Greg Betterson could be on the fast track to a professional football contract.
The Niagara Falls native said he will participate today in the University of Mississippi’s senior pro day, hoping to impress scouts in advance of next month’s NFL draft.
Betterson, a 6-foot wide receiver who played for both Niagara Falls High School and Niagara Catholic, said the track surface at Ole Miss’ indoor practice facility will aide his attempt to turn in a 40-yard dash time under 4.4 seconds.
“I want to run in the 4.3s,” Betterson said. “Coming from a small school, you’ve got to put up big numbers.”
Betterson caught 45 passes for 639 yards (14.2 average) and nine touchdowns last season at Delta State University, a nationally-ranked Division II program.
Several draft-themed Web sites currently list Betterson’s 40 time in the 4.5 range. Betterson said that time came from a workout at Delta State last spring when he weighed over 200 pounds.
Now around his playing weight, 185 pounds, and having trained in Kansas City with former NFL receiver Eddie Kennison, Betterson said he has been running in the 4.4s consistently.
Betterson will also perform in other drills showing off his agility, jumping ability, and football skills.
“Greg has the DNA of an explosive punt returner,” said Chester Harvey, Betterson’s Jacksonville-based agent, last month.
Harvey was hoping Betterson could show off his return skills prior to the NFL draft by playing in the upstart United National Gridiron League, but the planned developmental league never got off the ground.
Betterson said he expects to play in the Canadian Football League next season if he doesn’t make an NFL roster.
His professional prospects should be much clearer after today’s 40-yard dash performance.
“This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for,” Betterson said, “since I was playing in the back yard acting like I was Jerry Rice.”
Contact reporter Jonah Bronstein at jonah.bronstein@niagara-gazette.com
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Dan Cappellazzo/staff photograph
March 25, 2009
FOOTBALL: Betterson to run at Ole Miss pro day
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