De Braga shines for NFL scouts in bowl game

The audition tape has been sent in; all that’s left is waiting for a callback.

Trent de Braga gave football scouts something to ponder about for this upcoming season after shining in the inaugural ProGrass International Scout Bowl in Florence, Ala., on Saturday.

“It was a good experience,” said de Braga, who roomed with a cornerback from Florida. “The game went really well and the combine was really good exposure for me.”

The 2009 Fallon grad participated in its combine last week where he recorded one of the fastest 20-yard shuffles. De Braga played safety on defense and special teams in Friday’s bowl game that showcased international players along with seniors from all divisions in the United States. De Braga went up against numerous Division I opponents and didn’t flinch.

He recovered a fumble on his opponents 2-yard line and recorded five solo tackles on defense. De Braga also played during punts and returned a kickoff for 24 yards.

The Fallon native is hopeful his performance will give him a chance to continue at the next level, whether it’s the NFL, CFL or AFL.

“Not yet,” de Braga said about any feedback from the scouts. “It’s just a day-by-day thing right now.”

Aside from the hits on the field, de Braga was named one of the captains as he gave his friends and family including his parents who traveled to Alabama to watch their son’s final college game, one more memory.

“They’re just really proud of me,” he said of his parents, Lester and Angela. “My mom was emotional but proud of me. They were excited to see me back on the field. It was as exciting for them as it was for me to be playing again.”

Now Trent de Braga will be playing the waiting game with graduation and law school around the corner.

He said it doesn’t matter how his football path is carved out. He just wants a chance to show that he has the same fire, intensity and work ethic of current professional and former Greenwave stars Harvey Dahl (Rams), Josh Mauga (Jets) and Aaron Lesué (Utah Blaze).

“After the game, multiple players from the Division I level told me I did a good job and made plays. I got their respect,” de Braga said.

Next up is respect from scouts who could determine whether law school will need to be put on hold.

“I’m just waiting for a call, a chance, that I hope comes about,” de Braga said.