Throughout the offseason, The Game Haus will be spotlighting some under-the-radar prospects hoping to continue their football careers on the professional level – preferably in the NFL.
Most hail from schools outside the traditional Power 5, and even from the FCS level. However, their heart and determination to reach the NFL, or any professional football league, for that matter, is larger and greater than most recognizable NFL prospects looking to make their dream a reality.
Today, Keyjuan Selby is up, defensive back from Delaware State.
As Keyjuan Selby’s time in college winds down, graduation is in May, he’s trying to stay focused on the books while keeping both eyes on his future. One he hopes will include a career in professional football.
That’s why in addition to finishing up his work to earn a degree in Business Marketing, the talented Delaware State cornerback is training and conditioning daily, to improve his stock for a chance to play at the next level. Ideally, in the NFL, but when you are not on most radars of those teams, and hail from a small school, it’s about doing all one can to get noticed by scouts and executives from any pro team in any league.
“There is definitely an anxious feeling,” Selby said. “All you can do it prepare the best you can and wait to see what happens.”
Proving his worth
Selby’s next big chance to wow the pro scouts will come March 22, during the pro day at the University of Delaware. However, he won’t show up as an unknown commodity.
Not after Selby was named his team’s defensive MVP at the 2018 FCS Bowl, an all-star game that showcases that subdivision’s top talent. He posted five tackles, one for loss, in that contest and also picked off two passes. One of which, Selby took back 50 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown.
“That was a real confidence builder for me,” Selby said of his performance against some of the best FCS players in the nation. “It lets you know that you can do it.”
Truth be told, Selby has gotten it done throughout a strong career at Delaware State. He recorded 116 solo tackles (165 total), had three career interceptions and was credited with 29 passes defended during his four seasons. Selby was a second-team All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference selection in 2017 and a third-team pick in 2018.
Selby’s collegiate credentials are certainly worthy of consideration when it comes to making a pro roster, but it, obviously, will come down to how much more he can woo scouts – like at the upcoming pro day.
It also helps that he has a familiar face pushing him along the way.
Selby’s twin brother, Taronn, one of Delaware State’s top wide receivers, is also in the same boat. He, too, is hoping to get a shot in the NFL or another professional league like the CFL, revived XFL or the Arena League.
“We’re always together,” Selby said of Taronn, who is five minutes older. “He keeps my focused.”
On trying to make a dream become reality.
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