Monessen native Sarra hopes to get opportunity in NFL
Bernie Sarra, a Monessen native and Greensburg Central Catholic graduate, is looking to play in the NFL.
Bernie Sarra, a Monessen native and Greensburg Central Catholic graduate, is looking to play in the NFL.
The underdog role has been a companion of Bernie Sarra since he graduated from Greensburg Central Catholic High School in 2011. It also has been a good, motivating friend.
So the Naval Academy senior nose tackle prepares to prove, through continued weight training, conditioning, a highlight film and an impressive pro day, he is a legitimate NFL prospect. And Sarra relishes the role with which he is so familiar.
“I have some opportunity ahead of me,” said Sarra, a Monessen native. “I still can get in front of some of these guys ranked ahead of me if I continue to develop the next couple months, if I have a good pro day and get my highlight film circulated. We’ll see.”
Sarra, a stalwart on Navy’s school-best 11-win team this past season, has not only fought off bigger-bodied offensive linemen, he overcame concerns college recruiters had about his height and abilities.
He was a Midshipmen co-captain, along with heralded quarterback Keenan Reynolds. Sarra is highly thought of at Annapolis and among his peers. He might not have had the most tackles, sacks or explosive plays but he had the most influence, respect and admiration.
At 6-1, 297 pounds, he might not be the tallest or biggest, but Sarra can make a difference.
“For sure, I think I can have an opportunity and a chance,” he said. “I need to continue to get better. That’s the process I am going through right now.
“We had a very successful season. A lot of our guys got a lot of looks. That has helped me get extra looks and maybe an opportunity.”
Sarra is proud to be part of Navy’s highest ranking – No. 18 – since 1963 and to join his fellow seniors in compiling a 36-16 record with three Commander-In-Chief Trophies and winning three bowl games, including a big Military Bowl victory over Pitt in late December.
Sarra, who made 35 starts at Navy, is disappointed he did not get an invitation to the NFL Combine. He was not surprised.
His confidence is obvious. He recently signed with agent Jeff Jankovich, who is with Virginia-based VNG.
“Coming out of high school there were questions,” Sarra said. “I just kept working. I feel if I give it my best shot, then things will work out, if they are meant to be. I concern myself about what I can control. I hope that will be good enough that someone or some team will give me a shot.”
Sarra is focused on improving his 40-yard dash time, doing better in the shuttle run and in the turn drills that all will be part of his pro day.
“It’s just me trying to be a better player,” Sarra said. “I’m lifting, conditioning and training hard. I am hoping that once the highlight film circulates, some scouts will want to take another look at my game film.”
Sarra has not set a date for his pro day.
Unlike his teammates, Reynolds and fullback Chris Swain, who will likely be NFL draft choices, Sarra understands he remains a long shot and his performance during his pro day is vital.
“Realistically, I am going to hope to be a free agent, signed after the draft,” he said.
“When I was coming out of high school, I wasn’t sure. As it all unfolded, I realized what a great opportunity I was given and what a great choice I made. I have had a lot of success here, on and off the field. I was 18 years old when I got here. I know the Academy has prepared me to be a man. It was a great choice.”
Now, it’s time for an NFL team to make a good choice.
“If they don’t make that choice, I’ll be coming back for six months to help with the football team and train for the Marine Corps,” he said.