Connecticut defensive end Jesse Joseph is making his bid for the NFL after successfully returning for his senior year following a torn Achilles two years ago that sidelined him for all but three games that season.

He had 40 tackles, six for losses and a sack last season after being granted a fifth year of eligibility due to medical hardship reasons.

He had 8.5 sacks as a sophomore for the Huskies.

At his campus Pro Day workout, the 6-foot-3, 262-pounder ran the 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds and bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times and had a 29.5-inch vertical leap.

Joseph is from Montreal but grew up in Philadelphia. He could project as an outside linebacker in the NFL and conducted some linebacker drills recently at the Philadelphia Eagles' local prospect day.

National Football Post caught up with Joseph recently for the following interview:

How is the draft process going?

Joseph: "Oh yeah, I'm pretty excited. I want the waiting period to get over with."

How was the Eagles' workout?

Joseph: "It went great. They had me do linebacker drills and traditional defensive end stuff. It's a good opportunity. I can do a lot more than just rush the passer. We did a lot of pass coverage and dropping back to show we can flip our hips."

How did you come to be in Montreal?

Joseph: "I went to  high school in Philadelphia. As soon as I graduated, I went to prep school in Montreal and my family lives there. It's a very nice place.'

What are the games people should watch?

Joseph: "I would say the Michigan game where I was dropping back and showed I can play both outside linebacker and defensive end. The Memphis and Louisville games, too."

What do the NFL teams get with you?

Joseph: "They'll get a physical player who's passionate about what he does. I'm always the kind of guy who works hard. I'm a good guy. A lot of people just like me. I easily connect with people and have a good attitude and leadership. I can be an impact player."

Follow me on Twitter: @RavensInsider

Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun