James Ihedigbo, Victor Cruz inspire two Minutemen NFL hopefuls
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Somewhere in Bradenton, Fla., two University of Massachusetts football alums will find a TV to watch two other UMass football alums play in the Super Bowl.
Julian Talley and Tyler Holmes who both finished their college careers in November, are working out at Athletic Edge Sports, a training center on Florida's Gulf Coast where many athletes go after their college careers to prepare for what they hope will be a chance at a professional career. They'll take time out on Feb. 5 to root for New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, their former UMass teammate, and New England Patriots safety James Ihedigbo, another former Minuteman.
"It gives UMass a good light, showing what kind of football players come out of UMass," Talley said. "To see two guys that were in the same position I was come out and contribute the way they're doing and playing in the Super Bowl, that's what you dream of. It'll be fun to watch."
But they'll also be watching the two former Minutemen as role models, two players who are living what they hope to some day achieve.
Neither Holmes nor Talley is projected to be drafted. Both hope to perform well enough in their workouts for pro scouts and coaches to either sneak into the late rounds of the draft or at least earn an invitation to a team's camp for a shot to make the roster.
Cruz and Ihedigbo are the embodiment of that dream's fulfillment. Neither player was drafted coming out of UMass, but Ihedigbo is completing his fourth full season in the NFL, and Cruz in his second season (he spent most of the first on injured reserve) broke the Giants' single-season record for receiving yards (1,536 yards on 82 catches).
"I'm extremely happy for those guys," Holmes said. "They certainly put in the work, the time and the effort. They're reaping the benefits right now.
"Seeing two alums, especially for me with Victor Cruz, who I played with for two seasons, lets you know that you're not too far away," he added. "But there's still a lot of hard work ahead. That definitely gives us motivation. Watching the games Sunday made workouts a little easier Monday just knowing it's not impossible. It's definitely attainable."
Talley was close to Cruz during his time at UMass.
"He called me his little brother," Talley said proudly. "I talk to him now and then. He's always got words of encouragement for me. That's a little spark plug that keeps me going."
The comparisons in their career paths aren't hard to find. Like Cruz, Talley's senior season saw him put up good numbers on a team that finished 5-6. Cruz got extra time in front of scouts who came to see Vlad Ducasse, who was drafted in the second round, while Talley's added attention came from playing with Emil Igwenagu, who is among the higher-rated fullbacks in this draft class. Cruz prepared at Athletic Edge and recommended it to Talley.
"It's definitely inspirational knowing where he's come from. I tell him all the time 'You laid out the blueprint. I'm following that,'" said Talley, who hopes that Cruz's success would cause teams to be more open-minded about giving chances to players from Championship Subdivision schools.
"He has opened a lot of eyes for a lot of people in the country. I tell him 'You have to keep balling. You're helping me out,' Talley added. "Hopefully him doing his thing will make people say we don't want to lose another diamond in the rough."
Holmes agreed.
"Vic came out and didn't get a lot of attention. Now he's certainly making his mark. It gives smaller-school guys a foot in the door. It'll make a scout think twice," Holmes said. "You just need to get a shot, a fair opportunity. Seeing Vic have the success that he's had motivates me and lets me know I'm not that far off."
Having seen Cruz, who could walk across the UMass campus unrecognized, become one of the most popular players in the media capital of the world is still a bit surreal for Talley.
"It's definitely bizarre. He wasn't even supposed to make the squad. He went from undrafted free agent to setting franchise records. I went to a game earlier this year and I went to his house afterward. I said 'It's crazy what you've become,'" Talley said.
"It's definitely crazy me knowing somebody that's doing that. But at the same time we've always talked about our dreams and aspirations to play at the next level in the NFL," he added. "To see him out there actually doing it is crazy. Even with him being in the spotlight, he's never shut me out. He's stayed in great contact, giving me tips and pointers. That means a lot to me. With everything he's got going on, he might not have time to hit me up, but he always does."
Talley, a south New Jersey product who grew up a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, has shelved his green gear for the blue of their traditional rival.
"I'm a Giants fan all the way," Talley said. "For the next couple weeks, I'm a diehard. Until they hand me a uniform of my own."
Holmes, a Redskins fan, said he isn't cheering for either team in the Super Bowl.
"I'm not a Giants fan or a Patriots fan," Holmes said. "I'm a Victor Cruz and a James Ihedigbo fan. I hope it's a good game and those guys play very well."
Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Follow UMass coverage on Twitter at twitter.com/GazetteUMass. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at http://www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage.
