DeKALB | Former NIU Huskie football players Chad Spann and Alex Kube are waiting for a phone call to be signed to play in the NFL. Both players went undrafted in April’s NFL Draft, making them undrafted free agents.

“I’m just doing a lot of working out and staying in shape and waiting for this lockout to end,” said the former Huskie starting running back Spann.

Both Kube and Spann are unable to sign with an NFL team due to the current lockout situation that has been in effect since March 12. The lockout doesn’t allow NFL teams to be in contact with any of the players, including their own players and free agents.

Spann has been working out at EFT Sports Performance in Highland Park with some current NFL athletes such as Devin Hester, Johnny Knox and Matt Toeaina of the Chicago Bears, as well as former NIU wide receiver and undrafted free agent, Landon Cox.

“The owner of the gym [Elias Karas] has certain workouts for us every day and the staff puts us through those workouts every day,” Spann said.

Spann says he’s been focusing this offseason on his kick return game. After his NIU Pro Day, NFL scouts told Spann that they could see his running style fit as a kickoff returner. The Indianapolis, Ind. native has been working on his return skills by returning and receiving kicks from either a JUGS machine or an actual kicker.

Spann’s agent, Ken McNeill, is confident that he will be signed by a team once the lockout is lifted.

“He’s a tough kid and he’s got hard work ethic,” said McNeill. “Everybody that’s familiar with Chad Spann has respect for him. I’m sure within 24 hours of the lockout ending, Chad is going to sign.”

Alex Kube has had a busy offseason as well.

“I’ve been trying to keep as busy as I can,” said Kube. “All I can control is me, working hard, getting better at my craft.”

Kube is spending a majority of his time working out at the Lake Barrington Field House with trainer Kevin Barcal.

“Those guys are unbelievable at what they do and as long as I play football that’s where I’ll work out,” said Kube.

The 2010 Defensive Third Team All-MAC recipient is switching positions from linebacker to defensive back for the NFL. Scouts want Kube to start playing better at safety, a position he hasn’t played since his freshman year as a Huskie.

“I think the biggest thing on my Pro Day was to show [NFL scouts] that I can play defensive back,” said Kube.

Kube is focusing on his play on the football field to help him get to the next level.

“I can do all of the things they want me to do athletically,” Kube said. “But I mean you see a lot of guys go to the Pro Day and the [NFL Combine] but they can’t play football.”