A classic American muscle car is the best way to describe Norfolk State’s defensive end Lynden Trail. Just like a 1967 Shelby Mustang GT 500 or 1970 Chevelle 454 SS, he is pure power and speed. He is referred to as the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) version of Jadevoen Clowney by many and became just the second player in school history to earn first-team All-MEAC honors.

“It is surreal to be living out my dream,” said Lynden Trail reflecting back on his collegiate career and training for the NFL. “It became real at graduation.  Walking across that stage and realizing where I was from in Miami. A neighborhood called Overtown. It is not the best area in the world. It was a tough neighborhood to grow up in. It will teach you some things. To know I made it out and walk across that stage with a degree and showing kids back here (Overtown) that it is possible that you don’t have to be part of the environment.”

Trail left Booker T. Washington High School in Miami to play for Urban Meyer at Florida. A four-star recruit according to Rivals.com and Scout.com, he was sought after by LSU, Florida State, Purdue, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Tennessee and USC, among others. After Meyer left Florida, Trail decided to move on from the Gators, and ended up at Norfolk State. He finished his senior season with 91 tackles (11th in MEAC), 11.5 tackles for loss (17th in MEAC) and 5.0 sacks (tied for 17th in MEAC).

“I’ve always been the kid that stuck out like a sore thumb,” Trail said and recounted how as a 4^th grader he towered above the other kids in school as he stood 5-foot-7.

The former MEAC star is now 6-foot-6 and 262 pounds and still sticks out from the crowd because of his rare athleticism that make NFL executives get weak in the knees. The stellar career in the MEAC gained the attention of Phil Savage, the Executive Director of the Reese’s Senior Bowl. He was the first player in the history of the school to receive an invite to the prestigious all-star game in Mobile, Alabama.

“It was awesome,” Trail said of his opportunity to play in the game. “My biggest ordeal going down there was to show people that there is no such thing as a small school guy. I’m a firm believer in everybody is equal.”

His yellow Spartans’ helmet was easy to spot during the South practices at the Senior Bowl. During one-on-one drills he showed his versatility displaying both his raw power and quickness. He’s a completely dedicated, tough-as-nails player who is relentless making plays all over the field. In college he played 3-4 outside linebacker and also lined up with his hand in the dirt and even spent a little time at tight end. He possesses an enormous wingspan and is smooth in space with the ability to cover a lot of ground quickly. Finesse and furiousness go hand in hand watching him play.

“I’ve heard I’m the FCS Clowney,” says Trail regarding the many players he has heard comparisons too. “I’m the new Jason Taylor and supposedly I remind people of J.P.P. (Jason Pierre-Paul) from the (New York) Giants. I’ve also got Julius Peppers. Last but not least they call me a more athletic and thinner Carlos Dunlap.”

Dunlap, like Trail was also recruited by Meyer during his tenure as head coach at Florida.

Trail is currently training at Michael Johnson Performance, aiming to be in peek condition for his arrival at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana next week. It is the next opportunity to distinguish himself from the other prospects at his position. Freakishly athletic with a high-jumper back ground he remains incredibly humble on his up-coming combine debut.

“I’m leaving everything in God’s hands,” said Trail. “I just pray that everything turns out great.”

Not a surprising response from the unselfish player who once blocked a kick in high school with his face- mask, ended up catching the football in mid-air then returning it before pitching to a teammate asking for the ball who scored the touchdown. Most players would of just kept it, but he knew his teammate (defensive back) was quicker and knew it would benefit the team. He wasn’t worried about self promotion.

Since he is too modest to proclaim any ridiculous NFL Combine results, I will. Besides the on the field athletic ability, expect Trail to be one of the big surprises leaving Indianapolis.