A little long shot

Their stories entering and leaving college have similarities, and Byron Westbrook hopes that his situation can continue to mirror that of his famous brother as he makes his long-shot bid for a place in the NFL.

A cornerback who completed his senior season in 2006 with five interceptions at Division III Salisbury University (Md.), Westbrook faces much longer odds against entering pro football than his older brother Brian, the Eagles' all-purpose running back.

Both suffered injuries in their senior seasons at DeMatha High in Hyattsville, Md.

Thanks largely to their injuries and their size - short - neither got the chance to play at a Division I-A college.

Brian, who is listed at 5-foot-8 and 203 pounds, suffered a serious knee injury during his senior year in high school. Byron suffered a torn hip flexor during the third game of his senior year at DeMatha.

Still, each earned all-American honors in college, Brian at I-AA Villanova and Byron this season at Salisbury.

For now, that is where the similarity ends.

Brian Westbrook was highly regarded enough to be chosen in the third round by the Eagles. He was invited to the NFL scouting combine after his senior year.

Byron was not invited to the combine, which this year will take place Feb. 21-27 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis.

One NFL scout, who asked not to be identified, said Byron Westbrook would likely not be drafted but could be invited to an NFL camp.

One report on him says: "Relies too much on athletic ability and not challenged in college. Was the best athlete on the field."

That is why the 5-foot-10, 190-pounder was seen last week pushing a 45-pound weight 15 yards at a time up field while working out with other NFL prospects.

The players were training at the Aspiring Champions Inc. sports preparation center in King of Prussia under Antonio Davis, a 30-year-old former Penn State track star. His main job is to make players faster. Speed is what sells in the NFL.

"My brother said when he came out of college he had to work 150 percent more than the other players because he came from a 1-AA school," Byron Westbrook said. "For me, coming from Division III, I have to outwork people 300 percent."

That is why he and the others at Aspiring Champions were being taught how to run correctly.

Davis was teaching the basics. He showed the athletes how to open their hips to generate more speed, and he continually reminded them of their lazy arm mechanics.

"You've got to keep your hands moving to keep your feet moving," he said.

While Westbrook has not been invited to the NFL combine, he hopes to be part of a pro day workout, during which scouts come to watch athletes perform. Westbrook would have to be part of another college's pro day, since there would likely be no rush to Salisbury.

While the odds are long, Westbrook still has his dream. He also has a backup plan, having already earned his degree in information systems. ( Brian Westbrook earned his degree in management information systems.)

Still, the younger Westbrook realizes there will be plenty of time to dabble in the computer industry. For now, a shot at the NFL is foremost on his mind.

"It's up to my agent to determine whether I get to a pro day or not," he said. "My job is to be as well prepared mentally and physically for the next level."

One person who said Westbrook could find a place in the NFL is his brother.

"I think he has the ability to play in the NFL, but he has to find a team that plays to his strength," Brian Westbrook said. "He is physical and is able to run with receivers."

The NFL scout said Byron Westbrook had been timed at 4.7 seconds in the 40-yard dash, well below the standard for a cornerback. But he said Westbrook had run on a cinder track, which could account for a slower time.

Byron said he has run a 4.45 and insists the number is dropping.

Brian Westbrook says his brother is faster than he is, and the Eagles running back is no slowpoke.

"He's a corner, and he better be faster than I am," he said. "I would say it's only a step faster, no more."

Byron Westbrook has spent part of many summers training with his brother. The younger Westbrook realizes that covering his brother on a pass pattern is great training.

"Working with a person on his level has really given me an edge," he said.

So he will continue working out.

"I have the little brother syndrome," he said. "Your big brother did it, and you can do it, and I think I can do it, given the chance."