Correspondent photo / Robert Hayes Youngstown State offensive lineman Jaison Williams competes in a drill with a Cleveland Browns scout during YSU’s pro day at the WATTS Friday afternoon.

YOUNGSTOWN — For many who play and love football, getting to the NFL is always a dream.

Few ever get the opportunity to play college football, while even fewer are given the opportunity to make it to the NFL.

A couple nights ago, Youngstown State running back Tyshon King was making his final preparations for YSU’s annual pro day on Friday when he came to the realization of the position that he found himself in.

Inside the Watson and Tressel Training Site, after countless jumps, sprints and drills, King sat down on the turf and tears trickled down his face as he began to reflect.

“I just started crying, just thinking about how far I’ve come, all the losses I took in life, the things I had to go through growing up. But it all paid off,” King said. “I’m here in this position, in a position to make a name for myself and put my name out for these franchises, and I feel like I did that.”

King, offensive lineman Jaison Williams and defensive end Hunter Allen each went through a myriad of NFL Combine-style drills on Friday in front of scouts from the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Four non-YSU players also participated in the pro day, including Grove City receiver Scott Fraser, Ohio Dominican receiver Daishaun Hill, Kenyon College defensive end Andrew Canonico and Robert Morris linebacker Keon Freeman, who spent most of his career at YSU before transferring to join the Colonials prior to the 2024 season.

Each player went through drills consisting of the vertical jump, the bench press, the broad jump, the 40-yard dash, the shuttle run and the three-cone drill, while some went through other position-specific drills.

“I feel like I came out here and had a really good day,” King said. “I feel really confident for my future as far as playing in the NFL. I just feel a lot of gratitude for everybody who helped me along the way because I didn’t get here by myself. I just feel thankful, by the grace of God, that I’m still here today. I’m just happy to be here. I’m just happy to have this opportunity.”

King posted strong numbers across the board, with a 33.5 inch vertical jump, 19 reps on the bench press and a 4.7 40-yard dash. Williams showcased his footwork, agility and strength as a lineman, while Allen had the best broad jump of the three at 9-feet, 11-inches. However, Allen pulled up with an injury during his second 40-yard dash attempt, and was forced to sit out the rest of the drills.

“I felt like I had a really solid day,” Williams said. “Some areas we definitely could have done better, but overall, I felt good. I feel really satisfied walking off the field today.”

Since the end of the season in November, Williams has spent his time in New Castle, Pa., training and working out at Grossetti Performance to prepare for pro day and the draft.

Now that the pro day is in the rear view mirror, Williams said he’ll remain in the area to train and work out until the draft rolls along April 24-26.

“Now we can switch from combine training to just more football stuff, film room and getting touched up in that area,” Williams said. “Getting back more in football shape, as opposed to Olympic running.”

Meanwhile, King took some time to get healthy after battling through some injuries during the season before he began working out to prepare for the pro day.

“The scouts all told me I had a really good day,” King said. “They told me I looked good, so that’s a boost of confidence. But now it’s just back to work, staying in shape and when draft weekend comes, just hope I’m one of those guys that gets drafted. And if not, one of those guys that signs a free agent deal, and if not, then one of those guys that gets a rookie minicamp invite.”

The Penguins have established a pattern of success with players making their way to the NFL in recent years.

Tight end Kevin Rader signed as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers in 2018, then tight end Andrew Ogletree was drafted in the sixth round by the Indianapolis Colts in 2022.

More recently, record-breaking running back Jaleel McLaughlin signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and has been on Denver’s 53-man roster the past two seasons, while wide receiver Bryce Oliver signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans last year and was called up to the 53-man roster from the practice squad midway through the 2024 season.

Each of their successes have given players like King, Williams and Allen a blueprint for how to get to the next level.

“It definitely lets you know that it can happen, because when you come in, you feel like the NFL is so far away,” Williams said. “But when you see guys that you were going to battle with every Saturday make it, it kind of makes it more tangible, more real. Definitely seeing those guys inspires me and pushes me to get up there with them.”