By Brandon O’Connor

Reporter

Rohan Gaines refuses to be denied a chance to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL. The former Bainbridge High School and University of Arkansas player got his first taste of the NFL this past summer when he signed to the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent.

“It was amazing just to be around those big name guys,” Gaines said of his time with the Rams. “Just to be able to come out and compete with those guys every day and then hang around those guys after practice outside the facility the was amazing.”

Gaines was cut as part of the final roster cuts down to 53 players at the end of training camp, but he left encouraged that he would be back and next time it would be different.

“[Rams’ Head Coach Jeff Fisher] basically told me that it wouldn’t be my last opportunity to play football,” Gaines said. “He told me I have a bright future and I have a lot of things going for me and it definitely wouldn’t be the last time I put on an NFL uniform whether its for them or another team.”

Even though it didn’t work out with the Rams the experience taught Gaines a lot about what it will take if he hopes to have professional football career.

“I learned it’s a business,” Gaines said. “You have to go in and conduct yourself in a business like manner. You have to come in and do your job to the best of your ability.”

He has spent the last few months training at All Levels Training Facility in Arizona as he prepares for another opportunity this summer.

“I wake up about seven,” Gaines said of a typical day. “I try to get to the gym about 9:30 and train from 9:30 to 11:30 with weights and doing some endurance training with my trainer. After that I’ll go grab some lunch and do a little footwork.”

The months of hard work have paid off as Gaines said that he can see improvements in his ability.

“My endurance and my flexibility,” Gaines said of where he’s improved. “I’ve grown mentally after LA. Overall, I’m a better athlete.”

A second chance has not materialized yet, but Gaines said that his agent has been in contact with multiple teams that have expressed interest.

When something does become official he plans to make the most of it.

“All I need is another chance, another door to open.” Gaines said. “I promise everybody will see the difference… It really doesn’t matter where I get my shot anywhere I can play football. I just love football.”