WORCESTER – Just about the entire NFL was represented inside the St. Ignatius Field House on the campus of Holy Cross Thursday afternoon.

The Crusaders had 30 of 32 teams – the Steelers and Bengals were not on hand – to watch Jalen Coker and CJ Hanson as well as UNH’s Dylan Laube. In total, 20 players participated representing 10 different New England schools and some of them took advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Laube shined as a receiver, running the entire route tree and catching everything Bridgewater State QB James Cahoon  – who also had an impressive performance -threw to him and continued to show his versatility. Coker only did the bench, putting up 13 reps after he did all his talking on the field in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine. Hanson threw up an impressive 25 reps on the bench and despite hitting the pylon during his three-cone four different times, he showed plenty of agility there and also in his short shuttle. During technique drills he looked as good as ever. All three guys have seen their stocks soar during the pre-draft process and this was icing on the cake.

“I’m happy I’m here, I’m happy all my boys are here, so, it’s just a huge opportunity for us and we’re glad to represent here at Holy Cross,” said Coker. “It’s a great time to be a Holy Cross Crusader, for sure.”

“It was a special day today,” said Hanson. “The last two-and-a-half months were a special time and I’ll remember it for the rest of my life…I couldn’t be happier with the spot I’m at. I definitely helped myself the last two months and all the experience I’ve had, East-West (All Star game) and the (NFL) Combine…it’s special. Everyone’s here, everyone’s rooting for the Holy Cross guys, so it’s special.”

Laube was very thankful to new Holy Cross head coach (and UNH alum) Dan Curran for allowing him to showcase his skills considering the rivalry the two schools have, especially after the playoff game in 2022.

“It was a huge honor, especially for Holy Cross which…UNH and them aren’t too friendly,” he added with a smile. “I appreciate them having me…this past year it (draft stock) has definitely gone up. It’s been a slow process. I’ve been taking it one step at a time and once again, it’s been super fun. I’ve been enjoying every second of it. It’s been a blast. When April hits, man, who knows?”

Cahoon’s arm was really impressive, with deep balls dropping in the bucket to receivers and shorter throws out quickly and accurately. Merrimack’s Darion McKenzie seemingly flew in his 40 (official times were not yet released at the time of this story) and showed off good ball skills in drills. Springfield defensive lineman Quinn Sweeney certainly didn’t look like a D3 player. He was extremely athletic and runs like a gazelle (literally, watch him). You’d like to think he had to have opened some eyes for a few teams.UNH tight end Kyle Lepowski, wide receiver Heron Maurisseau, defensive back Randall Harris and offensive lineman Osho Omoyeni all had good days with Laube leading the Wildcat charge.

For Laube, he’s done about as much as he can to earn the right to hear his name called on NFL Draft weekend. The physical process might be done – aside from a few 30 visits – but he knows the mental work is just getting started.

“I have a couple 30-day visits, Zoom calls with a couple teams. So, it’s over physically, but mentally it’s going to be a grueling…this next month or so, it’s going to be intense,” he added.

Coker and Hanson have been able to live out a dream together , going to the NFL Combine and then having the whole NFL world on campus. They were quite appreciative and reflective in the moment.

“To be the first Crusaders to go to the Combine in like 70 years and then come here and represent for my school, it’s awesome,” said Coker. “I feel like just coming here my freshman year…the reason I came here was the people, the community. Everyone’s been so accepting, so grateful and it’s just amazing to give back to the community that’s done so much for me and CJ…I can’t say thank you (enough) to all those professors, coaches, it’s been awesome.”

“It was my last game day here,” Hanson added. “So, waking up this morning, you think about all those game days you had in the past. It brings you that adrenaline, that energy and this is a special place. I’ve said it in other interviews, it was the greatest place to play college football and I believe that for every day of my life.”

The full list of participants is below. You can also watch the full interviews with Coker, Hanson and Laube on our YouTube page. Please subscribe while you’re there!

Jalen Coker | WR | Holy Cross
C.J. Hanson | OL | Holy Cross
Dylan Laube | RB | New Hampshire
Randall Harris | DB | New Hampshire
Kyle Lepkowski | TE | New Hampshire
Heron Maurisseau | WR | New Hampshire
Osho Omoyeni | OL | New Hampshire
Antonio Derry | OL | Merrimack
Nick Martino | DL | Merrimack
Darion McKenzie | DB | Merrimack
Jordan Riggs | DL | Merrimack
Myles Taylor | LB | Merrimack
David Satkowski | OL | Stonehill
Cooper DeVeau | DB | Brown
Sal Lupoli | LB | Bentley
Mathieu Severance | S | Bentley
DeAndre Wallace | WR | Anna Maria
Quinn Sweeney | DL | Springfield
James Cahoon | QB | Bridgewater State
Anthony Brown | WR | St. Anselm