Josh Proctor seeing light at the end of tunnel in path to NFL Draft
Ohio State defensive back Josh Proctor runs drills with teammates during Senior Bowl practice Wednesday January 31, 2024 at Hancock Whitney Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
MOBILE, Ala. — The defensive back has spent the last six seasons at Ohio State, where he learned how to be a leader and an enforcer in the secondary.
Josh Proctor has a ton of experience under his belt, and after a week of interviewing with NFL teams, and scrimmaging against College football’s finest at the Senior Bowl, he’s ready to take that next step towards his path to the Draft. The Oklahoma native is glad that he got a chance to showcase his skills, and love for the game.
Proctor was one of a couple of Buckeyes that competed in the event down in Mobile. The safety feels good about what he displayed to everyone through three practices, and last Saturday’s game, so he has momentum approaching the Scouting Combine later this month.
“My speed and my physicality, I feel like a lot of guys have one or the other, and I can do both,” Proctor said. “I’m a little sore, it’s been a long week after a month off from football, but I feel good, and I’m ready to go.”
The former four-star prospect is the latest on Ohio State’s line assembly of churning talented defensive backs to the NFL. Proctor enjoyed his time with the Buckeyes and Coach Ryan Day. He even earned third-team, All-Big Ten honors this past season. In his eyes, Ohio State has prepared him well for the next level. After all, the program is dubbed ‘Defensive Back U’ for a reason.
“Coming from Ohio State I feel like we practice against the best of the best, so this competition is nothing new to me,” he said. “I’m competitive, I just came out here to compete and have fun.”
Proctor is a natural at making tackles out in the open field, and setting the tone in the secondary. He tallied 122 career tackles, and picked off three passes as a Buckeye. The six-foot-one, 198-pounder also has the potential to be a ball hawk in the NFL. Proctor generated seven tackles apiece against Notre Dame and Maryland. Not to mention he returned an interception 24 yards for a touchdown against the Terrapins.
Proctor is going to miss the atmosphere and being part of a brotherhood at Ohio State. He’s also very close to Day, and considers him a players’ coach. However, he has all of their support, which fuels Proctor’s drive during the most pivotal period of his career.
At the end of the day, Proctor just wanted to make a statement. Most importantly, he understands there’s more work to do, and the Senior Bowl was just the start of a grueling process. He wants any team that’s interested in him to know the qualities he’ll bring to the table.
“You’re going to get a player that plays with passion, who loves the game, everyone wants to know my story and what I’ve been through, it’s been a long road.”
