Manti Te'o is set to take the field in Indianapolis as the 2013 NFL Combine is taking place in the Colts' home. Te'o has been facing a bunch of speculations following a tumultuous offseason led by the controversy of his fake girlfriend, which followed an embarrassing loss at the National Championship game.
However, when Te'o hits the field, it'll be back to football once again. The issues about his fake girlfriend have been distracting, but finally, Te'o gets to put his abilities and skills to the test is trying to build up his value. Many see the controversy affecting when he'll be taken in the NFL draft, but Te'o is confident that his skills will speak for themselves.
Te'o and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish had a hell of a season as they put one of the most successful NCAA football schools back on the map following an undefeated regular season that ended in disappointment. The Fighting Irish didn't show up against the Alabama Crimson Tide and Te'o was simply not at the top of his game as he missed multiple open tackles in the backfield.
Te'o not only hopes to raise his value by impressing all the coaches present at the draft, but he hopes that none of his issues affect relationships with future teammates. Without a doubt, Te'o will be a first-rounder, but many thought he was a Top 10, maybe even Top 5 pick before the fake girlfriend stories came about.
If there's anything that Te'o is proving is that he can handle adversity like a professional. He answered questions relating to the issue earlier in the combine and might have to address issues on the topic once again before going through all the drills.
Currently, defensive linemen are taking drills at Lucas Oil Stadium and they wrapped up their 40-yard dash. Linebackers will take the field next and Te'o is out on the field stretching.