VIDEO: Darious Cummings talks Florida Gators Pro Day

There was no e-mail with an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine in Darious Cummings’ inbox. The senior hadn’t played football since the Florida State game — the university he began his college career at — and he felt the pressure and need to be able to perform in front of NFL scouts if he was going to make his dream a reality.

Cummings — like most every Division I football player — dreams of wearing the NFL shield on his jersey and playing football at the highest level in the world but like most, he only had one opportunity to impress scouts.

That made Florida’s Pro Day even more meaningful and impactful for the 22-year old from Titusville, Florida.

Thanks in large part to Dante Fowler Jr. — who is expected to be a top five pick in the NFL Draft — and D.J. Humphries, who is rising up draft boards due to his size and athleticism, Cummings got an opportunity to work out in front of almost every team in the NFL on Tuesday.

He accomplished his mission, performing well enough to earn a couple of invitations for private workouts. He’ll have to answer questions as to why he was suspended for the Birmingham Bowl — the game that would have been his last as a college player — and he has a long way to go if he wants to hear his name called during the draft but he’s happy to have gone through the process and had the opportunity to get his foot in the door.

Kassidy Hill
Born into a large family of sports fanatics and wordsmiths alike, sports journalism came natural to Kassidy. It’s more than a passion; it’s simply a part of who she is. Hailing from Alabama in the midst of typical Iron Bowl family, she learned very quickly just how deep ties in the SEC could run. She came to Gainesville after college to pursue a degree as television sports reporter but quickly realized she missed writing. She’s excited to now marry the two aspects for Gator fans. She loves Jesus, her daddy and football; wants to be Billy Donovan’s best friend and firmly believes that offensive lineman are the best people on earth. Follow her on Twitter @KassidyGHill