Local football stars get chance to impress NFL scouts during pro day workout at Holy Cross

WORCESTER — When Hector Johnson arrived at Endicott College as a freshman in 2021, he had a plan – to excel for four years on the football field and off it and to earn an invitation to Holy Cross Pro Day.

“And I manifested it,” Johnson, the former Quabbin Regional star who helped Endicott to four straight NCAA Division 3 Tournament appearances, said after testing for NFL scouts Thursday afternoon at HC’s indoor practice facility at the Luth Athletic Complex. “I’m blessed to be here. Not too many guys from the level of football I came from get this opportunity, so I’m just glad to be out here showcasing my talents. It’s a blessing.”

Johnson, along with former Holy Cross linebacker Frankie Monte and wide receiver Justin Shorter, were among 22 prospects that participated in drills such as the vertical and broad jumps, bench press, 40, three cone and positional work.

Eight scouts from six NFL teams, including the New England Patriots, were in attendance. Players from Merrimack, the University of New Hamphire, Old Dominion, Brown and American also took part.

“It’s a great day,” Holy Cross coach Dan Curran said. “We’re so fortunate to have this facility and being centrally located, I think it helps the scouts. It’s a great opportunity for kids to show what they can do and the kids performed really well. Our two Holy Cross kids have looked really good. I’m excited for them. They definitely helped their stock today.”

Holy Cross held its first pro day in 2018.

The 6-foot, 233-pound Monte is coming off a senior season in which he ranked in the top 10 nationally in tackles (119) and fumble recoveries (three). He had 4½ tackles for loss, 1½ sacks, an interception, 2 pass breakups and 2 forced fumbles while helping the Crusaders to a share of their sixth straight Patriot League title.

Monte had a good day in the weight room, bench pressing 28 reps.

Leading up to pro day, Monte, along with Johnson, trained for 12 weeks at Exceed Sports Performance & Fitness in Westborough.

“I trained for three months with one goal in mind,” Monte said. “I’m just trying to play football as long as possible, whether that’s the NFL, the CFL, the UFL. I love the sport so much. If someone takes a chance on me, they’re going to get someone who is going to put 110% effort into everything they do and bring excellence to whatever team that is.”

The 5-foot-11, 181-pound Shorter set career highs in 2024 with 40 receptions for 462 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Shorter was an all-league return specialist his freshman season at Holy Cross, and he believes that could be his entry to the next level like it was for another former HC star receiver/returner, Kalif Raymond, who recently completed his 10^th NFL season with the Detroit Lions.

Shorter clocked a 4.50 time in the 40.

“That was a little slower than I wanted,” Shorter said, “but the day went well.”

Shorter ran routes and caught passes from UNH quarterback Seth Morgan.

“Not throwing with him much, the timing was still good,” Shorter said. “The routes were real smooth. I thought I left a good impression. My routes were fast and I think everything I put on film in my four years here translated to what I did out here today. I think it was big to show speed within the routes, speed in the 40 and stop on a dime and still run fast.”

The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Johnson starred as a defensive lineman at Endicott, where he was the 2022 and 2024 Conference New England Defensive Player of the Year. He totaled 49 tackles and six sacks in 12 games last season.

He would likely shift to linebacker at the professional level.

“That’s something I feel very comfortable with,” Johnson said.

Johnson was born in Liberia and grew up on his grandmother’s farm, where she also ran an orphanage. She instilled Johnson’s work ethic.

“Her lessons still carry me through,” Johnson said.

When Johnson was 10, he came to the United States to join his mother, who had left Liberia nine years earlier to establish a career, save money, secure housing and provide for her children.

The family lived off Grafton Street in Worcester, which made Thursday’s pro day even more meaningful.

“It’s always good to be home,” Johnson said.

Johnson attended Doherty High for two years before his family relocated to Barre.

Johnson also starred in track and field at Quabbin.

Johnson earned numerous conference, regional and academic honors at Endicott, where he played for coach Paul McGonagle, the former Assumption offensive coordinator.

“Thank God my coach was able to help me throughout the process,” Johnson said. “He promised me as long as I stay the course, do the right things, he’s going to help me out and get me connections to be out here. Everything so far is working just as planned.”

Johnson was mostly happy with his results on pro day.

“I stuck 11 feet in the broad jump one time during training and I wanted to stick 11 feet today,” he said. “I stuck 10-10, but I’m happy with what I did.”

Johnson said he has a workout with the Patriots on Wednesday.

“I want to play on Sundays,” Johnson said. “I can control what I can control, and I leave the rest in God’s hands.”

—Contact Jennifer Toland at jennifer.toland@telegram.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @JenTolandTG.