All eyes on them
Fourteen CMU football players prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft
Central Michigan University redshirt senior defensive back Elijah Rikard does a shuttle drill at the CMU Pro Day at the Indoor Athletic Complex on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
The excitement is loud and undeniable for the 14 football players who participated in Pro Day on March 18. But underneath the surface at Central Michigan University football’s indoor facility, there’s something quieter unfolding—months of preparation, uncertainty and personal growth, all compressed into one day in front of NFL scouts.
For defensive back Elijah Rikard, that moment is built on routine.
“For the past three months, I’ve really just been training … speed stuff, strength stuff… working on flexibility, mobility,” Rikard said. “Just coming out here trying to put on the best performance I can.”
The work started long before Pro Day. After the season ended, the structure of weekly games and practices disappeared, replaced by his own self-discipline.
Redshirt senior defensive back Elijah Rikard stands on the turf for NFL Pro Day at the Indoor Athletic Complex on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (CM-Life | Sydney Neal)
“Just trying to be consistent with it, doing the same thing every day,” he said. “Not getting too high, not getting too low … just keeping the base consistent.”
That consistency is what Rikard believes separates him from others. Not just in performance, but also in mindset.
The weight of the unknown
While Pro Day offers a chance to perform, it doesn’t provide answers. For players like Rikard, the hardest part isn’t the training, it’s the waiting.
“The unknown,” he said. “You don’t really know what’s gonna happen … so just staying open to it.”
That uncertainty is shared across the locker room.
For defensive back Dakota Cochran, the pre-draft process has tested both his physical and mental limits.
“It’s been difficult … a difficult, fun road,” Cochran said. “We go through adversity, plateau at some points, but reach a peak.”
Cochran’s preparation has been complicated by a torn meniscus, an injury that forced him to adapt rather than follow a traditional training plan.
“I had to find out what I can and can’t do … and make ways around some of the things I have to do,” he said. “Just so I can come out here and show myself off.”
Despite the setback, Cochran chose to participate in as many drills as possible on Pro Day.
“I make no excuses, and I came out here and did it,” he said.
Senior quarterback Joe Labas throws to teammate during NFL Pro Day at the Indoor Athletic Complex on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (CM-Life | Sydney Neal)
Quarterback Joe Labas echoed uncertainty from a different perspective.
“It's pretty much what it is. It's just unknown, and that can be scary,” Labas said. “You just don't know what's gonna happen. Sometimes you worry about what's gonna happen in the future.”
For Labas, the transition is especially significant. After a lifetime of structured seasons and clear roles, the draft process introduces something new.
“I’ve been playing sports my whole entire life … I’ve never had an actual job. This is getting real right now,” he laughed.
Proving value
With limited opportunities to impress scouts, every drill carries weight. Each player enters Pro Day with a specific goal: to show what makes them different.
For Rikard, it comes back to effort and self-belief.
“My work ethic … my confidence in myself,” he said. “Every time I go out there … I’m trying to get a little better each time.”
Cochran highlights versatility and football IQ.
“I’m a very smart player. ... I can simplify stuff. ... I’m very versatile,” he said. “I play special teams. … I can play multiple positions.”
Labas points to experience and adaptability at quarterback.
“I have a lot of knowledge … playing time … and I’m a dual threat,” he said.
More than football
As the drills conclude and conversations with scouts begin, the focus shifts from performance to possibility. For many players, the dream of reaching the NFL started long before college.
For Rikard, that dream is deeply personal.
“It means everything,” he said when asked what hearing his name called would mean. “It’s every kid’s dream.”
That dream is supported by his family, who have attended every game since his freshman year.
“It gives me the motivation every time I come out here … knowing I’m doing it for something bigger than just myself,” he said.
For Labas, the moment would represent more than individual achievement.
“It would be a dream come true … not only for me, but my family and my friends,” he said.
Regardless of where they each land, each player leaves CMU with more than just football experience.
“I appreciate everything … the ups and downs … the winning seasons, the losing seasons,” Rikard said. “I learned a lot of lessons from it.”
Cochran hopes to carry that experience forward by giving back.
“My line is always open … I love helping out and mentoring,” he said.
Waiting for what’s next
As Pro Day ends, the spotlight fades. The measurable results are sent off to teams, and conversations continue behind closed doors.
For the players, there’s little left to do but wait. But for Rikard, the mindset remains unchanged.
“Just my work ethic … how hard I’m gonna go out and compete every day,” he said. “No matter what.”
While the NFL Draft may determine the next step, it doesn’t define the journey that got them there.
That journey is already complete.
