North Charlotte Today

Dylan Sampson, a Tennessee Volunteers running back prospect in the NFL Draft, shared an impactful story at the combine in Indianapolis. During a trip with Vol Leaders to South Africa and Botswana, Sampson met Simphiwe, a 14-year-old South African native who overcame significant physical challenges. "He was infected when he was young and had to cut off a certain amount of limbs and a certain amount of fingers on his hand," Sampson recounted. Despite these hardships, Simphiwe holds Paralympic records and maintains an inspiring attitude. "So anything I took is just to be thankful for the situation that you're in because it could always be worse," Sampson reflected.

Prospects like Sampson attend the combine to demonstrate their value as potential NFL players through workouts and testing. A crucial aspect of this process is the prospect meetings, which are either formal or informal. Formal interviews last under 20 minutes in Lucas Oil Stadium suites with structured schedules. Each team has its own approach; some focus on football skills while others explore personal traits.

Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts discussed breaking down plays during his meetings: "I had broken before the receiver broke on the ball." Alabama tight end CJ Dippre explained his tattoo's significance: "I have a big lion on the back of my calf." UNC tight end Bryson Nesbit talked about fishing interests with coaches: "A couple have (wanted tips), but a couple of them are big fishermen too."

The evaluation extends beyond football abilities, involving comprehensive research into prospects' personalities and backgrounds. Head coach Dave Canales emphasized understanding players' motivations: "I really just want to hear them talk."

General manager Dan Morgan prioritizes passion for football in prospects: "Really, it's just kind of getting to know these guys...their love of the game."

The topic of transfers and bowl game participation has shifted over time. Players transferring between schools or sitting out bowl games due to NIL opportunities face less scrutiny now. Morgan stated, "I'm really not going to hold it against them if they decide not to play in a bowl game."

Miami quarterback Cam Ward noted that skipping a bowl game wasn't discussed during meetings: "No discussion at all."

Texas safety Andrew Mukabe explained his transfer from Clemson due to family reasons: "My mom was able to come to one game in three years." CJ Dippre described how teams inquire about his transition from Maryland to Alabama.

Canales sees transfers as additional research opportunities: "You have two schools you can ask about the player." Former Florida quarterback Graham Mertz likened transfers to free agency: "It's like free agency in college football."

These meetings are vital for determining prospects' futures and understanding their personalities beyond what appears on tape.

"All the coaches are able to turn on the film and kind of see me as a football player," Nesbit said. The interactions provide insight into how players might fit within team dynamics.