By Frank Rajkowski, SJU Writer/Video Producer

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. - Jackson Erdmann would be thrilled to get a call during this week's NFL Draft.

If not, he's hoping one comes afterward.

Either way, all the Saint John's University quarterback really wants is the chance to make his dream of playing professional football a reality.

"I hope the opportunity presents itself, either through the draft or through signing as a rookie free agent," said Erdmann, who rewrote the Johnnies' career passing record book during his four seasons as the team's starter – culminating in a berth in the NCAA Division III semifinals in 2019.

"I'm just looking for a shot to showcase what I can do."

This year's draft – which will be held in a virtual environment because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – is scheduled to begin with the first round at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23. Rounds two and three will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, April 24, with rounds 4-7 starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 25.

The event will be broadcast by ABC, ESPN and the NFL Network.

When on-campus classes and events were called off at SJU for the remainder of the spring semester because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Erdmann originally returned to his family's home in Eagan, Minn.

But flooding caused by backed-up pipes in the neighborhood have left parts of the home uninhabitable for the time being. So he is currently staying at his girlfriend's brother's home in Maple Grove, Minn., where he has been able to continue working out in the basement gym.

The pandemic also had an impact his pre-draft activities. He and teammate Ben Bartch '20, an offensive tackle who has been projected to be selected as high as the second or third round according to some pre-draft projections, were slated to take part in a Pro Day at the University of Minnesota in March.

But that event had to be cancelled because of COVID-19 health concerns.

"That was a bummer," said the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Erdmann, who began his collegiate career by redshirting at Division I Penn State before transferring to SJU the following season.

"I was super-excited to get out there. But then everything kind of hit right before that. It was tough because when you're a D3 guy, you want to take advantage of every opportunity you get to show what you're capable of. But I think we've been able to put a lot of good stuff on film. So I'm hopeful something will work out."

Erdmann said he remains in touch with Bartch and is excited to see the pre-draft attention he has been getting.

And he hopes to be able to join him in NFL training camps this summer.

"That would be a huge thing," he said. "It would already be amazing for one guy from a D3 school to get that chance. But to have two guys from the same team would be really big.

"I think it would say a lot about Saint John's and the type of program we have here."