Markham preps for UNI Football Pro Day
Central Dutch Athletics
PELLA — Former Central College wide receiver Sam Markham (Atlantic) will get a shot to show off his skills in front of professional football scouts at the University of Northern Iowa’s pro day in Cedar Falls Sunday.
Markham ended his career at Central last fall as one of the most decorated receivers in program history. A three-time all-Iowa Conference performer, Markham was a Division III All-American during his junior campaign in 2016. He holds the school’s career records in receptions (289), receiving yards (3,887) and receiving touchdowns (33).
Markham completed his academic degree requirements in December. Now living in Omaha, he is training at the Omaha Sports Complex, working on his route running and receiving skills with Bryndon Belnap, a former quarterback and coach. His speed, agility and strength workouts have been designed by Sam Schmitz ’16, a teammate of Markham’s at Central as a defensive back. Schmitz is now a strength and conditioning intern at Northern Iowa and has aided Markham throughout the process.
“I’m extremely thankful for this opportunity.” Markham said. “It would not have been possible without Coach (Jeff) McMartin or Sam Schmitz’s help. I’m realistic and understand the slim chance of anything materializing from the pro day, but I’m grateful and humbled by the opportunity to work out alongside Division I athletes. I’m excited and looking forward to represent Central College in front of professional scouts.”
Central’s football program does have some alumni with professional experience. Most notably, Vern Den Herder ’71 played for the Miami Dolphins from 1971-82, where he started at defensive end for two Super Bowl champion teams. Mark Kacmarynski ’96 was a running back for the Dutch and participated in NFL training camps with the Chicago Bears (1997), Indianapolis Colts (1998) and Philadelphia Eagles (1999) and signed with the New York Giants (2000). Kacmarynski also spent two seasons in NFL Europe with the Frankfurt Galaxy (1999) and Amsterdam Admirals (2000).
Toronto native and running back Don Taylor ’78 spent seven seasons in the Canadian Football League for the BC Lions, playing 104 games. Central’s cornerbacks coach Matt Paulsen played one season for a team in Germany in 1998 after finishing his Central career as did offensive lineman Reid Evans in 2001. Other players have participated in NFL training camps after signing free agent contracts, including receiver Randy Busscher with the Minnesota Vikings in 1975 and defensive end Mike Stumberg with the Seattle Seahawks in 1989.
