Offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron can now focus on getting back to what he truly loves, which is a football player.
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The Victoriaville tackle was part of a seven-man contingent scouted by scouts from 31 of the NFL’s 32 teams at Syracuse University’s Pro Day in upstate New York on Monday.
Over the past several weeks, whether for the NFL Combine earlier in the month in Indianapolis or for Pro Day in Syracuse, Bergeron has been training to be ready for any physical test imaginable.
While appreciating the inevitable process, he was nonetheless pleased to be able to focus more on football again than athletic ability.
“When it was all over I felt a great relief. Now I can only concentrate on football. Running in a straight line, in a circle or in a zigzag is not really my thing. I’m a big, big guy. What I like is blocking people. I can focus on that now,” he told the Journal in a phone interview.
A good day
After all, Bergeron has been leaving videos of his play to the scouts for four years, and his play speaks for itself.
While he said he was happy with his overall performance on the Pro Day, including his 29 bench press reps, the 23-year-old doesn’t want to fall into the comparison game.
“It went really well. I am proud of my efforts and my results. It was a good day for me. All exercises went well and the feedback was very good.
“I’m not one to compare numbers. One’s specialty is the other’s fault. I’m a very mobile blocker without necessarily being the fastest. I move well in space. There are others who are very fast but move less well. Everyone has positive and negative points,” he said.
Multiple job interviews
While Bergeron doesn’t like the race, he still has one final sprint to complete before the Repechage, which takes place April 27-29.
Fortunately, we’re talking about a blitz of interviews with various teams across the United States. Here, too, the offensive lineman feels in his element.
“I have many visits planned. Many would see it as a burden, but I see it as an opportunity to make a name for myself and to build relationships with organizations.
“Yes, the draft is important, but the relationships you form now may have repercussions when you become a free agent four years from now. All meetings are important and you don’t know what will make the difference,” he said wisely.
Take the time to appreciate
Represented by the Rep 1 Sports agency, Bergeron should continue to score in interviews.
For several months, analysts’ rave reviews have multiplied, both for his game and for his personality, he who was elected team captain at Syracuse last season.
He doesn’t know if he’ll be drafted in Kansas City, but his response is already tuned in to that possibility. In his family, in Victoriaville, he will experience the big moment.
“I couldn’t imagine going through it any other way. There’s still a lot to do in the meantime, but it’s a good time to look back and be proud of my achievements at each stage. I’ve come a long way and gone to a Pro Day in front of the NFL teams. There aren’t two hopes, so you have to cherish every moment.