That decision is ultimately in the hands of the folks at the NFL who scour the country digging up every player they can find in hopes of finding that diamond in the rough.
However, a recognized perspective with a fascinating backstory is worthy of discussion.
The story begins with a young man named Momar Fall, who was born in Dakar.
Where is Dakar?
It’s not near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I can publicize it.
“I was born in Dakar, the capital of Senegal,” said Fall about his country, located in West Africa. “As my father was a (high school) teacher, we had to move to Mbour, the tourism capital of my country. So I was able to interact with people from all over the world.”
People are attracted to Mbour because of its location close to the ocean and pleasant temperatures that help it receive an abundance of some of the most lavish catches.
Western Africa. Fishing Village.
You might wonder if there is a story about an NFL Draft prospect.
It’s coming, but first, we should address his wrestling background and love of basketball.
Growing up in Senegal, wrestling is their country’s #1 sport, and naturally, Fall gravitated towards it.
“Yekini and Balla Gaye 2”, Fall mentions as two of his favorite wrestlers growing up. “We fight in my country, and our style is close to Greco wrestling, but when you take the opponent to the ground, it’s over.”
Football was the other nationally renowned sport, but Fall turned his attention to a more popular sport here in the United States.
Basketball.
He liked it, and basketball liked him.
“I was playing in Mbour,” said Fall. “So I came back to Dakar to this basketball academy.”
Tall and lean, Fall had the athleticism and ability that was being noticed beyond Senegal’s borders.
“Then these great people Denise (McNeil Willis) and Greg (Willis) came to my country and they wanted players,” said Fall. “I ended up being lucky enough to be one of the five players they brought home.
“They took us to the high schools we wanted. We went to Denver East High School, another seven-foot guy and me.”
Averaging around 30 points per game, Fall was getting noticed by basketball colleges. Denver East’s high school football coaches were also paying attention. It wasn’t long before they started asking about this six-foot forward making a name for himself on the basketball court.
“My freshman year, I was turning him down,” Fall said of the coach’s offers to play football. “I was like, Nah, I don’t know all this stuff.”
Persistent coaching and Fall’s curiosity got the better of him, and he finally agreed to try soccer. The physicality of football helped bring back some of the memories of wrestling due to the more aggressive nature of both sports.
“I’ve always loved just being physical,” Fall said. “I pride myself on being physical in everything I do. You know what, I was like, let me come out and see.”
“I know I’m 6’10” so let’s see what it’s all about. They had to teach me how to stay in my posture. I was a quick learner. I started doing this at home. In my room, I started watching people like Lawrence Taylor and other defensive linemen.”
Fall’s culture shock alone was enough to put most on anxiety medication.
He calmly went about his business, from basketball to football, not missing a step. Not knowing much about the game, he realized that what he was doing was gaining real recognition.
“We were playing really big teams in our conference,” said Fall. “Back then, I didn’t realize how big they were until now. We were playing Columbine High School or Cherry Creek. They were big kids. I always liked to do good.”
“I didn’t know I was doing so well back then. I was just trying to get to quarterback or trying to make a play. I thought it was really cool to jump on people and stuff like that.
“It was crazy because I was getting attention from colleges to play basketball, and that was the goal. So when I saw people coming to talk to me just about football.
“I was like, wait a minute. They were recruiting people from Columbine and Cherry Creek at all these great schools, but every time they were just seeing this number 40 (Fall) go there and destroy parts and stuff like that.”
Fall moved to Denver in 2016. He played one season of football in the fall of 2016 before earning a scholarship to play for Colorado State University-Pueblo in the fall of 2017.
“I see myself as a sponge,” said Fall. “I’m a quick learner. That’s how I played a semester of high school football, with no experience in it, and coming into college against top-notch opponents who’ve played their whole lives.”
Two credits short of earning his master’s degree in mechatronics engineering is another marvel of Fall’s capabilities.
Autumn earned 2022 All-NFCC Second Team honors last season, amassing 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and an interception. The success helped put him in a position to excel in professional football.
So another chapter looms for the fall. He’s NFL-sized, but he needs to prove that his athletic strength and agility are capable of playing with the best in the world.
“I think they’re going to like my engine,” Fall said of what helps it stand out. How I use my hands. How I use my hands to defeat the block. Make sure I read what’s going on. In our defense, you had to be disciplined. I think they’ll like how I chase a play and help my teammates.”
The odds are against him.
Then again, what were the odds of a boy growing up on the west coast of Africa averaging 30 points per game in basketball at a Denver high school, playing one season of football and receiving a Division II scholarship?
Those odds were nearly impossible, but here we are.
“Apply things to my craft and get better every day,” said Fall.
He is currently training with several strength coaches at the university. He goes in and out during the day while finishing night classes to graduate in May. Those plans could be put on hold if NFL teams are impressed enough to bring fall for a visit to camp.
While the odds may be against him, it appears he has been defying those odds his entire life.