PHILADELPHIA – The annual NFL Draft begins tonight from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For many, this is the weekend where dreams become reality. Hard work, dedication and a little luck all come to fruition for a few hand-picked players.
 
Former Western State Colorado University running back, Austin Ekeler will be one of those players waiting anxiously by the television and phone to hear news of what his future may hold. The school's all-time leader in rushing yards has done nothing but impress scouts with his talent and abilities since training for the draft began in December.
 
Ekeler began turning heads in March at his Pro Day in Boulder, Colorado. Following 15 University of Colorado players' workouts, it was Ekeler's chance to prove he deserved a shot.
 
Not only did he show he deserved a shot, he proved he was one of the top talents at the running back position. His 40.5 inch vertical would have been the best at the NFL Combine among running backs, while his 4.43 40 time would have ranked fourth, and his 10-foot-8-inch broad jump and 6.85-second cone drill would have come in third.
 
This should come as no surprise to Mountaineer fans, having watched him tear apart defenses in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference for the past four seasons. This last season he led all NCAA divisions in rushing yards through the first eight weeks of the season and was the NCAA's active career rushing leader through the first nine weeks.  Despite only playing in one of the final eight quarters of the season, Ekeler was the RMAC's leader in rushing yards and led all of Division II with 149.5 average rushing yards per game.
 
In the 10 games Ekeler appeared during the 2016 season, he accounted for nearly 40 percent of Western's points (108-of-278). He also helped the Mountaineers to the most program wins in 18 years (7), recorded over 100 all-purpose yards in eight games, and over 200 in four games. Most of his yardage came after being hit at or behind the line of scrimmage.
 
While Ekeler certainly may become the fifth Mountaineer to be drafted into the NFL, it might just be more beneficial for the running back to go undrafted. With plenty of suitors, Ekeler would be able to select which team camp he would like to attend and sign an undrafted free-agent contract.
 
One thing that is certain, wherever Ekeler lands, Mountaineer fans will follow.
 
Fans can follow the entire draft live on ESPN and NFL Network.
 
NFL Draft Schedule
Round 1 (Picks 1-32) – Thursday, 6 p.m. (MT)
Rounds 2-3 (Picks 33-107) – Friday 5 p.m. (MT)
Rounds 4-7 – Saturday 10 a.m. (MT)
 
Former Western Players Drafted

Year	Player	Position	Round	Number/Overall	Selected by
1957	Bill Rhodes	RB	6	62	San Francisco
1967	Jack Myers	LB	17	429	Chicago
1981	Justin Cross	Tackle	10	272	Buffalo
1984	Sam Seale	WR	8	224	Oakland