Today, senior Donatella Luckett and others will be participating in Harding’s pro day at 11 a.m.
Luckett is one of 256 players hoping to hear his name in this year’s NFL draft in Chicago from April 30-May 2.
Luckett said he cannot worry about what happens next, he can only leave it up to God and pray that a team will take a chance on him.
Luckett, a Great American Conference (GAC) All-American, finished the season with 23 receptions for 602 yards and five touchdowns, an average of more than 26 yards per catch.
“Tello was certainly one of the most talented players I’ve been around since I came to Harding in the fall of 1996,” wide receivers coach Luke Cullins said. “He has a different skill set, but in terms of dominance during a game, he is right up there with Harding greats Chris Pierson and Gerald Payne.”
Cullins said Luckett scored one out of every four times he touched the ball in his college career.
Luckett participated in the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. in February and was one of only two DII athletes invited to compete in drills.
“I felt I caught the ball well, but I think there was room for improvement in the individual drills, including my 40-yard dash,” Luckett said.
Luckett’s results in the 2015 NFL Combine were 17 reps of 225, which tied him 5th among receivers. He ran a 4.65 in the 40-yard dash and 7.51 seconds in the three-cone drill. Luckett had a 34-inch vertical jump, 118-inch broad jump, 4.5-second 20-yard shuttle and 12.52 60-yard shuttle to round out his weekend.
This is not the first time a Harding football player has gone through this process. In fact, Luckett is the second player in the last three years to be invited to the senior bowl, the combine and projected to be drafted to the NFL.
In 2013, the Seattle Seahawks drafted Harding’s Ty Powell in the seventh round, draft pick 231st overall. Powell was projected to go in the fifth round before waiting until the last day to hear his name called.
“If I had to give him advice, it would to stay positive and whatever happens, happens,” current Buffalo Bills linebacker Powell said. “He needs to stay focused on what he can control, not on what is out of his hands.”
Powell, who played two years with Luckett, said Luckett is a tremendous athlete and will bring a lot to the table when it comes to versatility. He said continuing to improve is key to scouts and teams around the league.
Luckett will have that chance to show scouts this week at Harding’s pro day.
“I am taking this opportunity as a second chance to prove myself to scouts,” Luckett said. “I am looking to improve in every area that I possibly can on Friday.”
Luckett has been training at Prolific in Carlsbad, Cali., since the conclusion of the 2014 season. Luckett’s pro day is the last event he will participate in before the draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago.
The 6-foot, 210-pound receiver is rated a 4.94 according to NFL.com, indicating him a “backup or having special teams potential,” but projected to be invited to a training camp. www.NFL.com has compared Luckett to San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Lloyd.
On-field drills for the pro day will be held at First Security Stadium. Other players participating are: seniors Alapeti Magalei, Ahmad Scott, Romo Westbrook, Darius Lane, Jeremy Brackens, Tory Day and Devon Carter.
