Former Nebraska defensive tackle Kevin Maurice got the call on Monday, May 1. After going undrafted in the 2017 NFL draft and not getting picked up as a free agent, the Jacksonville Jaguars called with an offer. They wanted him to try out for the team.
Maurice said in an interview with Chris Schmidt of Hail Varsity Radio that the waiting was the toughest part. He knew what he had to offer but was reliant on a team giving him a chance.
“After the draft, I was just waiting around trying to see if I’d potentially find a free agent deal,” Maurice said. “Saturday came up and nothing showed. My agent told me to be patient. Sunday came around, same thing.
“Monday morning I got a call from the Jags to come out for their rookie camp tryout that was going to be held the following week. I was definitely excited for that. I basically went out there this past Thursday. Got to Jacksonville, hit the camp for two days and then they eventually signed me so that’s how it’s been the past two weeks.”
While he would have loved to be drafted or picked up as a free agent, Maurice wasn’t disappointed in the call to try out. He instead saw it as the opportunity he’d been looking for.
“Just receiving the call, I took that as a huge blessing and understanding that it’s a tremendous opportunity to put yourself in front of all these coaches and showcase what you can do,” Maurice said. “I wasn’t too bummed out when I got that call.”
Maurice was one of two to be signed out of 39 athletes at the Jaguars’ rookie camp. The 6-3 and 300 pound defensive tackle clearly made an impression, showing off just a little of what made him so successful at Nebraska.
“I just went in there and told myself to give it all that I’ve got and do everything I can to possibly earn a contract and that’s what I did,” Maurice said.
To hear the full interview with Maurice, including his thoughts on how Nebraska prepared him for his rookie camp tryout, his relationship with John Parrella and more, check out the podcast.
