University of Jamestown defensive end Paul Vandal is one step closer to achieving his NFL dream after showcasing his skills at North Dakota State University’s Pro Day. Vandal, a Jamestown native, impressed scouts with his performance, including benching 27 reps and clocking an unofficial 40-yard dash time of 5.08 seconds.
Vandal, who played in 43 games during his five seasons as a Jimmie, expressed his desire to inspire younger athletes and represent his hometown on a big stage. His head coach, Brian Mistro, played a crucial role in getting Vandal invited to the pro day by reaching out to NFL front offices.
Scouts from about 20 NFL and CFL teams attended the event, showing interest in Vandal’s potential. Mistro emphasized the hard work and dedication Vandal has put in over the years and expressed his hope to see it pay off in the form of an invitation to a team’s rookie mini camp.
If Vandal does make it to the NFL, Mistro plans to use him as a recruiting tool for the University of Jamestown, highlighting the path to success through hard work and determination. Until the NFL Draft on April 27, Vandal remains focused on improving his skills with the support of his coaching staff.
Overall, Vandal’s journey serves as a testament to the opportunities available to talented athletes from smaller schools and the importance of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams.