Jackson Free Press

Free agency started Tuesday, March 10, in the NFL, and the NFL Draft, which runs from April 30 to May 2, is right around the corner. Teams are already looking for players to add when training camps open with a maximum of 90 players on the roster.

But the NFL isn't the only one looking for talent. The Canadian Football League and Arena Football League are also looking for untapped talent. On Saturday, Jan. 24, Grant Worsley of the Worsley Group hosted a tryout for CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Smith-Wills Stadium (1200 Lakeland Drive), which gave more than 80 players a chance to showcase their skills.

The Blue Bombers signed a player from the January event. The player wasn't available for an interview at press time. The Columbus Lions of the Professional Indoor Football league signed one player, Keland Johnson from Forest, Miss., who played at Northwestern State University. The PIFL is a league just below arena football and according to the Lions' website, 25 percent of their players move up to another level after each season.

The Worsely Group hosts another football tryout this Saturday, March 14, at Smith-Wills Stadium. This time, scouts from the NFL, CFL and arena leagues will be there to scout talent, not only from Mississippi, but from across the nation.

One player already scheduled to be in Jackson is former Ole Miss wide receiver Ja-Mes Logan. The Natchez, Miss., native signed with the New England Patriots after the 2014 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent but was unable to make the roster.

This event is for recent college graduates and collegiate seniors. It gives players who might otherwise have gone unnoticed a chance to showcase their skills in front of scouts.

Given recent Pro Day events, this would give players who feel like they were slighted another opportunity to have a shot at continuing their football careers.

Registration starts at 11 a.m. at Smith-Wills Stadium. The registration fee is $50 with the workout to follow. Players are encouraged to bring film or video to this workout for scouts and agents.

For more information, call Grant Worsley at 769-203-2108 or email [email protected]. You can also follow @thejxncombine on Twitter for information and updates about the event.