In April 2008 The Beyond Sports Network received a request from NFL International to provide information on the free agent quarterbacks in the network.

They were seeking qualified individuals who would want to participate in an all expenses paid trip to Seville, Spain to participate in a week long camp conducted by NFL International.  This camp will include athletes from all over the world who will compete in front of NFL, as well as other professional football scouts.  The two players selected from the Beyond Sports Network are John Jacobs from Division III Catholic University, and Chris Phillips from Northwestern Oklahoma State and the semipro team Virginia Wolfpack.   Dan Evans, a Catholic University Alumni and former player, now with the Beyond Sports Network,  caught up with John Jacobs before his trip. 

BSN:   We would first like to congratulate you John on being selected to participate in the NFL International Camp.   For those that do not know much about your football career, give us some background on yourself.

JJ:  I started my college career at D1AA William and Mary where I redshirted the first year and spent the second year as a back up.   I then followed one of my coaches to The Catholic University of America where I finished my collegiate career.  At Catholic I split time for the first and third years there, and was sidelined due to an injury the second year. 

BSN:  You were in a tough situation at Catholic University, playing behind Division I prospect Keith Ricca.  Keith was an All Met selection from the Washington D.C. area that had multiple Division I scholarship offers.   You did perform well when you got the opportunity.  How did you stay mentally sharp week to week?

JJ:  Throughout my football career I have always been in situations where I have had to fight for playing time.  Keith is a great player and competing weekly really helped me strive to be a better player.  Mentally I have learned that just because one coach sees it one way, another might see differently. 

BSN:  John, I have heard that since December you took a pro active role in furthering your football career through a tough workout regiment.   Can you discuss what you have been doing since December?

JJ:  Since December I have been doing a lot of strength and speed training.  I have been doing a lot of combine specific training that has really helped with my speed and agility as well. Lately I have been working directly with a speed coach in preparation for an upcoming combine and the NFL International Mini Camp.  I also put together my highlight tape.  That process was extremely time consuming due to the long hours of uploading and editing film.

BSN:  I know you are really looking forward to the NFL International Camp.  Discuss some the emotions you felt when you found out you were selected?  What are you hoping to get out of the camp?

JJ:  When I found out that I had been selected I was a little relieved in a way.  All I have wanted throughout this process was an opportunity to get in front of professional scouts and coaches.  I know that an opportunity such as this doesn’t come along often so I’m going to make the best of it.  I’m hoping that I will receive some one on one coaching from the NFL personnel and maybe even an invite to an NFL mini camp or preseason camp.

BSN: What are some of your goals that you have in your football career?   Is there any advice that you can give to all the graduating college players out there that want to play professional football?

JJ:  I think my main goal is to play in the NFL.  Although it may be a long shot, I’ve always believed that I could do it if given the right opportunity.  To graduating players, I would say that the number one thing throughout this process is to be persistent.  Just because one team doesn’t give you an opportunity doesn’t mean everyone else feels the same.  

BSN:  John, you are one of many success stories from the Beyond Sports Network.  By being selected to the NFL International Camp, you will have an opportunity to further your career.  How did you find out about the Beyond Sports Network?  How do you think the Network can help all athletes especially those from Division III?

JJ:  I learned about Beyond Sports Network through my coaching staff at Catholic.  The network serves as a great tool for potential professional players especially Division III players who may not get the attention they deserve.  I owe a great deal of gratitude to the Network for this once of a lifetime opportunity.

John heard about the opportunity to participate in the NFL International Camp through the Beyond Sports Network (www.beyondsportsnetwork.com).  John created a profile that included his personal information, stats, playing history, and highlight film.  When the NFL International requested to have all the interested and eligible quarterbacks send information, a link to John’s profile was sent to the staff of the NFL International, they viewed the profile and selected John and Chris Phillips to participate in the camp.   The Beyond Sports Network is a social network site for athletes, coaches, agents, teams, and leagues.  The Beyond Sports Network wishes John Jacobs and Chris Phillips the best of luck at the camp in Seville, Spain.