2 Hoosiers get taste of NFL life

Former IU offensive lineman Isaac Sowells quickly discovered the perks that the 2006 NFL combine had to offer its players -- interviews with head coaches, recognition from talent scouts and, unexpectedly, free room service. The combine is the NFL's annual pre-draft rating camp, where college prospects look to improve their draft status -- and their rookie paychecks -- by impressing scouts in numerous football skills tests.\nSowells entered this week's combine expecting to encounter NFL coaches such as Marty Schottenheimer, Nick Saban and Rod Marinelli, receiving feedback and suggestions regarding his potential in the pros. But it was Sowell's hotel roommate, Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, who provided a perk that highlighted the lineman's experience so far.\n"When I saw him for the first time, I'll admit, I was actually starstruck," Sowells said. "I just went up to him though and asked him how he handled the spotlight. I mean he's Reggie Bush, he won the Heisman. He just bought room service all the time, and he bought it for me, too."\nAmong the 300 prospects participating in the combine, Sowells is not the only former Hoosier present -- defensive end Victor Adeyanju is also taking part in the week's tests and drills. Sowells, who has dropped 10 pounds so far to improve his status, said he and Adeyanju have tried to keep each other motivated throughout the week.\n"We reported on different days and the schedule here is all messed up," Sowells said. "I told him good luck though and I know he got a whole lot of love in the defensive drills. His defense is great and I know he's a real good athlete."\nBoth Adeyanju and Sowells were rewarded for their successful collegiate careers with invitations to several senior all-star games. Both players said the experience in the postseason games helped prepare them for possible pro careers.\n"The Senior Bowl gave me a taste of what the combine would be like," Adeyanju said in a statement. "It was a great experience, meeting all of the different coaches and scouts and other players. It was an introduction to the NFL way of life, just the speed of the game, going all out every play."\nEven though both players have to wait to find out the fate of their football careers, Sowells speculated as to what NFL life would be like.\n"I'd like to try to stay in the Midwest, but I can't control that," Sowells said. "Hopefully I don't get into any trouble, because I'll have a whole bunch of money on my hands. I'm just not really sure (what NFL life is like), since haven't been in it yet"