Plum graduate Reed Martin punts during an Edinboro football game in the 2022 season.
Plum graduates and former Mustangs football teammates Reed Martin and Josh George hope to live out their dreams of playing in the National Football League.
Both recently indicated through social media posts that they will take the steps over the next couple of months to get on the radar of NFL teams' scouts and coaches.
Martin, who earned All-American honors for punting during his time at Edinboro, is sharpening his skills for his pursuit of professional football by working with former NFL punter Jon Carney.
Carney, who trains punters at his facility in California, punted in the NFL with eight teams from 1987 to 2010. He helped the New Orleans Saints win Super Bowl XLIV in February 2010 and earned all-pro honors and selection to the Pro Bowl during his two-decade career.
"We'll work through one-on-one training, and then we'll go through specialized kicking workouts at his gym," Martin said. "He records me when we're at the field, and then he will coach me up on what I need to do to get better.
"He doesn't try to change you or say there is only one way to kick. He'll see how you kick and observe your form and put together a plan to help you improve based on your style of kicking."
Martin, who was a receiver, cornerback, kick returner, punt returner, punter and placekicker at Plum, hoped to make his mark at the College Gridiron Showcase this past weekend in Forth Worth, Texas. The first all-star event of the college football postseason was to feature coaches and scouts from different leagues, such as the NFL and Canadian Football League.
An all-star game Sunday was to cap off the weekend.
"I've definitely looked up to a couple of punters in the NFL and watched videos on how they've done things," Martin said.
"But I feel my story is a little bit different with how I've played all different positions (at Edinboro) and then kicking at the same time. I just feel like my best shot to make it to the next level is to focus on kicking."
Martin also will attend a specialist combine next month in Arizona for an additional shot at performing in front of coaches and scouts.
"They can grade me on how ready I am for the next level," he said.
George served four years as the Slippery Rock long snapper and played in 52 games.
The 2024 special teams captain helped The Rock finish 12-2 overall, 5-1 in PSAC play, and reach the semifinals of the NCAA Division II playoffs before falling to Ferris State.
"I am excited to be getting the word out about what I want to pursue at the next level," said George, a 2020 Plum graduate who was an offensive tackle, defensive end and long snapper during his time with the Mustangs.
"Playing in the NFL has always been a dream for me. Every kid has that dream of making it big. Now that I am done at Slippery Rock, I want to do the things that can impress teams."
George spent a few days recently in Tampa, Fla., at a pro-prep camp designed to get him ready for the process and what to expect over the next few months.
"It is very valuable to gain some knowledge about what it takes to be a professional long snapper," George said.
George said he plans to sign with an agent soon to help get his name circulating even more. His film will be sent out to all 32 NFL teams.
George said there are a number of NFL long snappers he looks to for inspiration.
"I always follow (Chartiers Valley graduate) Christian Kuntz," he said. "I am a big Steelers fan. I also love his story. He wasn't a big name at Duquesne, but he worked hard and made a name for himself."
George also follows the career of Luke Rhodes of the Indianapolis Colts.
"In my opinion, he's the best in the league," he said. "He gets the job done and is very consistent."
The seven rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft will be April 24-26 in Green Bay. If Martin and George are not selected during the draft, they will each have the chance to hook up with a team as undrafted free agents.