Nakamura, Craig waiting for NFL calls

Defensive end Angelo Craig and defensive back Haruki Nakamura both are hoping to be among those selected in the NFL draft this weekend.


Craig, from Cleveland, said he has had private workouts with the Bengals, the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars. He played both linebacker and defensive end at UC and said he has attracted interest at both positions depending on the team that’s looking at him.



“I’m just excited,” Craig said, “taking it all in. In the end, I know you’ve got to go play football. I know I’m going to get a chance to show my talents.”


Nakamura, from Elyria, also worked out for the Bengals and Browns as well as the Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears. He said the Oakland Raiders have shown a lot of interest in the past few days.



“There’s a lot of different speculation right now,” Nakamura said. “I take it with a grain of salt. I just hope for the best and hope all the hard work pays off.”



Other UC players who might have a chance to land in an NFL camp this summer include running back Greg Moore, fullback Doug Jones, offensive lineman Digger Bujnoch and defensive end Anthony Hoke.


Last year, two UC players were drafted. Cornerback John Bowie was taken in the fourth round by the Raiders and tight end Brent Celek was selected in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Eagles.