Consensus All-American looking to become second Pioneer drafted
Four years ago, a freshman Julius Chestnut was a third-string running back for Sacred Heart looking to make a name for himself at the college level. Fast forward to this spring, the Maryland native is putting the finishing touches on his preparation for the 2022 NFL Draft which begins this Thursday.
If you asked freshman Julius that he’d be preparing to fulfill his childhood dream after college, he wouldn’t be shocked.
“He would have believed it, it’s always been a dream of mine,” Chestnut said. “It’s something that every child who picks up a football thinks of. I always wanted to be like Jerome Bettis or LaDainian Tomlinson. I put the work in, and I belong here.”
Chestnut is trying to become the first Pioneer to play in the NFL since Jon Corto played with the Buffalo Bills from 2007-11. The only Sacred Heart player taken during the NFL Draft is wide receiver Deveren Johnson, who was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round.
He embarks on a professional career after leaving Sacred Heart as one of the best running backs to play for the Pioneers. His 3,467 rushing yards ranks second in program history and his 34 total touchdowns puts him third all-time. He also added in a trio of Northeast Conference championships as well as NEC Rookie of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year during his four seasons.
Following Sacred Heart’s season, which ended in the FCS Playoffs against Holy Cross, Chestnut had a decision to make. With the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to the COVID pandemic, he had to debate whether to return to Fairfield for a final season or declare for the NFL Draft. Around the same time as his decision, he received an invitation to the Hula Bowl, which gave Chestnut the confidence to declare for the draft.
While he was at the Hula Bowl in Orlando, Fla., his agent informed him that he was invited to the NFL Players Association Bowl.
“I was so excited to get the invite [to the NFLPA Bowl],” Chestnut added. “After practice, my agent called me and told me. In my head I was thinking that I can compete with those guys, and it was the right decision to come out. I knew it was a good year for me, even with the injury.”
During an abbreviated spring of 2021 season, Chestnut became a household name in collegiate football circles. He led the FCS with 205.2 all-purpose yards per game and a program-record 171.0 rushing yards per game while finishing third in the Walter Payton Award voting.
A promising senior season was derailed at the end of third quarter of the season opener against Bucknell. As he plunged into the endzone, the helmet of a Bucknell defender hit his knee. Fortunately, the injury did not require surgery and Chestnut returned two months later at Saint Francis. He averaged over 100 yards per game and earned his third All-NEC award
At both bowl games, he interviewed with scouts from several teams, who would learn more about the Pioneer standout. Chestnut described both bowl games as “eye-opening experiences”. Following the games, Chestnut continued to train ahead of his official Pro Day, which was held at the University of Connecticut on March 23.
According to NFLDraftBible’s Ric Serritella, Chestnut ran just under a 4.5 40-yard dash while doing 22 bench press reps along with a 34-inch vertical at his Pro Day. While Chestnut was performing during his Pro Day, every single coach on the Sacred Heart staff was in attendance to watch him, further showing the close relationship Chestnut has with Mark Nofri’s staff.
“They did everything they could for me, and they still will,” Chestnut said. “Every single coach at the school came to the Pro Day. It shows the support that they show for their players. They watched the entire time, that shows how much they care about you. They taught me so much on and off the field.”
With the bowl games and Pro Days behind Chestnut, all that’s left for him to do is to stay ready and hope to hear his name called during the NFL Draft.
“I had to stay ready in case I got a call to do local workout,” Chestnut said. “I had the Giants and Ravens local Pro Days. I had to be prepared to participate in those. Other than that, I just wait and hopefully hear my name called.”
The NFL Draft begins Thursday at 8 p.m. with the first round. Rounds two and three are Friday with the final four rounds on Saturday.
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