[Editor’s note: Former Terrapin linebacker Erin Henderson graduated last semester and is currently working his way toward the NFL Draft. During the 2007 season, Henderson led the ACC in tackles per game while gaining national recognition as one of the country’s top linebackers. Henderson has been writing about his experiences on the way to becoming a professional football player. Today’s topic is pre-draft activities.]

I think the name of this entry should be “Downtime.” I have never had free time before in my entire life, and at some points, I don’t know what to do with myself. At other times, I feel bad – like, there has got to be something that I am supposed to be doing.

Coming from a program like Maryland, if you have time to relax, then you better go check a schedule and find out where you are really supposed to be and hope that you are not going to get into too much trouble when you get there.

Since the combine from Feb. 20 to Feb. 26, I have had three things that I had to attend. The first was Maryland’s Pro Day, on March 12. This was the last workout that I would do for NFL scouts and also my last chance to impress them with my athletic ability. Overall, I would say that Pro Day was a good day for not only me, but the rest of my draft-eligible teammates as well. In my opinion, the two guys who may have impressed the scouts the most were Lance Ball and Isaiah Gardner. I feel they both performed extremely well, and hopefully draft day will reflect that.

My next commitment was to attend the Redskins’ local workout day on April 4. I personally did not work out, and of course I had to deal with all the smart remarks from my teammates. But luckily for them, I know it is all out of love.

I had a chance to showcase my intellectual skills there, though, as I met with the linebackers coach and the assistant defensive coordinator. They asked me some questions and had me do a couple things on the board to see just how smart I am. If you know me at all, then you know how impressed they were by the time I left (had to put that in there; it just would not have been right if I didn’t).

The last trip I took was up to Buffalo, N.Y., to meet with the Bills. Unlike the Redskins meeting, this was an overnight stay. I flew up last Tuesday afternoon and returned around the same time last Wednesday. I really enjoyed this trip, as I got a chance to meet just about everybody in the organization – from the head coach to the equipment manager and everyone in between. I also had the opportunity to attend meetings with the players who play the same position as me and get a taste of what an NFL meeting room is all about.

I know this free-time thing will not last much longer, but I figure I may as well enjoy it while I can. The next time we talk will probably be in a couple of weeks, and I will tell you guys all about the biggest day in my life, at least up to this point.

sports@dbk.umd.edu