U.S. National Team alumni audition for pro career at NFL Combine

By USA Football | Posted 3/3/2018

Stanford University defensive lineman and 2014 U.S. National Team alum Harrison Phillips speaks to members of the media Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Phillips is projected by some draft analysts to be a second- or third-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. (Photo by Adam Wire)

Former U.S. National Team and International Bowl players are among the hundreds of athletes gathered in Indianapolis for football's biggest job interview - the annual NFL Scouting Combine. Along with strength, speed, agility and cognitive tests, they'll sit down with NFL team brass to make their case for next month's NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

RELATED CONTENTPathway to U.S. National Teams to change in 2018

Here's a look at the National Team alumni in Indy who spoke to the media at the Combine this week.

SATURDAY

Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford, 2014 U-19 U.S. National Team

HarrisonPhillips2

Phillips registered a whopping 103 tackles from his defensive tackle position at Stanford his senior season, something he attributed to film study.

"I can pick up on the (offensive) calls," Phillips said. "I'm a better player as the game goes on, and I think everyone should be. We've coined the term 'intellectual brutality' at Stanford, and that's actually how I played. Very intellectual, can anticipate plays, and when it comes down to it, I can be violent and brutal."

Speaking of intellectual, Phillips graduated from Stanford in December, with a double major in the science of technology and sociology, along with a minor in education.

As Phillips answered questions from the media Saturday, he smiled broadly as he recalled his U.S. National Team experience as "one of the most fun experiences I've had."

"I'm the one who ran out on the field carrying the flag," said Phillips, who played at Millard West High School (Nebraska), and was also a three-time state wrestling champion. "It prepared me. It made me meet a lot of players and follow their careers through social media and things like that. I was able to check in on some of the guys who were my teammates and see what they did and what they were doing now. It's a tight community."

Shaquem Griffin, LB, Central Florida, 2013 U-19 U.S. National Team

Shaquemcombine2

Griffin has made the Combine somewhat of a competition with his brother, Shaquill, who just completed his rookie season with the Seattle Seahawks. 

"I did more than him in the bench press," Shaquem said, referring to his 20-rep showing Saturday that was the talk of the Combine. "That's one down. I've got a few more to go. We'll see how it goes come (Sunday)."

Griffin answered lots of questions about the doubts that he'll be able to compete in the NFL without a left hand. He was born without use of his left hand, and had it amputated at age 4.

RELATED CONTENT: How National Team alum Shaquem Griffin did 20 bench-press reps at 225 pounds at the NFL Combine

"At the end of the day, you have to show me what you can do, but I'm never going to set limitations on what you can do, whether you have two hands or 30 hands," Griffin said. "You show me what you can do, and we go from there. Same thing for me."

The 2013 U.S. National Team alum, who got to play in the International Bowl alongside Shaquill, fondly recalled his time with the team.

"That was an amazing experience," he said. "Being able to go back to the hotel room and see your play on ESPN Top 10 Plays, that was amazing. I have to thank USA (Football) about inviting me there and having the opportunity to play with my brother. We were able to have our swag with our socks and stuff. Usually, you don't do that, but we had our own little swag. An experience like that, that's what you live for."

THURSDAY

Justin Jackson, RB, Northwestern, 2014 U-19 U.S. National Team

Justin Jackson NFL Combine

Northwestern's career leader in rushing yards and touchdowns had an outstanding final season with the Wildcats. Jackson averaged 27 carries and 133 yards over their last five games, including an MVP performance in the Music City Bowl.

"Throughout my entire career, I think I've shown that I can do that - be durable, play through little things here and there. That's what you have to do as a pro player," Jackson said. "I'm really proud that I didn't miss any games in college. That's really tough as a running back, especially in the Big Ten."

Jackson had fond memories of his International Bowl experience.

"It was wild, real run. It was the first time I went to anything where I was with a bunch of other players, kind of similar this but coming out of high school," he said. "I could tell then there were a bunch of guys who were going to make it to the next level after college."

Kamryn Pettway, RB, Auburn, 2014 U-19 U.S. National Team

Kamryn Pettway NFL Combine

After a 1,200-yard season in 2016, when he joined Bo Jackson as the only Auburn running backs to run for 150 yards in four straight games, Pettway had an injury-plagued 2017, including a fractured shoulder in October that ended his season.

"With the shoulder, I didn't really get to prove myself as a player last year, so being able to be here is a great opportunity for me, especially as motivation to work real hard to get here," Pettway said.

Pettway worked to shed a few pounds to get faster and stronger leading up to this week.

"I feel like I can bring a lot to the table," he said. "I'm diverse, I can be used at running back or fullback, I can play special teams also."

RELATED CONTENTHow do you stack up against some NFL players in the Wonderlic test?

Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia, 2014 U-19 U.S. National Team

Isaiah Wynn NFL Combine

Wynn stood out on an offensive line that helped power Georgia to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. He showed up for the Combine ready for the physical and mental rigors involved.

"It's enjoyable ... busy, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," he said. 

A teammate of Jackson and Pettway on the 2014 National Team, a smile came to Wynn's face when he recalled the experience.

"It was good, being able to meet everybody, then even if you don't see them for three or four years, you come back here and be like, 'Yeah, we played together.' It was neat," he said.

Wyatt Teller, OL, Virginia Tech, 2013  U-19 U.S. National Team

Wyatt Teller NFL Combine

Virginia's defensive player of the year coming out of high school, Teller changed to the O-line during his redshirt season and never looked back.

"The switch was my choice. I wanted to help the team out and felt that was the best way to do it," he said. "It was a transition, it was difficult, a lot of time learning, but it's worth it. I'm here."

Teller started the 2013 International Bowl at defensive end, his last game on that side of the ball.

"I support the troops so much, and to do that on a fun, competitive level was a blessing, especially coming from a military household," he said. 

Adam Wire contributed to this report.

Share