May 1, 2016

Prospect Profile: Llevi Noel ready to be a professional

Johany Jutras/CFL.ca

TORONTO — Like any prospect, Llevi Noel has thought about hearing his name on draft day. He’s also thought about what comes immediately after.

For one of the top-ranked receiving prospects, being drafted means becoming a professional in every sense of the word.

“There’s going to be like a weight off your back, like ‘finally, I’m there’,” said Noel. “But with that said it’s going to feel like I’ve gotta go back and grind. Now I’m here, what do I have to do to be the best when I’m here?”

Noel talked to CFL.ca in a one-on-one interview at this year’s combine, which can be seen below:

 

Getting drafted is also a chance for Noel to turn the page after somewhat of a tumultuous university career, one which led him from the University of Toronto to the Windsor AKO Fratmen.

“Coming off of the 2014 season looking forward to 2015 I was like, ‘OK, I gave them a taste, I was giving a lot more in 2015’.

“I neglected my school work, even though that’s what you need in order to pursue your football dream and in general to better yourself. But I feel like at the time I wasn’t so into school and that worked against me.”

“Fortunately I did end up finding a team to play for, that’s what led me to Windsor.”

Noel isn’t likely on the first-round radar but should be highly-coveted on draft day, especially after putting on a strong combine performance. Noel had the second-highest vertical jump of 36 inches and the second-highest broad jump of 10 feet, 9.5 inches.

One of the most athletic receivers on the board, Noel can’t wait to have his name called.

“That’s what I’m looking forward to – hearing my name and just continuing my training, and one day getting an opportunity to get on the field and showing that I can be the best.

“For the last three years I’ve just been thinking, I’ve gotta be a professional football player. I’m so close.”