INDIANAPOLIS – The 2023 NFL Combine has been over for a few weeks now, and I have had some time to sit back and reflect on my experience there.
Before getting into the rest of this article, I would first like to once again thank everyone on the New Era Prep staff for the opportunity to live out my dream of covering the NFL.
Truly thankful for my experience covering the NFL Combine pic.twitter.com/sPBV2ISGlB
— Christian Proscia (@CP_Photo2004) March 7, 2023
While at the Combine, I got to sit in and ask questions at an NFL press conference.
This was the part that I originally found the most intimidating. But as the week went on, I got more comfortable and confident in myself and I believe it showed with some of the questions I was asking towards the end.
After I got the footage that I wanted, I stepped off to the side so I could post the videos on Twitter in order to produce live updates.
Hook ‘em! @TexasFootball top RB prospect Bijan Robinson @Bijan5Robinson spoke on his personal talents and what sets him apart from other RBs in a very talented draft class pic.twitter.com/qNX4MsfipF
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) March 4, 2023
Hometown hero! @WakeFB WR AT Perry (Park Vista Alum) @atorian_perry spoke on his upbringing, and playing in the 561! pic.twitter.com/Joabhgv2iX
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) March 3, 2023
After media availability ended, I went over to the media workroom to sit down, grab something to eat, and edit pictures that I took during the conferences.
When I was finished editing everything I needed, I made my way over to Lucas Oil Stadium to watch the drills. The walk from the Indianapolis Convention Center to Lucas Oil Stadium only took 10 minutes, so I went by foot to check out the city.
During my walk one morning, I stopped at one of the hotels so I can grab a cup of coffee from the Starbucks inside. As I’m waiting in line, I hear the barista say “I have an order for Mike”. As I turn around, I found myself standing next to Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.
After I introduced myself to Coach McDaniel, I was lucky enough to talk over a cup of coffee with him. We had a great conversation, and yes, he is just as funny in person as he is in interviews.
After a great conversation with Coach McDaniel, I’m happy to announce my intent to sign with the @MiamiDolphins
— Christian Proscia (@CP_Photo2004) March 5, 2023
#NFLCombine2023 #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/9dcUgolwmc
I usually arrived at Lucas Oil Stadium around an hour before the Combine drills started. This gave me plenty of time to find a good seat, test equipment, and just observe what the prospects did to prepare for the drills ahead.
At this point, my hands were definitely full. I had to take pictures and videos, edit that footage, give live updates on twitter, and occasionally write a quick article.
.@BYUfootball OL Blake Freeland with a 37” vertical!! He’s 6’8” 305lbs!! 😳 pic.twitter.com/G4KVVboKX0
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) March 5, 2023
The Pitt Brotherhood! @Pitt_FB DL Calijah Kancey (@Ckancey8) clocked in a blazing 4.73! (1.68 10 yard split)
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) March 2, 2023
He currently has the fastest DL 40 split
For reference, Pitt legend @AaronDonald97 ran a 4.68 at the 2014 Combine pic.twitter.com/COvUNeEZpB
Anthony Richardson has BUNNIES! NEW QB Combine Record (40.5”) @GVOaant @GatorsFB pic.twitter.com/aBpcQ41CBp
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) March 4, 2023
Early on in the week, I met with a representative from an agency that had a few players invited to the Combine. As we got talking, she told me that they did not have anyone with a camera there, so I got invited by her to come out to the hotel that all of the players were staying at and interview their clients with them.
When I arrived at the hotel, it was like a dream come true. I got to sit down and talk one-on-one with a few players who I’ve been watching play for years like Will Levis (QB, Kentucky), Max Duggan (QB, TCU), Jordan Addison (WR, USC), Jaxson Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio St), and Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Alabama).
The interviews went very well, and I forwarded all of the footage to her and she sent it to their media team.
Our very own @CP_Photo2004 got some time in at the @NFLCombine with the following @OhioStateFB standouts:@CJ7STROUD @jaxon_smith1
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) March 3, 2023
Love that the @TKALions ‘22 alum & @EraPrep young talent is getting his shine on the big stage in Indianapolis.@clarasales04 @NFL @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/FeCnI28CyT
My experience at the 2023 NFL Combine was amazing. I truly am thankful for this awesome opportunity. I had a lot of fun, and I’m truly excited to watch these very talented players on Sundays.
