For a group of former Huskers, Hybrid Human Performance at Speedway Sports Village in Lincoln, Nebraska, has become a home base in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. While Nebraska doesn’t currently have a statewide shelter-in-place mandate, residents are asked to abide by recommendation of 10 persons or less in a group. That means for these seven athletes—plus Hybrid Human Performance owner and coach Jacob Cervantes—the Speedway Sports Village complex has become the one place they can train for the upcoming NFL Draft.
The 2020 NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 23. For these seven Huskers, the next few weeks are vital. They’re health and their safety are as important as ever, but they’re finding balance in their new normal to train.
Defensive back Lamar Jackson and defensive lineman Khalil Davis were invited to the NFL Combine. Linebacker Mohamed Barry, wide receiver Mike Williams and defensive lineman Alex Davis are looking for their shot and put in the time at Nebraska’s Senior Day, one of the last events of its kind before COVID-19 shut things down. Others—like defensive lineman Freedom Akinmoladun and defensive back Kieron Williams—are still looking for their chance at a 53-man roster in the NFL.
For now, each former Husker is doing what he can for his shot at a dream. It’s happening under unusual circumstances—and they know that—but the work continues to the best of their abilities.