After years of playing football and over a month of exclusive training, it all comes down to a few days for former NIU football players Josh Haldi and Dan Sheldon.

Both Huskies were invited to the annual NFL combine in Indianapolis, Ind. beginning this week to test their physical ability before professional football scouts.

“I’m anxious,” said Haldi, who leaves for Indianapolis this morning. “The last month and a half has been geared for this combine.”

The former NIU quarterback will throw to running backs on Thursday, but his real test will come Friday – the combine’s allotted day for quarterbacks.

Sheldon, a First Team All MAC selection as a wide receiver, will leave Thursday for his Friday workout date.

The 5-foot-11 Elgin native went through rehabilitation after suffering a broken collar bone Dec. 30 at the Silicon Valley Football Classic.

“I’ve gotten a lot more confidence back these last few weeks,” said Sheldon, who trained for the combine with John Dettman, the University of Wisconsin strength and conditioning coach. “My times are lowering. Now it’s about going in there and running the time I’m capable of.”

Sheldon was most concerned with his 40-yard dash time, which was 4.37 at last year’s NIU Pro Day.

“I want to run in the low 4.3s,” Sheldon said. “There haven’t been too many guys that have cracked the 4.3 mark.”

Both Huskies plan on being busy talking to NFL coaches for most of their time at the combine. Haldi hoped to throw to Sheldon on Friday.

“After a couple years of catching balls from Josh, it would be familiar,” Sheldon said. “As long as he doesn’t try to take off my head and gun them in there.”

Haldi said he felt confident after training at Pro Sport with his agent, Cliff Brady. Brady represented former Huskies in the NFL such as Justin McCareins, P.J. Fleck, Chris Finlen and Ryan Diem, who re-upped with the Colts on Tuesday for a long-term contract.

“It’ll be a lot bigger stage than out there at Brigham Field,” Haldi said. “It’s just a great opportunity for us.”