Anthony Castonzo has remained in the Chicago area since completing his Boston College pro day, and he has been able to relax a little more with the heavy lifting out of the way.
He has genuinely enjoyed the grueling pre-draft process, but he hasn't minded taking a bit of a break over the last couple of weeks, either. Because BC's bowl game was in the second week of January, Castonzo had no down time before departing for IMG Academy in Florida to train for the Senior Bowl, and his calendar has been stacked with events since the ball dropped to signify 2011, including more than two months over three separate training stints at IMG.
Just last week, Castonzo took advantage of some free time by visiting his grandmother, and he has lived in the last few moments of his life before the NFL. He even joked at his pro day that, "I'm going to be a Bears fan until the day I get drafted."
Castonzo is still running through his workout regimen in Chicago, and he has visited with some teams, though he wouldn't reveal which ones. (At his pro day March 23, he said he has spoken with the Patriots, but not at what capacity.)
"The teams asked me not to tell anybody who was meeting with me," Castonzo said. "I will have to honor their wishes."
Now, with less than two weeks until the draft, Castonzo will wait to learn his fate. He has done all he can do at this point, and he isn't complaining in the slightest, not after he didn't receive a single Division I scholarship out of high school and had to attend Fork Union Military Academy before he caught on at BC.
He then set Boston College's program record with 54 career starts, and he was a Third-Team All-American as a senior. After strong showings at the Senior Bowl, combine and pro day, Castonzo is in position to be drafted between Nos. 9-22, and he has a chance to be the first tackle off the board.
He has shown that the pre-draft process dates much further back than early January. It's a commitment that takes years, and Castonzo is in the final stages before one of the biggest moments of his life.
"I've been getting a little bit more of an idea of who is interested in me and who is a little bit interested," Castonzo said. "The picture is getting a little bit clearer at least."
This was the last of a five-part series this week, but Castonzo will keep in touch with NESN.com up to and past the draft. Check back in to continue hearing about his journey to the NFL.
Monday: Castonzo took care of business early to give himself the opportunity to focus solely on football as a senior at BC.
Tuesday: Castonzo solidified himself as a first-round pick at the Senior Bowl. Afterward, his masseuse likened him to a car accident victim.
Wednesday: Castonzo enjoyed his time at the combine and got a kick out of one bizarre line of questioning.
Thursday: Castonzo got a chance to learn from a coaching legend at his Boston College pro day.
