CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO FORMER MWSU OL HAYDEN EATINGER
Dave Riggert had a chance to talk with former Missouri Western offensive lineman Hayden Eatinger as he prepares for the 2020 NFL Draft this week.
Eatinger didn't miss a game over the last four years and started all 46 games for the Griffons in his career. He was a four-time All-MIAA selection. Eatinger was honorable mention as a freshman, second team as a sophomore and he finished his career as first team All-MIAA as a junior and senior.
The Raymore, Missouri native hopes to be the first Missouri Western football player drafted since David Bass in 2012. Since the season ended in the December, Eatinger was invited to and participated in the 2020 College Gridiron Showcase in Fort Worth, Texas and the Hula Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii. Both events included college seniors from all over the country from all levels of football, including power five Division I schools. Eatinger was able to practice for a week in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams and then cap off the week with an All-Star game.
The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed the draft preparation process leading up to this week though, as Eatinger was not able to have a pro day in front of more scouts and he wasn't able to take visits to any NFL franchises.
Eatinger is hopeful his name is called this week as the NFL Draft begins Thursday and will conclude Saturday. If he doesn't get drafted, Eatinger thinks he has a great shot to sign with a team as an undrafted rookie free agent.