Ulster ‘keepers to take part in further NFL trial

By Michael McMullan

Ulster GAA goalkeepers Rory Beggan and Charlie Smyth have another chance to impress scouts from NFL club at trial in Florida on Wednesday.

Along with Wicklow goalkeeper Mark Jackson and another Irishman, Darragh Leader, they will take part in a NFL pro day at the University of South Florida.

It will involve a day of punting and goal kicking in front of scouts from all NFL teams.

The quartet impressed at the recent combine in Indianapolis as were part of a group of players involved in the International Player Pathway with the view to securing a life-changing NFL contract.

The wheels began to spin faster when Beggan, Smyth and Leader having since signed up with US-based sports agency ProStar.

The NFL draft is due to commence in April and with all 32 teams able to include an international player in their squad, it gives the Irish players an increased chance of getting snapped up ahead of the new season in September.