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Wyoming Area graduate Julian Campenni wasn’t selected in the NFL Draft, but he’ll still get his shot at pro football.
The Indianapolis Colts offered the UConn defensive tackle an opportunity to participate in a tryout camp for rookies later in the week. Campenni will attend the tryout from Thursday through Sunday. NFL teams often invite a select number of undrafted players to these camps and then decide which ones they will give the chance to make the team.
“They offered me a tryout and it was the only opportunity I really had, unfortunately,” Campenni said. “I only needed one, I only wanted one, so I’m happy.”
The 6-foot, 306-pounder started three years at UConn and played in 10 games as a redshirt freshman. He and his agent didn’t talk to any teams during the draft, which concluded Saturday with rounds four through seven. He said a few other teams expressed interest after the draft, including Cleveland and Philadelphia.
He went through the experience with a mixed bag of emotions.
“I think it was a little bit of everything,” said Campenni, who was hoping to get drafted Saturday. “You kind of enjoy the moment as much as you can, but you see guys you feel you’re just as good as get drafted. The whole process is exciting, but you get a little bit of everything during the day. It’s really a rollercoaster ride.”
The Colts hadn’t told Campenni the details of the camp as of Saturday night, but he anxious to get to Indianapolis.
“I’m ready to go. I’m itching,” Campenni said. “I could get on a flight right now and go out and practice tomorrow morning. I’m ready to go.”