Huskers' Herian uncertain, calm about NFL draft possibilities

COLUMBUS - Matt Herian won't have a camera on his fishing boat this weekend during the NFL Draft.

He won't have an array of hats ready to don the proper one if his name is called.

In fact, he probably won't spend much time in front of the television watching ESPN's coverage of the event this weekend.

The former Nebraska tight end is trying to treat this weekend like any other, but for him and several other ex-Cornhuskers, the draft, which starts Saturday morning and continues to Sunday, could be filled with anticipation.

“I'm going to keep eye on it, but I'm not going to be glued to the TV. I'll be watching to see where other Nebraska guys like (Adam) Carriker and Brandon Jackson go,” Herian said Thursday while signing autographs at the grand opening of Associated Staffing in Columbus.

“Once Sunday rolls around I'll pay attention a little more and check to see where other tight ends go,” he said. “I'm ready to get it over with and to see what is going to happen. I'm also excited because it's kind of a dream to do this. You hope it goes well.”

While Carriker and Jackson will likely hear their names called on Saturday during the first three rounds, Herian will have to wait until the later stages on Sunday to learn his professional destination. He said he was talked to about a dozen teams about the draft, but isn't certain about how the weekend will unfold.

Herian graduated in December 2006 and has spent the last few months working out the Nebraska strength and condition coaches in preparation of the draft.

The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder said the main focus of his workouts were to show he was fully healthy and had no lingering effects of a broken leg that required two surgeries and almost two years to set and properly heal.

During his senior season, the Pierce native caught 12 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns. He finished his career with 1,243 receiving yards on 65 catches.

Since the end of last season, Herian ran a 4.7 second 40-yard dash at Nebraska's pro scout day on March 7. In addition, he played in the East-West Shrine Game in January, where he recorded one reception for eight yards.

Herian said he has spent the last few months working out in Lincoln with the former teammate, quarterback Zac Taylor, who is also a probable second-day selection. Herian said working out with a live arm instead of a machine has helped him stay fresh and keep his route running sharp.

“Last season I started out a little rusty, but by end I made strides and everything was starting to click,” Herian said. “Practicing and playing was good for (my leg). You could tell with each game and each time I got hit in the leg I got that much more confident in it. The practices and games were really important. I feel good if not better than I ever have. A lot of it has been mental.”

According to Scouts, Inc., Herian is the No. 19 tight end in the draft and not among the top 303 available prospects in the draft.

Even if he doesn't get drafted, Herian said he and his agent have a plan in place to get him an opportunity to be invited to a training camp. No matter what happens this weekend, Herian said he is excited about the possibility of fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing in the NFL.

“I know there is a good chance (to be drafted), and that's all that matters,” he said. “I know it's not going to happen real early, but I'll be happy with where I get a chance to play. The team that takes me is sincere about giving me a chance to prove myself.”