Lake Erie College’s Anthony Kukwa knows the odds are long. But the Division II tight end and special teams player hopes to be one of the 256 names called from the podium at the NFL draft April 27-29.
“I grew up watching the NFL and saying, ‘I want to be like those guys,’ ” Kukwa says.
The 24-year-old Perry High School grad wasn’t invited to the NFL’s Scouting Combine, where elite college prospects showcase their skills. But at 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Kukwa thinks his speed (he runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds) and ability to snap for punts and field goals would have impressed NFL scouts and coaches.
“I could have done well there,” he says. “But coming from a small school, I don’t get that same opportunity.”
An all-Ohio pick in three sports at Perry, Kukwa originally received a football scholarship at Ball State University in 2011. But the demands of Division I academics and athletics were difficult for Kukwa and his then-girlfriend, Taylor, who had moved with him to raise their 2-month-old son, Anthony. With their second son, Elliot, on the way, they returned to Lake County to ease the burden.
“It was just something that I felt at the time was best for me and my family,” he says.
At Lake Erie, Kukwa led the team with 39 receptions as a freshman and amassed 85 catches and 12 touchdowns during his four years with the Storm. But stats don’t fully capture Kukwa’s versatility and athleticism, which he planned to highlight during a March pro day workout at the University of Toledo.
He’s hopeful daily workouts at Speed and Strength Systems in Chester Township, a facility frequented by New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, will make him stronger, quicker and more enticing to the NFL. If he isn’t drafted, Kukwa thinks he can latch on as an undrafted free agent and make an impression during training camp.
“I have this goal that I have to accomplish,” he says. “I feel like I’m close. All I’ve gotta do is finish through.”
Meet three locals likely to get that fateful phone call on draft day.
Mitch Trubisky
Quarterback, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Projection: Top 5 overall
The Mentor grad’s size, arm strength and accuracy from the pocket make him the top-rated QB by many.
Marshon Lattimore
Cornerback, The Ohio State University
Projection: Top 10 overall
After a breakout 2016 season, the Glenville grad’s superior athleticism and toughness rank him among the best cornerbacks.
Kareem Hunt
Running back, University of Toledo
Projection: Mid to late rounds
USA Today called this Willoughby South High School product “the best value at RB” in the draft.
NFL Draft, Here Comes Anthony Kukwa (He Hopes)
The Lake Erie College grad and former football player thinks he can beat the odds.
