Harding graduate Ty Powell has recently been put on the scouting grid for the NFL and plans to showcase his talents at the NFL combine this weekend.
Powell, 24, was born in Miami, Fla., where he stayed for a short time before moving and growing up in Jay, Okla. In 2004, as a sophomore in high school, Powell moved once again to Marina, Calif. There he finished high school and went on to De Anza Community College to play football for two years, before coming to Harding.
“Coming out of De Anza I had a number of colleges contact me and offer me scholarships to play football,” Powell said. “When I visited some of the other colleges, none of them had the atmosphere or environment that Harding offered.”
Powell said his decision to come to Searcy was due to his desire to play for the staff he encountered during his visit to Harding.
Powell began playing football at the age of seven. He immediately excelled playing both sides of the ball.
Starting at such a young age, Powell said he has sustained and absorbed a passion for the game of football.
“It’s tough to think about what I love most about the game,” Powell said. “It’s what I am about, I am in control of what I do, and what I do works.”
Powell, humbled by his recent success, said he feels that he finally belongs.
“Playing in the Senior Bowl helped me learn how to play alongside some of the best, the elite,” Powell said. “I felt comfortable out there and knew that I belonged out on the field with the rest of those guys.”
Since the season ended Powell has been on a tight schedule getting ready for the next step into the pros. Powell now looks to continue turning heads at the NFL combine this weekend in Indianapolis, Ind.
“I look to prove that I am not all hype; that although I come from a Division II university, that I have what it takes, that I have the work ethic to get it done,” Powell said.
Powell has finished his career at Harding with awards, honors and outstanding performance on the field, but it is more than just accolades when playing for the Bisons.
“I am a curious individual which led me to find out the true meaning of brotherhood,” Powell said. “I’ve gained more than just experience, I found a brotherhood filled with friends and family.”
In a recent Fox Sports article, Powell was listed as one of “five small school guys you’ll know by next week.”
The article said that one of the major skills Powell’s future is riding on is his speed, specifically his time for the 40 yard dash.
