Sheldon Day Blocking Out The Noise

Some college athletes – especially those considering a pro career – can’t help but read what people are saying about them.

The Internet is a vast place. Athletes can look up various mock draft websites, and see what “experts” are saying about their prospects as a pro. Maybe what round in a draft they could be selected, or where they could land as a potential destination.

Others may not actively search for reading material about themselves, but find it impossible to avoid. Some college athletes have thousands of followers on social media profiles, where people take it upon themselves to let a pro prospect know their personal thoughts on his level of play.

Former Irish defensive tackle Sheldon Day has ~ 14,600 followers on Twitter and ~10,900 on Instagram. Day can post one photo on Instagram, and comments pour in from all over.

“Can’t wait till u get drafted,” reads one comment on a picture Day shared five weeks ago.

“Sheldon day beast,” reads another on the same photo.

Mostly the comments on Day’s social media are positive. Look elsewhere on the Internet, though, and one can find Day’s “weaknesses” as a pro prospect.

“Lengthy injury history, leaving durability in question,” reads part of an evaluation on CBSSports. “Lacks ideal size and point-of-attack strength, and the term ‘stout anchor’ won't be found in his scouting report as he allows blockers to bully him in the run game.

“Day's shorter arms are a frequent culprit for his inability to consistently disengage blocks, allowing blockers to engulf and seal him from the pocket. Needs to better set up his pass rush sequence. Will make some aggressive mistakes on late hits and needs to play smarter. Has some experience at nose guard, but he needs to play outside the A-gap to be most effective.”

Day insists he blocks all the chatter out. That means from both sides of the aisle.

“I don’t get into all of that,” he said. “Coach [Brian] Kelly always taught us don’t listen to the noise.”

In between all the positive and negative comments, various mock drafts project Day anywhere from the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft to the fourth. Leading up to the event on April 28-30, Day said he plans to spend his time in South Bend, staying in shape and spending quality time with his (now former) teammates.

He doesn’t know where he’ll spend draft day. And he doesn’t have any indications of what team could select him.

Day is just going to focus on himself at this stage, and enjoy the ride as it comes.

“I’m just going with the flow right now,” he said. “I can’t even put a number on how many teams I’ve heard from.

“Definitely interest from almost anybody.”

At Notre Dame’s Pro Day, the Warren Central (Ind.) product measured in at 6-1, 293 pounds. He ran the 40-yard dash in 5.07 seconds, recorded 21 bench press reps, and measured in with a 30-inch vertical leap.

“Just having fun and trying to expand my skillset,” he said of the March 31 event. “It was great to see those guys that you haven’t seen in three months – some a little at the combine.

“But being back home and getting to hang out is definitely a good time.”

The two-time team captain finished with 141 total tackles in his Irish career, including 32.0 for a loss.