Football dreams become reality at the NFL draft, where each year a new class of rookies take their first steps toward playing professional ball.  

And that description's no cliche — just ask William & Mary offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal. 

"It was a dream come true," Sorsdal said of working out for NFL scouts at the Tribe's pro day in March. "I've been thinking about this day for a long time now."

Sorsdal, a 1st Team All-Colonial Athletic Association honoree and 1st Team FCS All-American, is among the top CAA prospects who could land on NFL rosters during draft weekend. 

Sorsdal was a pillar of William & Mary's run to the 2022 CAA championship, his performance at tackle helping pave the way for the Tribe to score more than 33 points per game with the nation's third-most prolific rushing attack. And though Sorsdal shined at tackle in college, the 6-foot-5, 305-pound lineman could effectively move to the interior on Sundays. 

Jadakis Bonds - WR - Hampton

Not many prospects in the 2023 NFL draft class can boast all-conference recognition in multiple leagues. Jadakis Bonds is one, having earned All-Big South during Hampton's time in that conference, and landing on the 1st Team All-CAA in the Pirates' debut campaign as members of the Colonial. 

Bonds caught 49 passes for 855 yards last season with 10 touchdowns, closing out his Hampton career with 180 receptions for 2,731 yards and 34 touchdowns. He leaves HU as one of the best players in program history, and has the goods to wave the Pirates flag in the NFL. 

At the East-West Shrine Bowl, Bonds had the opportunity to show off his ranginess and athleticism. 

Cole Coleman - DB - Elon 

An exceptional pro day last month let others know what anyone who saw Elon in recent seasons already knew: Cole Coleman is a unique talent. 

I know. pic.twitter.com/7cn0UZRtlA

— Cole J. Coleman (@TeamColeBlooded) March 30, 2023

Coleman ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash,  showing off pro speed that even his NFL alum dad Chris told WRAL in Raleigh he lacked in his playing days. Coleman was limited to seven games in 2022, but still managed to show off his uncanny ability to get in on stops with 35 tackles in that time. 

In his last full season during the 2021 campaign, Coleman led the Phoenix with 71 tackles, broke up three passes and forced three fumbles. The speed he demonstrated on pro day coupled with a proven knack for dislodging the ball should make him an intriguing prospect for teams searching for a game-changing presence at safety. 

Thomas Greaney - TE - UAlbany

Few tight ends at any level of college football were as productive at pass-catching as Thomas Greaney. The UAlbany standout Greaney was a primary target for CAA Offensive Rookie of the Year Reese Poffenbarger, hauling in 50 receptions for 693 yards with nine touchdowns. 

Check out his route-running ability, and it's no wonder Greaney is so productive in the passing game. 

Thomas Greaney 👀👀

The @UAlbanyFootball Great Dane with a great rep on Day 1 of the @ShrineBowl 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/e3qlv6wJwE

— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) January 28, 2023

Beyond his statistical production and his measurables — both of which are terrific indicators for a pro team seeking a gem of a pass-catcher at tight end — Greaney earned the respect of his Great Danes teammates as a leader. 

Jordan Jones - DB - Rhode Island

Jordan Jones was an interception machine the past two seasons for Rhode Island, picking off a total of eight passes. Couple that with his Rhody record 33 pass break-ups, and it's obvious Jones has a nose for the ball in the secondary. 

His playmaking earned Jones both All-American and 1st Team All-CAA status, and caught the interest of NFL franchises. Among the organizations with interest in Jones is Super Bowl LVI champion Los Angeles, so the talented defensive back could trade one set of Rams horns on his helmet for another. 

Reece Udinski - QB - Richmond

In the theme of living dreams, Richmond quarterback Reece Udinski told reporters after his 2023 pro day that having this opportunity is something he "could never have dreamed of." 

Better believe it. Udinski battled back from injury and limited opportunities in his time at Maryland to guide Richmond back to the FCS Playoffs, all while producing some of the most impressive passing numbers in the nation. 

Udinski went 378-of-515 passing last season for 3,614 yards. In addition to completing better than 70 percent of his attempts, Udinski was picked off five times all year — a remarkable stat for as often as the Spiders went to the air. He also had five games with at least three touchdown passes, including in the driving rain of a playoff matchup with Sacramento State. 

Kedrick Whitehead - S - Delaware

With Nasir Adderley flourishing as one of the top young safeties already in the NFL, Delaware is poised to add another alum to the class of pro safeties with Kedrick Whitehead. 

A stalwart leader of the Blue Hens defense for his entire college career, Whitehead earned 1st Team All-CAA honors an incredible four times. Last year, he contributed in every phase for a strong Delaware defense on the way to making the FCS Playoffs. His turnover-creation should be especially attractive for NFL scouts. 

More CAA Names to Know

In addition to the CAA players who led the conference in the 2022 season, another couple past Colonial stars to watch on NFL draft weekend include former Delaware linebacker Colby Reeder and former Richmond defensive lineman Kobie Turner. 

Reeder, a 2021 All-CAA selection, earned All-Big 12 recognition this past season at Iowa State. He was named the conference's Defensive Newcomer of the Year. 

The multi-talented Turner was named All-ACC at Wake Forest in 2022, finishing the campaign with 10 tackles for loss. He could be a mid-round selection on draft weekend.