The big name players met or exceeded the sky high expectations at the 2017 NFL Combine. However, some lesser known players looking to get drafted not only put their names on the scouting radar, but also their agents.
North Carolina running back T.J. Logan put his name on the map thanks to his 4.37 second 40-yard dash. That time was good enough for the fastest at the position, one with big-time names such as Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook and Leonard Fournette, all of whom are projected to be first-round picks next month. Logan is represented by Gary Shipman of the Wilmington, North Carolina – based Shipman Law. Logan looks to become the sixth of Shipman’s clients to play in the NFL, as prior to 2013 he had only represented coaches and practiced law.
Fans of #Pac12AfterDark were very aware of Washington wide receiver John Ross. At the combine, however, Ross ran into people’s Twitter mentions and most likely his way up the draft board. He ran the 40-yard dash in a record time 4.22 seconds, breaking Chris Johnson’s combine record. This performance came after the news surrounding the combine focused on adidas’ promotion of giving away an island (yes, an actual island) to any participant breaking the 40-yard dash record wearing the company’s new shoes.
Ross’ on-field representation is handled by Brad Cicala of the Columbus, Ohio-based Terra Firma Sports Management. Cicala oversees the management of all aspects of both professional and personal development of the athletes within the family, which includes NFL players Pierre Garcon, Austin Pettis, and Malcolm Smith among others. His off-field representation is managed by Florida-based Ian Grutman of Grutman Sports and Entertainment.
In an industry in which there is not much parity, and most people are only aware of the big-time super agents, these individuals are standing out to these prospects in order to sign them, and the athletes are living up to and exceeding expectations.