Utah linebacker Nephi Sewell brings down Oregon State working again Trey Lowe throughout sport Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Corvallis, Ore. The Ute linebacker has a wealthy soccer pedigree and hopes to listen to his title referred to as at this week’s NFL draft. Amanda Loman, Related Press
Former College of Utah soccer participant Nephi Sewell catches a move throughout Utah’s professional day on the Spence & Cleone Eccles Soccer Heart in Salt Lake Metropolis on Thursday, March 24, 2022. Laura Seitz, Deseret Information
Practically six years in the past, early on within the first sport of his junior season at Desert Hills Excessive in St. George, Utah, Nephi Sewell suffered a severe neck harm whereas making a deal with on a large receiver.
Sewell, who was solely 16 on the time, was on the turf for some time, unable to face up. He finally walked off the sphere, and it was believed that he had sustained a concussion.
However the ache in his neck intensified and by the beginning of the second half, he was taken to the hospital.
Sooner or later later, Sewell underwent surgical procedure to fuse the C4 and C5 vertebrae in his neck.
Sewell made a exceptional restoration and performed in 23 video games for the College of Nevada from 2017-18 earlier than transferring to Utah in 2019 as a walk-on. Finally, he earned a scholarship and was moved from security to linebacker.
After battling again from that neck harm, Sewell, who was born in American Samoa and moved to america in 2012, is hoping to be taken in this weekend’s NFL draft.
“It’s positively a surreal feeling. I’m blessed to be within the place I'm at present,” Sewell stated, reflecting on his journey. “I used to be cleared to go and the method to restoration was presupposed to be a yr. I used to be in a position to lower it by three months. As soon as I bought cleared, and I bought my first hit, I used to be feeling good. Seems my story has continued to go. I’m out right here in entrance of scouts and everybody. It’s a dream and I’m glad to be residing that dream and making one of the best of it.”
Final season, Sewell recorded 89 complete tackles, together with 7.5 tackles for loss. He additionally had a compelled fumble and an interception. Sewell additionally participated within the NFL scouting mix in March.
Sewell’s brother, Penei, an offensive deal with, performed at Oregon and was drafted seventh general by the Detroit Lions final yr.
What recommendation did Penei give to Nephi by way of making ready for the NFL draft?
“He stated to inform (groups) what you understand,” Nephi stated. “Throughout a variety of the interviews I feel lots of people have been impressed due to how a lot I knew concerning the protection, not solely my place, however figuring out what (everybody) else’s place is doing. He instructed me to maintain a stage head and never get too excessive or too low. You by no means know who’s really .”
Sewell stated he’s met with all 32 NFL groups through the pre-draft course of.
What does he have to supply a franchise?
“I’m a tough employee. I’m disciplined. I’m accountable and also you don’t have to fret about me off the sphere,” he stated. “I’ll all the time are available with an angle of gratitude. It’s not day-after-day that you would be able to reside your goals. I’m going to be grateful day-after-day and have a mindset that hopefully can … simply brighten everybody’s day.”
Sewell has already demonstrated resilience in his life. He’s merely searching for a chance to show himself on the subsequent stage.
“No matter what occurs,” he stated, “I hope to make the 53-man roster, regardless if I’m drafted or not drafted.”
Former College of Utah soccer participant Nephi Sewell catches a move throughout Utah’s professional day on the Spence & Cleone Eccles Soccer Heart in Salt Lake Metropolis on Thursday, March 24, 2022.
Laura Seitz, Deseret Information