"It was exciting," said Gargiulo, a two-time member of the All-Ivy League first team and a member of Dartmouth's 50-Year Ivy League anniversary first team. "I was pleased with the way things went. My 40 wasn't what I wanted, which was frustrating, but my shuttle was exactly what we had on the information sheet we sent out and the other numbers were good. Overall I think I did well. It was a great experience and I got some good feedback."
Gargiulo's agent at New Jersey-based Aregatta Sports and Entertainment sent out packets to NFL teams that run defenses that would be suitable for the 6-foot-3, 262-pound Dartmouth grad who led the Ivy League in sacks both as a junior and a senior. He also has a highlight DVD that includes clips from his play against Cornell as a senior when he posted 10 tackles -- including five for a loss -- against an offensive line anchored by current Oakland Raiders starter Kevin Boothe.
"My agent sent (the information packet) to 12 teams and 10 of the 12 had positive feedback," Gargiulo said. "One of the concerns was the level of competition I played against so (the highlight DVD) showing me playing against someone starting in the NFL should help.
"We'll see what happens, but now I've been out in front of somebody and that's good."
While he wasn't pleased with his 40 time in his solo workout with the Jets -- he said his best is a 4.55 and he's usually no higher than the low 4.6's -- he was battling a back issue that might force him to postpone an upcoming tryout with the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena League. He's anticipating a workout with the Philadelphia Eagles within several weeks.
Gargiulo played rugby for Dartmouth last spring before committing himself to training for football over the summer. Having turned 22 just last month, he's the same age -- or younger -- than most players completing their college eligibility this fall.
Gargiulo has been projected as either a standup defensive end or outside linebacker at the professional level. Should no NFL teams bite, he plans to attend NFL Europe tryouts with an eye toward getting his first real experience at OLB. Although he would prefer that to the Arena League, he's keeping his options open.
"It was exciting to be back around football guys," Gargiulo said. "I've realized how much I missed it. I'm going to give this everything I have and I'll keep at it as long as I feel as if I'm getting better."
Click here for a cached version of a story from his hometown Courier-News about his decision not to pursue pro football last spring. From that story:
The people who know Gargiulo well talk a lot about his desire and competitive nature that is described as relentless. His father, Pete, said that his son told him, "I can always play football."Turns out he had it right.
"I think he'll miss it once he realizes it's over," Pete Gargiulo said. "He's been working out nonstop. He never missed a beat.
Find a story I wrote about Gargiulo last year on the CSTV site.
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