RAYNHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The 2021 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday night -- and one local man will be watching closely this year.
Blake Gallagher of Raynham is hoping to sign with a team after a decorated career as a linebacker at Northwestern University.
"[It's something] I've been dreaming about since I've been a 6-year-old kid, to have this job, to have this specific job," Gallagher said.
His accolades include 332 career tackles, All-Big Ten honors, and the title of All-American as a senior.
"The real work starts as soon as you sign somewhere," Gallagher said.
Gallagher said he has heard from several scouts for various teams in the last week -- inquiring about his health, and asking where he will be on draft day.
"I've been watching it ever since I can remember," Gallagher said. "'I've watched the draft with my dad, my family, my brothers --- so kind of being a part of it this year is a pretty special moment for sure."
In the meantime he has been training at the gym every day for several hours to stay in peak physical shape. Draft experts call him undersized -- but Gallagher doesn't mind being an underdog.
"[I describe myself as] a smart instinctive, physical linebacker from sideline to sideline," he said. "I mean I'm a play-maker at the end of the day."
The 2021 NFL draft kicks off on Thursday night at 8 p.m. and will continue until Saturday, May 1.
WBZ's Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) reports.
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Written by Rachel Armany
Photo: (Getty Images)