NFL Draft 2011: Blaine Gabbert has "Everything to Prove" Working with Gatorade

When a player declares for the NFL Draft, they soon realize their pro career and workout routine starts before they even get a professional shot.

Prospects have to make the transition from college football shape and being the most physically-gifted on their respective college rosters to humbling themselves and getting into professional shape through constant cycles of a rigorous workout schedule, position-oriented drills and of course the proper diet and hydration to maximize their potential in the NFL.

I got a chance to talk to one of the top NFL Draft prospects in former Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who has gotten the privilege to work out with guys such as Jake Locker, Cameron Heyward, Mark Herzlich and others at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute in their "Everything to Prove" program.

The institute works with amateur, collegiate and professional athletes to both test their athletic ability, endurance and workout routines, as well as working to further their development as bigger, stronger and more efficient athletes.

Guys such as Ndamukong Suh, who was the most impressive player at the NFL Combine last year despite already being a top five lock, has worked with the program in the past and has already emerged as an NFL Pro Bowler.

Gabbert talked about how he better learned and understood, "how his muscles would tire over time," and how to better utilize his workout routines. Also, he learned about the nutritional factors that must go into an athlete hoping to play in the professional football world and last through a brutal NFL season.

He said he'll, "definitely take away everything from the nutritional standpoint," as he now understands how much that can impact muscle growth, endurance and overall performance on the field.

Gabbert is already considered one of the top players at his position in this upcoming draft and is projected to go in the top 10. While he said in the interview he will not be throwing at the NFL Combine (he will wait for his Pro Day on March 17) he will put his newfound endurance and workout habits to the test as he'll perform all the other drills and workouts come late February in Indianapolis.

Check out www.OptimumScouting.com for the full interview, as well as other NFL Draft interviews and insight. Follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/OptimumScouting.