Today we are sitting down with Bryan Pray, a Division II All American wide receiver at Pittsburg State and who is currently on the Iowa Barnstormers roster. If you haven't check out Bryan's highlight film on the Beyond Sports Network, it's a must see.

Beyond Sports: Bryan it is great to sit down with you today, thank you for taking your time out of your busy training schedule to talk to the Beyond Sports Network members. Before you were an All American at Pittsburg State you attended junior college for two years, how do you think junior college prepared you to play at the Division II level?

Bryan Pray: I went to NEO (once a norsemen always a norsemen). The saying there is if you can make itthrough "two a days" at the "O", then you can make it through anything. Whether its Division I, Division II or even training camp at the pro level. Practice in junior college was cut throat you had to earn your playing time, it wasn't given to you. Even though I went Division II, I never settled, I worked hard everyday because NEO taught me to never settle because someone is always working harder than you.

Beyond Sports: Bryan even though you are not the tallest or biggest wide receiver on the filed, you still are a very physical wide receiver. Do you use any techniques, drills, or skills to help you gain an advantage on the opponent?

Bryan Pray: Actually I do. I do a workout in the weightroom when I am squatting side to side with a plate, and I push it out everytime I squat. That drill helps me with my initial blow when I start to block. I want to be as physical as possible. Most db's see my size so they try to just overpower me, but by the end of the game there trying to juke and dodge me to make the tackle. Another good drill I do sounds simple but people take it for granted. Those are the ladder drills which definitely help my small frame get away from jams with quick feet. After beating a pressed corner a few times he'll back up and stop jamming you.

Beyond Sports: You have had a unique opportunity to play in both the Canadian Football League and the af2. Can you describe your experience playing in the CFL. Are there any differences in the league or game compared to football in the United States?

Bryan Pray: Talent-wise there is no difference. I feel if you can play then you can play. Speed-wise theres a big difference. Everbody is moving all six receivers are in motion and all twelve defensive guys are moving and you have to know whats going on without running into the other recievers, Yes the field is bigger but they counter that with an extra guy making it twelve on the field. So as far as it being different then US rules football I would say yes. But at the same time when the ball is snapped its all football.

Beyond Sports: Being a dilligent football student you have probably studied the styles of many NFL wide receivers, do you try to pattern yourself off any wide receivers that fit your mold and speed? Who would you compare your style of play too?

Bryan Pray: I actually do, (while I was with the Saskatchewan Roughriders they called me 'lil Steve Smith). As to who I would compare my style to, I would have to say Santana Moss. Like Moss I can go run a post, corner or even a straight verticle with the defense knowing its coming and still go get it. We have the ability to stretch the defense and demand double teams. I get excited when I get double team, Its like a respect from their D-coordinator.

Beyond Sports: For all of our Beyond Sports members out there, can you give any advice to other athletes as far as how to get yourself more noticed my coaches, scouts, and agents. What should an athlete do to prepare him or herself for professional athletics?

Bryan Pray: Man, thats a great question. I was just checking the combine list and I think I saw maybe two D2 guys out of 300, thats crazy. I definitely say you have to surround yourself with good people. Focus and don't let the non-attention get to you. Don't take anything for granted. Have a lot of copies of your highlight tapes and send them everywhere even to the same place twice thats how you get that word of mouth going. Always be prepared you never know when your opportunity is gonna come because that could be your only chance. Don't just settle for an agent. Because I did that and its nothing but trouble when you don't fully know whose representing you because your career is on the line. If you have a chance to go to a try-out or combine, do it. That is how I got my name out there last year. Last like I said before just always be prepared and in shape because you'll never know when you'll get that call.

Bryan Pray: I definitely support this site. When I came home from Canada I had a fallout with my previous agent. So I was looking to get my name back out there when I found this site. Soon after I got in touch with the Bbarnstormers and the rest is history. I met my new/current agent Preston Kathrine, who is probably the hardest working agent I've seen. You guys do a great job of letting the athletes build thier profile add their highlight tapes, andview other members profiles, and its absolutely free. It looks like you even got high school kids logging on. In the long run I definitely think Beyond Sports is going to be one of the best networking sites to help athletes get the attention they deserve. I am glad I found this site. I hope alot of athletes feel the same way.

Thank you for the interview.