RB Julius Chestnut, HC Mark Nofri and OL Josh Sokol represent Sacred Heart at the 2022 UConn Pro Day (PHOTO: @mark_nofri)
BY RALPH VENTRE
They came to see Connecticut defensive tackle Travis Jones, but stayed for the hidden gems.
Approximately 20 National Football League scouts attended the UConn Huskies’ Pro Day on March 23 with those evaluators receiving a first-hand look at a trio of prospects from local NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs.
Sacred Heart’s Julius Chestnut and Josh Sokol along with Central Connecticut’s Tyshaun James all managed to demand the scouts’ attention at the pre-draft workout and their performances undoubtedly helped each player earn a post-draft NFL contract.
Although none of the three all-conference athletes heard their names called during the 2022 NFL Draft, all three signed UDFA deals within minutes of the final pick being made on stage in Las Vegas.
Chestnut, who was the most “draft-ready” of the bunch after creating buzz during stops at the Hula Bowl and NFLPA Bowl all-star games, will join the Tennessee Titans’ running back room after agreeing to terms with the reigning AFC South division champions.
Sokol and James, who were not widely considered top-tier FCS prospects according to draftniks’ rankings, both signed on with NFC teams following the three-day draft. Sokol, a center with game experience at guard, inked a deal with the Minnesota Vikings. James, a versatile receiver with great hands, signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
Their agents undoubtedly touted their clients’ UConn Pro Day performances during contract negotiations. Letting their numbers do the talking, it was on that day when the all three athletes were able to emphatically shed the “small-school” label and silence any doubters.
Chestnut, a two-time Walter Payton Award candidate, had been on the NFL radar for a couple years, but scouts had questions about his speed. The Sacred Heart running back had shown plenty of burst on game film and, as it turns out, that speed was evident at the combine-style workout at UConn.
Chestnut, who stands at 5’11” tall and weighs in at 228 pounds, clocked in at 4.47/4.49 for the 40-yard dash. He completed 22 reps during the bench-press test and registered a 34.5” vertical jump. The results were on par with running back prospects from the NCAA Power 5 conferences.
For his size, James produced what were arguably the best individual testing results amongst all UConn Pro Day participants. The quarterback-turned-receiver, who stands at 6’2” tall and weighed in at 216 pounds, ran the 40 in 4.45 and completed the three-cone drill in 6.97. In addition to showing speed, he recorded 22 bench-press reps to go along with a 10’11” broad jump and 37” vertical jump.
Then, there was Sokol, who posted results similar to those of UConn offensive line prospect Ryan van Demark. Sokol, a 6-foot-2 interior lineman, recorded a 29” vertical jump. He ran the 40-yard dash in 5.19 and registered a 7.34 three-cone time.
All three men enjoyed decorated college careers that included multiple all-conference selections and NCAA FCS playoff appearances. All three also possess intangible qualities that likely became evident to scouts during player and coach interviews.
Chestnut suffered a knee injury in Sacred Heart’s season opener this past fall, but worked tirelessly to get back on the field while the Pioneers were chasing a second consecutive conference crown. Acing his rehabilitation assignments, the bruising running back returned to the lineup in less time than initial projections suggested. Chestnut, who was on the shelf for seven games, returned for a November 6 road battle at Saint Francis.
James was coming off a sensational 2019 campaign when Central Connecticut opted out of the COVID-altered 2020-21 season. Instead of entering his attractive resume into the NCAA Transfer Portal, James stayed the course at CCSU. The local product’s loyalty paid off with a second All-Conference First Team selection this past fall.
Sokol may not have the immediate physical appearance of the prototypical NFL lineman, but he certainly plays like one on game film. In addition to competing with an “edge,” the Massachusetts product was ultra-reliable during his collegiate career and displayed a “team-first” mentality. Sokol had been SHU’s starting center for three consecutive seasons, but when injuries left the Pioneers with a glaring hole at right guard in 2021, the veteran slid over one spot and played his way to a third straight all-conference first team accolade.
In what was a UConn-organized event, three kids from local FCS programs stole the show.
RB Julius Chestnut (Sacred Heart), Tennessee Titans
- 3,605 rush yards, 35 total TD (34 games)
- 2020-21 Walter Payton Award Top-3 Finalist
- Two-time Stats Perform FCS All-American
SHU HC Mark Nofri on Chestnut: “Julius been one of the hardest workers on the field and the weight room since he came to Sacred Heart, and I expect the same of him at the next level.”
WR Tyshaun James (Central Connecticut), Atlanta Falcons
- 16.3 yards per reception, 24 total TD (45 games)
- 1,145 scrimmage yards, 14 total TD (2019 season)
- 2x All-Conference First Team
CCSU HC Ryan McCarthy on James: “Tyshaun has worked hard for this day and is dedicated to improving his craft. He has made the most of his talent and with his work ethic we look forward to following his career.”
G/C Josh Sokol (Sacred Heart), Minnesota Vikings
- 41 consecutive starts
- 3x All-Conference First Team
- FCS ADA Academic All-Star
SHU HC Mark Nofri on Sokol: “You’re not going to find a smarter football player who is dedicated to winning and getting better every day.”
TALKING PIGSKIN 
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