WORCESTER, Mass. - NFL Pro Days give players an opportunity to show off skills to professional scouts and potentially find a path to playing at the highest level.

One rep at a time, Hector Johnson said he approached his NFL Pro Day like another game day.

“Everything is out of my hands. I just trust in God with the process and just let him handle it," Hector Johnson said. "And every day I just showed up, put the work in.”

Johnson’s football journey started at Quabbin High School in Central Mass.

“It's been a great journey since high school, Quabbin; miss those days," Johnson said. "Just happy to see how the tables turn, and everything is working, it's trending in the right direction.”

The defensive prospect played four years at Endicott College, and on Thursday at the NFL Pro Day at Holy Cross, he stood out as the only Division III athlete among more than 20 college football players looking to impress scouts. Johnson believes it’s about making the most of the opportunity.

“I respect all levels of football. Being from D3, I never really look down on myself. I always knew I could play at the highest level possible," Johnson said. "I still do believe that. And I know I'm going to be playing on Sundays. So, coming in here, man, I just saw everybody as competition. Like we all bleed the same way, we all breathe the same air. So, why not go get it.”

Representing the Holy Cross Crusaders were seniors WR Justin Shorter and LB Frankie Monte who Johnson has become friends with preparing for the Pro Day. Johnson's also thanking his coaches as he takes on the challenge of switching from defensive line to linebacker.

“I knew I had to sharpen some skills because it's a big change from having your hands in the ground, and now you got to do a bunch of DB stuff," Johnson said. "But I felt very, very comfortable today. It was all second nature thanks to the work that was put in.”

Between coaches in attendance and support from afar...

“I want to give a shout out to my mom. She's in, my mom's still out there in Africa right now," Johnson said. "I miss you, mom. Hurry up and come back home. I wish she were here today to see me.”

Johnson said he’s paving his way to professional football one step at a time.

“This is all stuff I dreamed about. But now the fact that it's all unfolding in front of me, sometimes I get a little too ahead of myself, but I just try to really stay in the moment," Johnson said. "At times, like today, I ain't gonna lie, I was nervous sometimes, but I try to just focus on my breath, focus on my breathing, and just really just stay in the moment and have fun with it.”