BUTLER TWP - The countdown is on for Tyrell Sales.

The Butler High and Penn State graduate won't be watching the NFL draft this weekend, though he hopes to know what team he's headed to by Sunday night.

"I've heard different things," the linebacker said. "Fifth to seventh round, priority free agent, it doesn't really matter to me.

"Drafted or through free agency, all I need to do is get my foot in the door. I'll take it from there. I'm not going to watch the draft. I may go outside and shoot some hoops, go for a drive or something. I'm not going to stress myself out over this. ... All I need to do is receive a phone call, say yes and go from there."

Sales hired Albert Thomas of Erie, who works for Sports Management Worldwide of Portland, Ore., as his agent-adviser.

"You never know about the draft board because things are constantly changing during those two days, but we're likely looking at priority free agency for Tyrell," Thomas said.

The agent explained that every NFL team has its list of "PFA's" and begin calling them, based on need at that position, as soon as it makes its final draft selection.

"(Sales') phone will probably be ringing before the draft is even over," Thomas said. "Tyrell may agree in principle to a deal Sunday night, though nothing can be done officially until every team has completed its selections.

"The race to sign PFA's is pretty fierce. There can be some key moves made there."

One of Thomas' clients, linebacker Akeem Jordan from James Madison University, signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a PFA in 2007 and is one of their starting linebackers now.

The 6-foot-2, 233-pound Sales finished third in tackles for Penn State last season, playing an outside linebacker post. He had 68 tackles 25 solo 2Z\x tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and an interception.

A two-year starter, Sales ended his college career with 154 total tackles and played in four bowl games. He was all-academic Big Ten and graduated with a marketing degree.

"Now it's time to pursue my dream," Sales said of the NFL. "I was at a power training sports facility in Lancaster for three months with 17 other draft-eligible guys, trying to get stronger, trying to get faster.

"Those were pretty intense workouts. I've been working out twice a day since."

Sales worked out for NFL scouts at Penn State's Pro Day March 18 at State College. Players were graded on their 40-yard dash, straight-ahead speed, side-by-side movement, vertical jump and broad jump.

He didn't work out at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, but did attend the sessions.

"I talked to scouts and got my name circulated a little bit," Sales said.

The Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins have talked to Sales at length. He's also heard from the Colts, Steelers, Cowboys, Jaguars, Jets, Patriots and Texans, among others.

"It's all just talk right now," Sales said. "Everybody's talking to everybody.

"I grew up a Steelers fan. When I was a little kid, I remember dressing up in a little Steelers uniform. It'd be really cool to get a chance to play for them, but I'll welcome a chance from any NFL team anywhere," he added. "Walking into a pro camp would be fulfilling a dream."

Thomas said that going undrafted might prove advantageous to Sales in the long run.

"Nobody picks you and you get calls from three or four teams, you can choose the situation that gives you the best chance," Thomas said. "Tyrell will get his shot either way."