By Dave Ruthenberg, Staff Writer

An opportunity. That’s all former Enid High School and Eastern Michigan University standout linebacker Daniel Holtzclaw has ever wanted.

Holtzclaw will get one of those opportunities Monday when he gets to display his wares before National Football League scouts at Eastern Michigan’s annual Pro Day.

Holtzclaw, the school’s second all-time leading career tackler with 437 stops, will be watched, timed and observed by as many as 15 NFL scouts who will be there to evaluate him.

How he goes through a series of drills and agility will go a long way toward determining his draft status for the NFL Draft April 25-26.

But it has not been an easy path. Despite being a four-year starter and earning All-MAC accolades, the postseason all-star and NFL Combine invitations never materialized, eliminating several key chances to impress the scouts.

It was at last year’ss Senior Bowl that Holtz-claw's former teammate, Jason Jones, made a huge impression, which elevated Jones to being a second-round draft pick of the Tennessee Titans in last year's NFL Draft.

“Sure, I was disappointed initially, but I looked at the positives,’’ said Holtzclaw without a trace of bitterness. “It (not being invited) fueled my fire and gave me more time to perfect my skills and techniques.

“But I think it's more politics than anything.’’

Holtzclaw points out USC had several linebackers invited to the NFL Combine, including a fifth-year player, Clay Matthews, who never started until his last season. Matthews had 56 tackles, which is about a half-season's worth of work for Holtzclaw.

“I watched some of the times being recorded by the other linebackers (at the Combine) and I was surprised how slow they were, but that just made me want to work harder,’’ Holtzclaw said.

That hard work included an intense six-week stay at the Test Football Academy in New Jersey run by founder and trainer Brian Martin. It’s a program designed to focus on the drills and techniques players will need to demonstrate at the NFL Combine or on a school’s pro day.

Holtzclaw’s tenacity imp-ressed Martin, whose program last season produced two first-round NFL draft choices in quarterback Joe Flacco (Delaware) of the Baltimore Ravens and offensive tackle Ryan Clady (Boise State) of the Denver Broncos.

“Daniel’s motor is unmatched,’’ said Martin. “His work ethic is what is going to separate him from the other prospects. He is also very smart and can pick up a scheme quickly. He is one of the hardest workers I have ever been around and will outwork everyone around him.’’

Martin compares Holtz-claw favorably to Dallas Cowboys' veteran linebacker Zach Thomas, who like Holtzclaw is considered a bit undersized (6-foot-1, 246 pounds) by NFL standards, but whose tenacity has made him a feared linebacker.

“If teams can get past his (Holtzclaw's) size, they will have found a solid performer,’’ Martin said.

Martin sees Holtzclaw being drafted as early as the middle rounds. However, Martin believes even if Holtzclaw goes undrafted, he will stick with an NFL team as an undrafted free agent.

“If he gets into camp with a team, there is no way they send him home,’’ he said.

Holtzclaw recognizes his pro day will be crucial and believes the work and techniques he picked up at Martin’s facility already are paying dividends.

“I timed at 4.65 electronically in the 40,’’ said Holtzclaw who hopes to register a 4.5 hand-held time at EMU's Pro Day. “I also really improved my technique as we were able to work on linebacker specific skills, working on my arm swing and leg drive.’’

Martin’s state of the art facility included video rooms where players could review their performance and see exactly what areas needed improvement.

But while focused on doing well at Pro Day, Holtzclaw insists that he is not concerned about his draft position, but would certainly prefer to be drafted than having to catch on as a free agent.

“I’m not thinking about where I’ll be drafted, so much can change. But it is better to be drafted because when you are drafted teams pay upfront guaranteed money, which is important because then they have an early investment in you and are more likely to take the time to develop you.’’

Holtzclaw has not had any direct contact with teams but his agent has told him several teams have inquired about him and the New York Jets have especially expressed interest. The NFL hopeful is ranked at number 21 out of 150 middle linebacker prospects by NFL Draft Scout.com. He is up running at 7 each morning.

“All I ever asked for was an opportunity and whenever it comes along, you have to grasp it and take advantage of it.’’