Pack LB continues pursuit of NFL dream

Senior Chase Vaughn earns invite to Division II all-star game.

By JOE E. CERVI
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN

Chase Vaughn's dream of playing in the NFL gets a bit of a boost next week.

The former linebacker from Colorado State University-Pueblo accepted an invitation to play in the 2010 Cactus Bowl on Jan. 8 in Kingsville, Texas.

"I have to admit it - I cried when they called and said I got invited," Vaughn said. "It's been a goal of mine ever since I started playing college ball to get an invitation to play in that game. I mean, it's the best of the best in Division II and for them to think I belonged, that's pretty special. I started seriously thinking about it as a sophomore and now it's happening. I can't believe it."

Vaughn, who recently completed his college eligibility at CSU-Pueblo, is one of 85 shoulder pad-clad, invite-only players headed to Kingsville this weekend. The game is an all-star format featuring the top Division II players in the nation. Vaughn will represent the West team at one outside linebacker position. The players will undergo NFL testing on Sunday and begin practice on Monday.

"My dream is to play in the NFL and I think 25 guys from the first Cactus Bowl signed NFL contracts," Vaughn said. "It's an important game for D-II guys. It gives us a chance to get looked at. When I come back from this, I'll know just how good I am and how I stack up against the best. That's all you can ask for as a player."

CSU-Pueblo coach John Wristen said Vaughn's biggest opportunities come prior to the game itself.

"In those practices, that's where you get your true evaluation," Wristen said. "The game doesn't do much for you. When you're at these type of things, all the scouts and heads of player personnel are there and they will see how hard you work. My advice to Chase was to win every drill you can and treat every practice like it's your Super Bowl. That's how you get noticed."

The ThunderWolves finished 4-6 in 2008 - their first season after a 24-year hiatus. Vaughn was named first-team all-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference at defensive end and was one of the nation's leaders in sacks.

In 2009, Vaughn moved to outside linebacker. While his sack totals dropped, his presence was felt on every play. The T-Wolves finished 7-4 and in third place in the RMAC.

"I went from being an undersized defensive end to a really good-sized outside linebacker," said the 6-foot-2, 240-pounder. "I always wanted to play outside backer, even though I never told anyone. When the coaches wanted to make the switch this year, I welcomed the change."

Vaughn, 21, finished with 70 tackles, five sacks and forced five fumbles. Despite the change of positions, he was again named first-team all-RMAC.

"We moved him without really coaching him at the linebacker position so everything he did, it was natural ability," CSU-Pueblo defensive coordinator Hunter Hughes said. "Chase has got a lot of upside, especially when it comes to motivation. That kid is motivated and knows he has to work a lot harder than everyone else. But he always works harder than everyone else."

Four teams - the Titans, Broncos, Panthers and Packers - have asked for film on Vaughn, so he's at least on the NFL radar.

"Scouts will get to see Chase practice and see how he works," Hughes said. "That's something they haven't seen. This is a great opportunity for him."

Other players from the RMAC invited to the game are all receivers. Colorado Mines standout Adam Saur, Chadron State wideout Brandon Harrington and Chadron tight end Isaac Stockton also will play next week.

"Those guys are all great. We had to game plan for them every time we played them," Vaughn said. "I think I'm ready. I haven't had any fun over break because I've been working out really hard. I know it'll be worth it."