After A Crash Course In Football From 'last Chance U,' Mapalo Mwansa Hopes To Walk Nfl Draft Stage

Mapalo "Maz" Mwansa's journey to the NFL has been unique, even for a league that continues to expand its international footprint.

The 20-year-old Mwansa grew up in Peterborough, England, and played rugby, soccer, basketball, track and field and cricket in high school. He ended up at Loughborough University to study economics and finance and turned heads when he ran the 100 meters in 10.48 seconds at a 'sports day" on campus.

Told American football might be an option, Mwansa "threw myself into the university team" and has worked tirelessly since to improve. Now, after a crash course that included learning from popular Netflix series "Last Chance U" and "Quarterback," Mwansa hopes to get selected in the NFL draft .

"I would never have thought I would be doing this four or five years ago," Mwansa told The Associated Press. "Even two years ago, football was not in the picture for me. The journey's been a complete whistle-stop tour, and I'm trying to soak in as much as I can and just enjoy every bit of the process.

"If you don't enjoy it, it shows throughout your results. But I love this game, and I will continue to love her and try to better myself each way I can. The journey is crazy when I think about it."