Spencer Myers' transition from Maryland All-American wrestler to a valuable defensive lineman for the Terps has encouraged him to pursue a job in the NFL.
Myers worked out for 30 NFL teams at the Terps' campus Pro Day workout where he benched pressed 225 pounds 29 times.
The 6-foot-3, 270-pound former Pennsylvania Defensive Player of the Year performed offensive and defensive line drills and also is working on developing his long snapping skills.
"I think I did pretty good in the drills," Myers said in a telephone interview. "I felt pretty good working on both sides of the ball. I'm just trying to be versatile to give me a better chance to play the game. I didn't have my best performance, but you can't make excuses."
Myers played in 13 games last season, recording 18 tackles, 2.5 for losses and a half-sack. He had five tackles, 1.5 tackles for losses against James Madison and four tackles against West Virginia.
Myers' long snapping skills could give him more of a chance to make an NFL roster.
"I'm actually trying to pick that up," Myers said. "I was advised by a couple of scouts when I go into camp to make sure I know how to long snap to be more versatile."
Myers reached the quarterfinals in the NCAA championships in St. Louis, so his weight was still down from wrestling season when he auditioned for NFL scouts. Myers won the ACC heavyweight title twice and was an All-American as a freshman when he finished sixth in the NCAA championships.
"I see a guy that's got high energy," Maryland coach Randy Edsall said of Myers. "He's got a really good motor. He's relentless and chases the ball. He plays with good leverage."
As a senior in high school in Selinsgrove, Pa., when he won the state wrestling championship at 215 pounds and won a state title in football, Myers was named the Pennsylvania Wrestler of the Year. Myers played last season at roughly 285 pounds.
"I'm trying to gain a little bit of weight," said Myers, whose agent is former Maryland football player Chad Wiestling. "Coming off wrestling season, I only had a few days to actually train. I'm just trying to get that weight back on and try to get my speed back. I'm trying to get my running form down. In wrestling, there's not too much running."
Myers isn't sure what position is his best for the NFL, whether that's defensive end, defensive tackle or offensive guard.
His wrestling background has given him strength, leverage and hand-fighting skills.
"It's hard to say where I'll play, it all depends on who you talk to and where they need me to play," Myers said. "All of the scouts I talked with liked that I was a wrestler. One scout told me I had good footwork and hand movement. Hopefully, that helps get me into an NFL training camp."
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