After a long series of events to evaluate the talent exiting the collegiate ranks this season, the fateful day for football players around the country is nearly here.  

It’s an event that can change a life with the utterance of a few simple words.  The pick in the 2013 NFL draft the team selects will be music to the ears of 253 lucky men looking to make a childhood dream a reality.

One of those men is Brandon Williams of Missouri Southern.  

A three-time All-American, as chosen by the Associated Press, Williams looks to make the dramatic jump from the Division II ranks to the professional football level.  

Not an easy task, but for those who know the man, it seems as if there is no question.

“I always felt like he was going to make it,” said junior Nick Burnham.

A sack record broken in his season on the Lions home field, for for a big man with NFL dreams, it seems it is still the little things that count. As earlier this year, Williams stated in an interview that his newborn baby being present for the accomplishment was most important.

“[He’s] just too good of a player to be overlooked. Look at his sack record.”

As Southern looks for the third player in school history to be drafted (previously Rod Smith and Allen Barbre) it seems only fitting that the red carpet be rolled out.  

According to Nate Bramwell, the marketing and corporate sales assistant for athletics, that is exactly what he is trying to do.

“For the draft night itself, Southern is not hosting a draft event,” said Bramwell. “But we have worked with Gusanos to have them host a site for people to come watch.”

Bramwell also discussed that Gusanos will be offering extra-large one topping pizzas for $10 if you bring in a flyer with the deal information on it.

The flyer should be sent out in an e-mail by the end of the week.

Also a dinner has been set for the night before the draft, Wednesday, April 24, at 6 p.m. It will take place in the banquet center behind Granny Shaffers. It is an RSVP event that cost $25 with the opportunity for free autographs for all who attend.

To get event access, contact Randon Coffey, director of marketing and corporate sales, at [email protected].

The NFL draft will begin on Thursday, April 25, so keep an eye out for the e-mail To your Missouri Southern account with the Gusanos coupon attached.