Ex-Mustang Cyril Lemon is preparing for big career day: NFL Draft

JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF

DENTON — Cyril Lemon has been fine-tuning all sorts of job skills the past several months.

He has been reviewing information, learning how to answer interview questions and even improving his physical stamina.

The 2011 Marble Falls High School graduate and former University of North Texas lineman is preparing for the 2015 NFL Draft.

“It’s the biggest interview I’ve ever had in my life,” he said. “I can compare it to a college student’s first big job interview coming out of college. You have to put your foot forward and give it all you got. It can determine where you go in life.”

Lemon was one of five Mean Green players to participate in the UNT pro day March 26. During the 2½-hour event, he completed 14 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press, had a broad jump mark of 8 feet 4 inches and a vertical leap of 24 inches, and ran the 40-yard dash between 5.26 seconds and 5.4 seconds.

Lemon said he was disappointed with the results of the bench press portion, adding that he hit 20 in workouts. He had also previously leapt as high as 27 inches in the vertical jump.

The lineman drills simulate situations players face during a game.

Afterward, Lemon said he visited with NFL scouts for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers. Those conversations were about what Lemon does when he’s not practicing or in class. He took that as a good sign since not all scouts talk to players.

“They know everything about you before they ask you anything really,” he said. “It’s to make sure what they have is the truth. They know you before you meet them. They ask you everything to make sure the information is correct.”

He said the New England Patriots, the Oakland Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks have shown interest in him as well, and he has participated in a pro day hosted by the Dallas Cowboys for Dallas-Fort Worth players.

The Patriots and Raiders put him through private workouts. Scouts have been interested in seeing how flexible Lemon’s body is during the 40-minute workouts. Once they wrap up, Lemon said he always asks for feedback so he can improve himself.

“They’re seeing if you’re in shape, if you can do certain drills,” he said. “Each scout wants to see certain things a little differently. In one-on-one drills, can you move as an offensive lineman, are you flexible and do you have what it takes to play at the next level?”

The NFL Draft is April 30-May 2, and Lemon plans to watch it with the people who have been with him since he began this journey years ago playing football for the Mustangs.

“I’ll be watching the draft mostly at my house in Marble Falls,” he said.

jfierro@thepicayune.com