Just days away from the 2019 NFL Draft, former Arizona State defensive linemen Renell Wren took some time to reflect on every experience over his five seasons on campus in Tempe, Arizona for the Sun Devils.

“When I took my official visit in 2013, as soon as I landed, I fell in love with the climate and just the atmosphere of the football program,” Wren told ClutchPoints. “Seeing 45,000 plus fans at the game, compared to high school ball, combined with the campus life, was just amazing. It was the perfect fit.”

It sure did end up being the perfect fit. After showing up on campus in Tempe as a 6’5”, 245 pound weak side defensive end, Wren would eventually grow into his frame (Now sitting at 6’5” and 318 pounds), increasing playing time and production each season. That production cultivated during his final season where he was named an All PAC-12 honorable mention selection after recording 43 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and a sack.

What was responsible for such a jump in production? A coaching change certainly could have played a part.

“When Coach Herm (Edwards) first came in. He said he wasn’t afraid to play any incoming freshman or underclassmen, whatever it takes to win. I knew he was going to be a huge help getting to the next level with his connections.”

Wren even gave a mention of a famous quote from Coach Herm. “Like he says, you play to win the game.” Over the phone it can be hard to tell, but I imagined a smirk on the face of Renell when he spoke those acclaimed words.

Consistently a factor in the run game, Wren’s raw power shows up well with his ability to lock out defenders with his exceptional length. “I’m just a big powerful man, who is versatile with the ability to play up and down the line of scrimmage,” said Wren. “I like watching guys like (Ndamukong) Suh that played last year with the Rams, Fletcher Cox from the Eagles and Chris Jones from the Chiefs. They are big bodies in the middle, physical, that are destroying things on the line of scrimmage.”

As if Wren’s ability to win in the run game wasn’t enough, he proceeded to blow up the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine, coming out as the top rated interior defensive linemen at the event. “It was a blessing,” Wren recalled. “Being named the top rated defensive tackle at the event was a huge moment for me.”

And what a huge moment/performance it was. Wren, at 6’5” and 318 pounds posted a 5.01 forty yard dash time, 32 inch vertical jump, 9’10’ broad and 30 reps on the bench at 225 pounds. After posting those types of numbers, some evaluators were forced to go back and ask themselves just how high is the upside for a player like Wren.

“I’m just blessed for the opportunity. The best is yet to come”

As for what position might just be the best for Wren’s transition, the super sized athlete has a hard time finding one that wouldn’t fit. “I can play the shade nose. I can play the 3 and the 5 in an odd man front. I am proud of my ability to be versatile. I can play the 4I, the 4. Whatever a team needs me to do, I can do.”

And where will Renell spend the few days that will shape his future forever?

“I'm heading back home to be with the family, enjoy my time and just hope for the best,” Renell Wren said. “It’ll be an experience when I hear my name called. I just can’t even describe. I’m going to run around the house a few times and just be excited.”

It is a shot in the dark for what team will take a chance on this potentially dominant player. “I had private workouts with the Titans, the Cardinals, the Saints and the Falcons.”

“Wherever I end up, the organization should expect two things. First, I want the coaches to know that I can also be a great pass rusher on top of being a productive run stopper. Second, I want the coaches to trust me to play consistently. It’s all about putting it together,” Wren replied when asked what a team is gaining in himself.

The former Sun Devil was also not bashful when stacking himself up against what appears to be an incredibly deep and talented interior defensive line class.

“I consider myself the best defensive linemen in the 2019 NFL Draft because I bring a lot of power. I am a self motivator. I do not need anyone to push me to get going. I am relentless and a great leader. You will never have any off the field issues. I always keep myself accountable to the team, in order to help us win.”

The wait is on for this former Sun Devil standout. The 2019 NFL Draft begins with the first round Thursday, April 25th at 8:00 PM ET. Wren is projected by most to come off the board sometime on Day Two during rounds two and three. No matter the landing spot, keep an eye on Wren as a potential steal of the 2019 NFL Draft class. The sky is truly the limit.