Tight end Kevin Boss preparing for this week's combine



Boss, a former tight end for Western Oregon, is in the middle of preparations for the NFL draft as one of 28 small-school athletes invited to this week's NFL combine. Although the discussions with scouts, 40-yard dashes and Wonderlic tests are leading to his dream of being a professional athlete, the process has been draining.

"I'm going to be happy when it's over," he said.

The journey started last summer. The 6-foot-7, 255-pound Boss was coming off of a season with 53 catches for 621 yards and eight touchdowns for the Wolves.

But in the sixth game, Boss hurt his shoulder, missing the rest of the season. He said some of the scouts and agents that had been calling before suddenly changed their minds.

"One agent, his first question was, 'What did I get my degree in?' " Boss said. "It was frustrating, he threw me under. It made me realize it is a cut-throat business."

The camp prepares NFL-hopefuls for the combine, which starts Wednesday. At the weeklong event, top college prospects run, jump, lift and interview for all 32 NFL teams.

A good showing at the combine can make the difference between being a first- or second-round pick or, in Boss' case, being drafted or not.

At the camp, Boss has been working out with college stars such as Florida quarterback Chris Leak and Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson, who is expected to be one of the top-five picks in the draft.

"It's definitely been an eye-opener," Boss said. "There's one other DII guy here. Other than that, the guys are from Florida, Ohio State.

"It's good to be around that type of talent," he said. "It's only going to make me better."

He said the best tips have come from Torrance Small, a former receiver and a coach at the camp.

Another component of the combine is the Wonderlic Personnel Test, an intelligence test used by NFL teams. The prospects at the camp have been taking practice tests and, so far, Boss' best is a 28.

Boss will stay in Florida until flying to Indianapolis for the combine. After that, he'll return home, flying out to audition for teams before April's draft.

He's still not sure what he'll do on draft day.

"I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about being drafted," he said. "I've always watched the draft as a fan. I don't know if I'll be too nervous to watch. I might just go somewhere else and leave my cell phone on."