MOBILE, Ala.—LSU star cornerback Patrick Peterson and Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones weren't the only draft prospects making the rounds at the Senior Bowl, networking with NFL teams even though they're not playing in the game.
Stillman College all-conference defensive back MIchael Ricks met with the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans this week.
"It's going pretty good," Ricks said. "I'm working out hard and I hope to run a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash."
Ricks recorded 108 tackles, seven interceptions and 13 pass deflections in two seasons.
The 6-foot-1, 191-pounder played in the HBCU all-star game, guarding speedy Fort Valley State cornerback Ricardo Lockette.
"It was a pretty good matchup," Ricks said. "He caught a pass on me, but I was right there."
Ricks signed with Alabama after a standout prep career in Courtland, Ala., but didn't qualify academically and enrolled at Northeast Mississippi Junior College before transferring to Stillman.
He signed with Alabama again after playing at Northeast for two seasons, but wasn't able to qualify for a football scholarship with the Crimson Tide due to academic problems.
As a high school senior, Ricks recorded 1,900 yards of total offense and led the state of Alabama with 16 interceptions.
At Northeast Mississippi, he was a two-time all-state selection.
As a sophomore, Ricks averaged 24.8 yards per kickoff return. As a freshman, he intercepted six passes.
Ricks wasn't invited to the NFL scouting combine and is preparing for a March 9 Pro Day on the Stillman campus.
"It's a great experience, the whole draft process," Ricks said. "I'm learning how to meet people. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get to the NFL. It's more than what happens on the field."
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