Cass hopes to make mark Monday

PORTALES — Eastern New Mexico University running back Kamal Cass had a decorated career with the Greyhounds, breaking the school's all-time rushing record, while receiving numerous awards and accolades, dating back to his breakout sophomore year.

The undersized speed back was recently named an NCAA Division II All-American once again, and will compete in Monday's Dream Bowl, a college football senior all-star game held in Salem, Virginia for NCAA FCS, D-II and D-III players.

Cass will try to stand out for NFL scouts at the game, as he hopes to realize his dream of playing professional football.

The News: What does it mean to you to be named an All-American again?

Kamal Cass: To be honest, it's just a blessing, man. It's not really me, it's the guys blocking upfront. They should get this award, because they do all the work - I just get to sit back and reap the benefits.

TN: After your spectacular sophomore year back in 2015, were you ever tempted to transfer up to a bigger school?

KC: I kinda thought about it, but I felt like I shouldn't do that. Eastern stuck with me my whole career, and I felt like anything I could do at a bigger program, I could do at Eastern (and still get a shot at the NFL). I felt like it was about loyalty.

TN: What do you value from your time at Eastern New Mexico, and what lessons did you learn?

KC: The first is don't take anything for granted. (Secondly), enjoy every moment of it, because it goes by so fast. I think the other thing is just competing, no matter if it's in the classroom or on the football field. Just compete everyday.

TN: What are you doing to prepare for the NFL, and what will the next few months look like for you?

KC: Right now, I'm getting ready for the Dream Bowl, and I heard there's a couple scouts here. I just started training a little bit (recently), really just working out a lot right now. I'm kind of a small guy, so I'm trying to get my weight up, really. It's a whole different type of strong in the NFL. Improving my strength is the big thing, and working on my blocking. I'm trying to learn how to hold blocks long enough, and that goes back to my strength. I'm also working a little bit on my speed. I heard there's an LSC (Lone Star Conference) combine for All-conference players in March, so I'm gonna look into that. I'm gonna try to call some other schools and see if they'll let me workout at their Pro Day, but I know it's not likely. But, I think it's worth a try.

TN: Are you considering a career in coaching when your playing days are over?

KC: I never really thought about coaching. But now that (my playing days may soon be) coming to an end, I've thought more about it. (However) I'm leaning towards not doing it, but it's crossed my mind and it's an opportunity to stay around the game.

TN: What do you envision life looking like after football?

KC: I'm graduating from Eastern in the spring - I'm a Broadcast Journalism major. I'm learning how to do different stuff on and off the camera, but I'd like to be on-camera. I have looked into some different internships, but with me pursuing the NFL, it doesn't really make sense to do anything until after that. I'm just playing it by ear for now. (My dream job is) probably a show talking strictly about football, like a College GameDay or NFL Live (both on ESPN).