Former UCF Knights offensive lineman Paul Rubelt is hopeful of a new NFL home
Draft workouts are basically a job interview for NFL hopefuls.
Ex-UCF Knights tackle Paul Rubelt passed the confidence portion of the interview, for sure. He was overly excited about his effort Wednesday at UCF's Pro Day.
"I had a really good day," Rubelt said. "I'm gonna sleep really well tonight. It's awesome to be back at UCF. I had fun."
The 6-foot-10, 280-pound Rubelt is one of the most physically intimidating players in the draft. He made 22 starts the last two seasons but was a key contributor throughout his UCF career.
"I don't think there's a 6-10 guy every day that can bend and move," Rubelt said of what he proved at Pro Day. "I showed that today, I'm pretty sure. I could use my length. I'm strong and powerful and explosive."
Now, all Rubelt wants is a chance at the next level. He said he's spoken to a few teams during the draft process.
"To get drafted playing football," Rubelt said of his ultimate goal. "If you take a shot at me, I'll give you my all. Whoever takes a chance on me, they won't regret it."
Regardless, his confidence remains high. If anything Rubelt could get selected in the later rounds but he is most likely auditioning to make a team as a free agent. Even then, he would accept that in a heartbeat. He just wants to continue his playing career somewhere.
"I'm very confident," said Rubelt, who is from Germany. "I would have not shown up today [at Pro Day]."
Rubelt is one of the most celebrated players in recent UCF history. He spent all five of his seasons in Orlando with the Knights. Despite the finishing under .500 his final year, Rubelt feels the program is headed toward a positive turn under coach Scott Frost.
"It's a process," Rubelt said. "It's going in the right direction."
Scott just completed the first season of his second stint with the Knights, who finished 5-7. Things are expected to improve if the program doesn't have to deal with so many injuries as they did last season.
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of MagicRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com