WR Caleb Eagans (Mary Hardin-Baylor) Draft Journal #7
I’m blessed and thankful to see the New Year and be in 2021. I’m thankful to have this opportunity to keep up with my draft journey by NFL Draft Blitz. As we all know 2020 was a year that was very complicated and confusing for many of us, but God makes no mistakes. I have been asked by many if I would be entering the draft this year in 2021 but I decided to play this year to win and compete for a conference and National Championship with my teammates. Since coming to Mary Hardin-Baylor, I found myself around a group and a coaching staff where I feel could help my game develop into a more prolific player before entering the league. My mindset is to not just try to make it, but be an impact player once I do. I have gotten faster, stronger and there is still room for me to grow. Winning a National Championship is something not a lot of guys can say they have done, and I would like to have the opportunity to do so. I feel comfortable that Coach Thrash ( WR Coach ), Coach Lee ( Offensive Coordinator ) and Coach Fredenburg ( Head Coach ) will continue to challenge me and help me become the player I can be to help this team win and reach my fullest potential as a football player and man off the field.
Over the break I’ve just been training, getting my mind prepared ready to take the field this year. I’ve been working with our QB’s, running, lifting and watching film. One of the other WR’s, Romello Cook and I have been to the field every week many times working on conditioning, footwork and catching the ball just staying in tuned and sharp. He’s competitive and likes extra work just as much as I do which is why we have a good relationship. I really am coming into a time where for me things are about to get really serious, there won’t be a whole lot of talking because my actions will show when the lights come on and the scoreboard clocks are on. I’m definitely hungrier than I’ve ever been, not just to play the game but to prove why I am an exceptional player. I’ve learned that slow success builds character. With an injury that kept me from being in the 2020 NFL Draft and Covid-19 that pushed our season back I’m actually thankful. I’ve had conversations with my WR Coach Thrash and we believe it’s a blessing for myself with my career dealing with these setbacks. Covid allowed me time to come in, learn the plays more, get accustomed to the culture whereas if we just started playing there would have been less time for me to get familiar with everything. Another thing we had talked about that is really important, is how I have to compete with every other athlete who wants a chance to play in the NFL. Even though there may be days where no one on the team or in our conference is staying after practice/lifting putting in extra work, there’s probably another man going hard after practice up the road at the University of Texas or at Texas A&M University who wants the same spot I want. I am pushed by competition now that I don’t even see. This is something I’ve thought about every single day and will continue to think about this entire year and as long as I’m playing the game. My competitive drive and willingness to get better is definitely there and I’ve shifted my mind into a new understanding and preparedness. I’m ready to apply a lot of pressure this year and compete at a high level. I remember winning Male Athlete of the Year for the State of Texas and competing with one of the best recruiting classes at Texas A&M we had on the football team and my drive and feeling has passed where I was then. This year will definitely be a personal one.
