Published: January 17, 2008 11:54 pm         

Legursky working to raise NFL stock

Doug Legursky got to work on one of the things he hopes will get his name called in late April.

At last Saturday’s Hula Bowl college all-star game, the Beckley native played more guard than center, the position at which he starred for four years at Marshall.

He played some guard as a junior when injuries dictated it, but it was at center where Legursky got national attention for three years, both as a multi-award candidate and as a three-time all-conference player.

Playing guard at the Hula Bowl, with several NFL scouts milling about, showed the versatility Legursky hopes will get him selected in the NFL draft this spring.

Now, the real work begins.

Not that Legursky is any stranger to the weight room. But workouts take on a new meaning as the 6-foot-3, 311-pound Woodrow Wilson alumnus steps up the pace in his quest to be a Sunday player.

“I’ll be training as hard as I can,” Legursky said. “I’m here in Huntington working every day, trying to get better every day.”

Legursky got to team with Herd teammates Bernard Morris and Marcus Fitzgerald at the Hula Bowl. Morris was particularly impressive, throwing for 172 yards and a touchdown in the first half.

“It was great to be with them for one last game,” Legursky said. “Bernard had a good game running and passing the ball.”

Several NFL scouts descend on Marshall’s James F. Edwards Field each year for workouts, and Legursky hopes to be invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, set for Feb. 20-26 in Indianapolis.

Legursky, who has signed with Huntington agent Dave Rich, hasn’t monitored any projections as to where he might be selected at the draft, which will be held April 26-27 at New York’s Radio City Music Hall.

“I really try not to look at that stuff,” he said. “I’m just trying to concentrate on work ethic, speed, agility, the things that I can (control). Everything will fall into place if I keep working.”

— E-mail:

gfauber@register-herald.com