Canadian Philip Blake takes it in stride
Article content
WACO, TEXASCanadian Philip Blake didn't take part in many drills Wednesday during Baylor University's football Pro Day.
He didn't really need to.
Blake was impressive enough last month at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where talent assessors such as the NFL Network's Mike Mayock said the Torontonian raised eyebrows with his drill and workout performances.
"No point doing them again and taking a chance of getting hurt," Blake said.
After the combine, Mayock raised Blake to No. 2 on his list of draft-eligible centres.
"That's nice and exciting to hear that," Blake said matter-of-factly in his decidedly non-Texas Canadian accent. "I appreciate it. But my family and friends are making more of it than I am. They all texted me and messaged me on Facebook."
Blake already has had extensive discussions with the Carolina Panthers, and he'll meet during the next few days with the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys.
"If any other teams call me, I'll go there, too," Blake said.
The NFL draft takes place April 26-28 in New York City.
Centre is not a high-premium position, so even if Blake is the second centre selected -- after everybody's No. 1, Peter Konz of Wisconsin -- it probably won't be until the middle rounds -- third round, most likely.
john.kryk@sunmedia.ca