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In a city as tight-knit as Cleveland, local players on the Cleveland Browns often become fan-favorites.
According to a source close to the situation, John Carroll offensive lineman Anthony Latina will be among the local players auditioning for the honor on Friday, April 15, DBN has learned.
Latina and others will participate in the team's local day in Berea for players around the Cleveland. The players will be measured, run the 40-yard dash, and complete position drills with the Browns' coaches.
Latina can play all five positions on the line, as the 6'3, 307-pound prospect started at both guard and left tackle during his four-year career at JCU, an NCAA Division III school. Teams mostly view Latina as a guard and center.
The Saint Ignatius High School grad has received plenty of attention from scouts leading up to the draft. Most notably, Latina first took part in the 2016 College Gridiron Showcase in Bedford, Texas in January, playing with and against mostly Division I athletes. Of 100 college athletes selected, just three were from Division III. Scouts from the Rams, Seahawks, and Giants met with Latina during the three-day showcase,
Latina then participated in a Regional Combine in Minnesota on March 5. Latina notched a 40 time of 5.15, just .04 off of the best time for a lineman at the combine. He also ran the shuttle in 4.6 seconds and recorded a 26 inch vertical jump.
The Blue Streak then had his pro day at the University of Toledo on March 14. In front of 20 scouts, Latina ran the 40 and the shuttle again, did the vertical jump and the bench press. Latina notched 31 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.
Latina accrued many honors and awards during his time at JCU. The Independence native was twice named an D3Football.com All-American and made the first-team All-Ohio Athletic Conference twice, too. In his three seasons as a starter, the Blue Streaks recorded a 23-6 record and reached the NCAA Division III Championships twice.
Ten Division III players made NFL rosters last season, giving hope to Latina and other under-hyped prospects. Several Blue Streaks have played in the NFL, including linebacker London Fletcher and Hall of Famer Don Shula.