Tim Benford and Jeremy Caldwell have been on a journey together for a very long time. They hope it continues today.
Benford and Caldwell were stars together at Red Bank High School. They went their separate ways in college — Benford to Tennessee Tech as a wide receiver and Caldwell to Eastern Kentucky as a defensive back — but played against each another in the Ohio Valley Conference and had very productive careers.
Today is the third and final day of the NFL draft, rounds 4-7, and both players want to hear their names called. If that doesn’t happen, each wants the chance to sign with some team as an undrafted free agent and have a shot at making the roster in training camp.
“I’m just ready to get it over with,” said Benford, who was measured at 5-foot-11, 205 pounds during the NFL combine. “It’s out of my control right now, so all I can do is wait. It’s been a long time leading up to this, and I want to find out where I’m going and get started.”
Benford had a strong senior season with 65 receptions for 923 yards and was named the OVC’s offensive player of the year. He was in Cookeville earlier this week to pick up his OVC championship ring.