The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
LEC’s Bilal hoping to make fast impression
Riverside graduate says 40-yard dash time is key to opening eyes
Anthony Bilal is in the stretch run.
The record-setting Lake Erie College running back is embarking on a 10-week regimen at Tim Robertson’s Speed Strength facility in Chester Township with one goal in mind:
To somehow, some way land himself in an NFL camp.
The numbers are there for Bilal, a Riverside graduate. In four years at the Div ision II level, he rushed for a school-record 5,839 yards and 79 touchdowns, including 1, 351 yards a nd 18 t ouchdow ns i n nine games last fall as a senior.
In 2014, Bilal had his best season, finishing second in the nation in rushing yards — regardless of div ision — with 2,091 yards and 29 touchdowns.
The stats are there for Bilal, but t he NFL r unning ba ck stature isn’t. He’s 5-foot-7, but thanks to Robertson’s workouts and nutrition plan, Bilal has bulked up to 184 pounds, nine more than his play ing weight last fall.
That bulk hasn’t taken away Bilal’s speed, which he said is his best shot at impressing NFL scouts.
“It’s the 40 time, no question about it,” said Bilal following a workout at Speed Strength Feb. 10.
“I have to separate myself from the rest of the competition.”
On a bad day during his training, Bilal said he registers a time of 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash. That’s not good enough, he said.
“Being from a small school, I need to run a 4.3 every single time ,” Bil al said.
It might come down to one 40 time, though. Bilal is hoping to land an invitation to the University of Cincinnati’s or the University of Illinois’ pro days in mid-March.
If not, Bilal is confident he can secure a spot at Toledo’s or Bowling Green’s
pro days.
Before those possibilities, there’s also a regional combine in Baltimore on Feb. 27. Bilal and the rest of the participants paid $150 to attend. It consists mostly of small-college players. Those who perform the best advance to a super combine, which is attended by many NFL scouts.
With the likelihood of only have a few opportunities to impress in the 40, Bilal knows he must be ready.
“I just need one shot,” Bilal said. “I know I don’t pass the look test, but that’s an obstacle I’ve been overcoming for the last six years. One shot, that’s all I ask for.”
Robertson has been training draft hopefuls since 2000, including Joe
Jurevicius, Ted Ginn Jr., Tony Fisher and many others. The key for his clients, said Robertson, is putting in the work. That hasn’t been a problem with Bilal.
“Anthony is looking good,” Robertson said. “He’s working hard, and getting his technique right.”
A lt hough he’s half way through his 10 -week program, Bilal said there’s still plenty of work remaining. He wants to gain “about 4 or 5 more pounds,” while maintaining his 4.340 time.
“I’m not yet at my peak,” he said.
Until then, the goal is simple:
“I have to go and shock t he scouts and put on a show,” Bilal said. “Leave my mark and turn some heads with my 40.”
Should the NFL not work out, Bilal does have a few options. He would consider the Canadian Football League, and he has been offered a spot to play on a German football team that begins play in the spring.
A rugby team has also expressed interest in him.
“I would consider that if the NFL and CFL doesn’t work out,” said Bilal, who needs to complete four classes this semester to earn his master’s degree from LEC.
Eventually, he wants to become an athletic director and own his own sports complex.
Until then, Bilal won’t stop pursuing his dream.
“If there’s still a 1 percent chance (at the NFL), I’m still going to work for it. I’m dreaming big.”