NFL draft diary: 'Mind blowing' to Duke's Jamison Crowder that he may play with heroes
Paste BN Sports has assembled a talented team of prospects to chronicle their paths to the NFL draft. Today's entry is from productive and versatile Duke receiver Jamison Crowder, who had 283 catches for 3,641 yards and 23 touchdowns in four seasons with the Blue Devils.
Right now, I think I'm a little more anxious to see what team I'm going to be starting my NFL career with. I'm not really nervous about anything. I'm just ready to get picked up by a team and get my career started.
All of my workouts went really well. Then just this past week, I visited with the Atlanta Falcons. I was able to meet the coach, sit down with the wide receiver coach, break down some film. I was able to meet the general manager. They said I could come in and contribute in the slot. Their offensive coordinator was telling me about Julio Jones, Roddy White.
There's still guys like that in the league that I grew up watching. To know I can be out on the same field is kind of mind blowing. But at the same time, I realize I've done everything I need to do to step into this profession. I'm definitely going in with the mindset that I'm going to do what I've got to do to be successful.
I've been back and forth between Durham and my hometown, Monroe, N.C. Been able to spend time with my family now that this whole process is on the down slope. They've been very supportive — my mom, my dad. I think they're just excited for me to get an opportunity and wherever I'm at, I'm sure they're going to be trying to come out and supporting me. We'll get together and watch the draft back home.
I definitely would say being the ACC's all-time leader in receptions is the No. 1 accolade I have as a player. But now it's time to start all over with another process of having to prove yourself. Once you get to high school, you've got to prove that you're a player. Once you get to college, you've got to prove yourself. And then, obviously, to advance to the next level, to play with the best of the best, you're having to prove yourself again.
I'm always up for the challenge. I'm always up for having to prove myself. I've had to do it my whole life. I don't plan on stopping, as long as they don't stop me. When I get to the NFL, you're going to see the same player — a guy that can make plays when he gets the football, just showing off my God-given talent and ability. I'm not really a guy that speaks a lot. I'm going to let my actions speak for themselves.
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Follow Jamison Crowder on Twitter at @JamisonCrowder