Switzer Preparing For NFL Career Opportunity

And career week — many times over.

They’re busy preparing themselves in the next few months, mind and body, for a high-pressure job interview like few others ever experience.

Charleston native Ryan Switzer is training in Frisco, Texas, at the EXOS sports performance facility, putting in long hours so he can realize his boyhood dream: Becoming a player in the National Football League.

Jack Bechta is representing Switzer as his agent. JB Sports Inc. will assist in draft preparation, contract negotiations, career management, public relations, marketing/endorsements and post-career planning. The San Diego-based agent said he was immediately infected by Switzer’s passion and how “he plays without the fear gene.”

“Most high-profile specialty position players with huge stat lines are usually divas and high maintenance,” Bechta said. “Ryan is the opposite. He just wants to work and compete. If anything, we have to bridle his enthusiasm through this process. He’s been pretty impressive.”

It has been a mutual admiration.

“(Bechta) is someone who was always persistent in representing me and someone I felt comfortable with from day one,” Switzer said. “He’s been treating me first class and is continuing to work behind the scenes for me. He’s done a great job of making sure I have no distractions during this eight-week training program so I can devote all my time and energy to being in the best physical shape possible.”

Switzer participated in Senior Bowl activities in Alabama during the final week of January, an event known to be a valuable time to impress scouts.

“(Switzer) did a great job and showed off his quickness and route running skills,” Bechta said. “He definitely caught the eye of many scouts.”

Despite not suiting up since the University of North Carolina last played, a 25-23 loss to Stanford in the Hyundai Sun Bowl Dec. 30, Switzer didn’t have any cobwebs to shake.

“I felt great on the field, like I didn’t miss a beat from the season,” Switzer said. “I came out of it with a better understanding of the NFL terminology and what’s going to be expected physically and mentally at the next level.”

When opportunity knocks, Switzer intends to be fully prepared, on the field and off.

“On the field, I’ve set some personal goals that I want to achieve in my rookie year, as well as my career,” Switzer said. “I believe there will be a numerous amount of opportunities off the field for me to make an impact because of the light that professional football shines on me.”

The NFL Scouting Combine is many elements wrapped up in one — boot camp, finals week, a track meet and a beauty pageant.

All together, it’s the final time for prospects to prove their worth and abilities.

The combine will be Feb. 28 through March 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. It is an invitational camp attended by executives, coaches, player personnel, officials and medical personnel from all 32 NFL teams, attending in order to evaluate the top college football players eligible for the upcoming NFL Draft. The draft will take place in Philadelphia April 27-29.

Bechta said the combine is probably more mentally challenging than physically challenging.

“It’s really an open book test on the physical side,” he said. “Teams like to see how players react under duress. Many players have a tough time sleeping and focusing, so they can get anxious in their team interviews.”

Switzer looks forward to the challenge.

“I’ve heard mixed reviews about the combine,” Switzer said. “Apparently, it’s similar to the Senior Bowl. I think the Senior Bowl gives teams a longer opportunity to meet with players — combine interviews are 15 minutes, I believe. But it’s the same situation: Long nights and early mornings, meetings with coaches, doctors, media, psych evaluations, mental tests and not to mention the testing on the last day. It’s going to be important for me to stay focused on the task at hand and perform well.”

Separating himself from the rest of the pack is his intent because there’s more to prove than a stat line can provide. He’s ready for the coaches’ and scouts’ stopwatches, too.

“I believe some of the talents and abilities that I bring to the table are rare and something that a lot of guys don’t possess,” Switzer said. “I think people, for some strange reason, knock my straight-line speed, which will be put to rest at the combine.”

An all-state running back at Charleston’s George Washington High School, Switzer was a two-time winner of the Kennedy Award, given to the West Virginia high school football player of the year by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association. His senior season, he was named a Parade Magazine All-American.

He played college football at UNC, where he shined as a wide receiver and punt return specialist. He finished as the school’s all-time receiving yardage and receptions leader and was a two-time All-American as an all-purpose player and specialist.

His versatility stands to make him valuable to a variety of pro teams with a limited number of roster spots available.

Bechta said he’ll start on Switzer’s first pro contract when the team is ready following the draft and anticipates it being complete in less than a month. Switzer will meet his new team and attend a mini camp the first or second weekend following the draft. He also will join the team for off-season training, which will last about five weeks.

“Once that call comes, it’ll be about getting to the city where I’m playing and diving into the playbook,” said Switzer. “The Senior Bowl gave me a glimpse into what an NFL offense is about. Long play calls and lots of checks/hot reads/audibles. Hopefully, I can draw on that experience and pick up that system quick. The faster I learn it, the more opportunities will come my way.”