Francis Kallon shines in pre-draft showcase

Mercer Bears quarterback John Russ (7) gets off a pass under pressure from Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive lineman Francis Kallon (92) in the first half at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, September 10, 2016. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Mercer Bears quarterback John Russ (7) gets off a pass under pressure from Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive lineman Francis Kallon (92) in the first half at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, September 10, 2016. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Former Georgia Tech defensive tackle Francis Kallon brought attention to his NFL candidacy at a draft showcase event last week in Daytona Beach, Fla. In front of more than 70 NFL and CFL scouts, Kallon was named the overall lineman MVP of the Tropical Bowl Sunday.

Kallon recorded two sacks and a third tackle for no gain to earn the honor. While Kallon’s Tech career was not distinguished – he had two sacks in his career and 37 tackles total – it’s worth noting that the opposition in the game had multiple all-conference offensive linemen on the roster. According to the game’s website, 38 players in last year’s Tropical Bowl made it to NFL camps.

Kallon, who started six games and played in 36 in his Tech career, has a shot at getting into an NFL camp, likely as an undrafted free agent. Kallon’s size, 6-foot-5 and 294 pounds, his performance in the showcase game and his versatility (he played defensive end in the game) could cause scouts to take another look at him. This season, he had a career-high 15 tackles, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble.