As Connor Degenhardt (Westford, Mass./Westford Academy) was watching the names come across the television screen on the final day of the 2023 NFL Draft, he knew he had done everything he could to put himself on the radar of NFL teams.

The former University of New Haven quarterback was back home in Massachusetts hoping to hear his name called as the seventh round moved along.

While he wasn't the first player from UNH to be drafted since offensive lineman Harry Boatswain in 1991, Degenhardt got some good news from his agent shortly after the final pick was made when the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs were inviting Degenhardt to this weekend's rookie camp.

"I couldn't be more thrilled that I am going to have this opportunity," Degenhardt said. "I am really looking forward to flying out to Kansas City on Friday and giving it my best shot and I feel very grateful to have an opportunity to keep playing."

Texas Christian's Max Duggan, who finished second in the 2022 Heisman Trophy voting, was the only quarterback selected in the seventh and final round. He was the last of 14 quarterbacks to be drafted.

"The day was pretty stressful," Degenhardt said. "I went into the day knowing the list of teams that were interested in me and as the draft is winding down, obviously the whole time has been to get picked and sneak inside of that draft.

"Whatever opportunity I can get, I am extremely grateful for. We started hearing things towards the end of the draft and my agent was working the phone. He called me after the draft ended and said we had the invite to go to Kansas City's rookie mini-camp. That was a great feeling and it just is all part of the journey. Things never quite go how you might expect or how you want them. I was going into the day hoping to get drafted but coming out of the day with an opportunity to keep playing football was all that I can ask for."

Former NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes is the No. 1 quarterback with the Chiefs. Kansas City added veteran Blaine Gabbert to join former SMU QB Shane Buechele and Chris Oladokun, a seventh-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 as the other quarterbacks on the Kansas City roster. James Madison quarterback Todd Centeio will be joining Degenhardt at the camp with the hope of being added to Kansas City's 90-man roster.

Degenhardt isn't sure if he run into Mahomes when he is in Kansas City. When Branford's T.J. Linta was given a similar opportunity in 2019, he did have a chance to work with Mahomes and Degenhardt would revel to have a similar experience.

"That is an awesome thought," Degenhardt said. "I have a buddy Noah Gray, who is a tight end with the Chiefs. I was talking to him a little bit so I know I will see him in Kansas City. Just the thought that I will have the possibility to eventually be in the same quarterback room as Pat Mahomes, that is an amazing thought.

"There is really no better franchise I could think of walking into their doors on Friday night or Saturday morning knowing that it is the reigning Super Bowl champions, I'd be in the same quarterback room with the best quarterback in the NFL debatably and playing for Andy Reid who is debatably the best offensive coach of all time, so it is really exciting. It is really cool to know that I am here now and that this is a team that is interested in me. I am looking forward to making a good impression on them and make them want to keep me around a little bit longer."

After the initial excitement of being given a chance to show what he can do in an NFL rookie camp wore off, it was about going to back to work.

Degenhardt worked diligently to put himself in this position as he took part in multiple all-star games and performed well at pro days.

Now he is ready to see that hard work pay off.

"It is all about making the most out of the next opportunity,"

Degenhardt said. "I am happy that it is coming up so soon and I don't have to spend a lot of time waiting and thinking about it. I have been back to my normal routine, working out and throwing and preparing myself the best that I can. There is nothing to be nervous about. I have put in all the work ever since the season ended. Now it is time to put my best foot forward and give myself the best opportunity to keep moving on and hopefully end up making this team."

Degenhardt played for two years at New Haven. He led the Chargers to an 18-5 record, a pair of NCAA playoff appearances and a Northeast-10 title.

He threw for more than 4,500 yards with 50 touchdown passes, 10 interceptions and 21 TD runs. Degenhardt returned to campus to check out the spring game.

"It was a great feeling to be back out on the Blue," Degenhardt said.

"I have been gone for a while, I've been super busy and haven't had much time to think about. It was a really special feeling showing back up, seeing all my old friends, seeing guys from last year, seeing guys who are still playing so being able to stand out there and watch the guys play, it was a cool feeling. It will always be a really special place for me."