Texas A&M).
When the pair finished the lifting and jumping portions of the drills, they moved to the field to run cone drills, and perhaps the most over-analyzed drill at these pro days: the 40 yard dash. I believe when both put 21 reps up on the bench press, you could tell the scouts were starting to look more at the pair when they were respectively lining up for drills.
Terrell and Johnson quickly stepped up to get their reps in on the 40. Athletes will run two attempts and the quicker time is usually accepted as the official time. Terrell had a 4.51 on one attempt (what I saw glancing over the shoulder of the NY Giants scout with his stopwatch), Johnson had a 4.41 40 yard dash. Again, comparing with what was marked at the NFL Draft Combine, Terrell would have been tied in 8th place with Michael Wiley (Arizona), and Johnson would have been tied for 7th place overall with Troy Franklin (Oregon) and Ricky Pearsall (Florida).
The cone drills measure their agility, change of direction, explosiveness, and how fluid they run. More scouts continued to circle around as the Barton Boys performed and it was obvious that both Terrell and Johnson were impressing the scouts.
Following the cone drills, there was a stop in the action and the scouts huddled together for roughly 15 minutes to compare notes on the performances. Following this quick meeting, a scout came over to the group and announced that they wanted to see a few of the participants run some more drills. Of the first few names called, JOHNSON and TERRELL were called. It was a harsh reality for those whose names were not called as the scout said that they had all of their results and contact information, but that was all they wanted to see of them for the day. They thanked them for coming out and reminded them that they could participate at other pro days if they could get an invite. While it was exciting to see our guys make the cut, it was tough seeing those guys leaving the field. Really tough to be honest.
When the players grouped back up, there were roughly two RBs and three to four WRs. Now, all of the eyes were on the Barton Boys, and it was clear the scouts liked what they saw. Dom Shoffner (QB, UNC Charlotte) stepped in and starting throwing passes to both groups. As they ran the out routes, cutbacks, curls, slants, etc, Johnson and Terrell exemplified precision in their routes and sure hands as all but one pass was caught by the duo on the day. Terrell was impressive on his burst getting out of the backfield on wheel routes while Johnson let his speed shine as he caught a few 40+ yard deep passes. I have to stress that this is not an easy thing to do because the QB throwing the passes has not seen the receivers or backs. They don't know their speed, quickness, tendencies, breaks, cuts, etc. Shoffner showed a good ability to pick up these characteristics on the fly and put the ball where it should be.
After roughly 20-30 minutes of drills with the selected few, the scouts wrapped things up and spent an additional 20-30 minutes speaking with each of the participants, their coaches, and their agents. During the drills, I was even stopped by the Denver Broncos scout as he asked "Are you hear with Barton?" My face lit up and I almost introduced myself as "Coach Cox", but I knew better (I can hear Chip laughing now). I said yes, and he asked "Out of the two, who would you say is the best?" I said "Sir, that's like asking a father which son he loves more!" That was the best and most honest way I could put it. I quickly started telling him about the body of work that Terrell had done, leading all divisions of football in rushing at least once this season, his 403 yard game at Erskine, and how Kam could change the game in one possession. I that Terrell was without a doubt a three-down back, and that Johnson had the quickness needed to separate and get space from the defender and be the difference maker on special teams. After that, I did the smart thing and went and got coach Burnette to discuss more with the scout.
Both Johnson and Terrell spent quality time with several scouts. The Cardinals, Ravens, Chargers, Broncos, Vikings, Titans, Rams, Browns, and Texans all took time to speak with the players and all of the coaches. There was even a Canadian Football Team (CFL) team represented, and both players spoke to them together. While a few other players spoke to one or two scouts, it was obvious both Johnson and Terrell had made quite the positive impression on multiple teams.
What happens next and what does all this mean? Well, the teams can reach out to the players, conduct interviews, and ask them to potentially work out for them again. NFL teams are allowed up to 30 pre-draft visits with prospects. Players know that if they make this list there is a good chance the team might make an effort to turn in their draft card during the draft. It all depends on the value of the number of the pick, what the team needs, who is available on their "Big Board", and if any other teams are calling to make a deal.
The NFL Draft will officially kick off on Thursday, April 25th. This day will feature the first round only. The second and third rounds will commence on Friday, April 26th, then the draft will wrap up on Saturday, April 27th with rounds four through seven. If players are not selected in the draft, they are free to negotiate with any of the NFL teams as an undrafted free agent (UFA). While it is an honor and historic to be drafted in the NFL, being an UFA allows the players to choose where they want to go based on what teams offer you a contract. If you are not a fan of cold weather, and the two teams calling you are say Miami and Buffalo, you might lean more to signing with Miami. You are also able to consider other things such as their current rosters and such. Who are the coaches? Have you spoken more with one team compared to another. Many factors can go into this decision. Being an UFA allows a little more freedom for players to present themselves with a better opportunity to try and take the next step.
As I normally do with my coverage of Barton, I try to stay clear of prognosticating where I think the teams will finish in the season. I'm going to apply the same approach here regarding the draft. It's hard to pinpoint where I think either Johnson or Terrell could end up on the next level.
Unfortunately for Terrell, the RB position has taken a hit on value to NFL teams recently. That being said, Terrell is a phenomenal athlete who could be a three down back in the NFL. While he didn't get many looks to receive passes out of the backfield, he more than has the ability to make these plays, and he showed it on his pro day. He has the speed to play special teams as well to provide additional value to a potential roster. He will also step up and make the big protection block for his quarterback. Terrell made it clear to teams that he will play special teams or line up wherever possible to prove himself.
Johnson has the speed to play receiver and play coverage on special teams. He can highpoint the ball and climb the ladder to compete in the middle of the air for a 50/50 ball. But you already know that since you've seen Johnson do it time and time again for Barton.
You have to look at the facts involved...both players are coming from a young D2 program, that, while we can point to decent competition in teams like Lenoir-Rhyne and Wingate that have placed players in the NFL recently, they are still not household names in college football. Lord knows, that pains me to even say that, because I know how gifted they both are, and I know they are impressive young men off the field. At the end of the day, there are 7 rounds and 257 total selections up for grabs. It's one of the toughest job interview processes to experience. If I had to put money on who could be drafted, I would say Johnson has a more likely chance due to the position he plays, and I would think it would be in the 7th round. But there again, Terrell has one of the most impressive list of stats and honors you could list on a resume. I would love to be wrong and both guys hear their name called. I simply want them both to have that chance to make it.
But again, let's focus on the positives. Over 20 NFL teams stopped by Wilson this year to visit with the players. They know both players were putting up numbers and quality reps on the field for Barton. I firmly believe that both players will have the opportunity to sign with multiple teams as UFAs, and I do believe they will have a good chance to make a camp and have the opportunity to make a 53 man roster. If they were unable to make a 53 man roster, they would have the chance to make a team's practice squad. The practice squad is a group of 14 players that will practice with the team and could be called up to the 53 man roster if needed due to injury or to performance. There is naturally a difference in the salaries between a 53 man roster position (league minimum salary in 2023 was $750,000) and the practice squad ($12,000 per week or $216,000 for 18 weeks). UFAs generally also get a small signing bonus if they agree to a contract. Not bad work if you can earn it.
I have to say, this is perhaps some of the best results I could have ever hoped for when I heard that Barton was going to start a football program. Some people might want more, but on a whole, the body of work the Barton College Bulldogs have shown in their short history is impressive and deserves respect.
Have a winning record in two of your first four full seasons? Check.
Beat a top ten team in your first full season? Check.
Have multiple players make all-conference in year one? Check.
Have a multiple player make all-region in year one? Check.
Have a player lead D2 in rushing yards on multiple occasions throughout a season? Check.
Have a running back post three straight 1,600-plus yard, double digit touchdown seasons? Check.
Beat a D1 program in one of your first four full seasons? Check.
Have a player lead ALL NCAA LEVELS in rushing yards through any week? Check.
Have a player make All-American in one of your first four full seasons? Check.
Having two quality young men fighting every day to make their dreams into reality?
Check.
