Palmer grad trying to catch the attention of the NFL while playing in the FXFL

PALMER — Since spending the entire preseason with the New York Jets before his release in 2013, Junior Aumavae has worked diligently to claw his way back on to an NFL roster.

Aumavae continued to put in the work during his off the field training at Don Beebe’s House of Speed in Green Bay, Wisconsin. But the 2004 Palmer High School graduate and former Moose football standout still needed a way to catch the eye of an NFL scout.

Now, Aumavae is getting that opportunity as a member of the Boston Brawlers in the new Fall Experimental Football League.

Aumavae — a 6-foot-2, 310-pound defensive lineman — is starting at left defensive end for the Brawlers.

“So far I think I’m doing pretty good,” Aumavae said by cellphone from Boston Thursday evening. “I’m progressing as a player, developing.”

The FXFL, which made its debut in early October, was created as a professional football league with intent of becoming a developmental and feeder league for the NFL. The FXFL could be compared to minor league baseball or the NBA’s D League.

There are four teams, each with 40-man rosters and six-game schedules.

The FXFL is made up of players with recent ties to NFL teams. Aumavae spent time with both the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Jets. In 2010, Aumavae was signed by Dallas but released before training camp. In 2013, Aumavae spent the entire preseason with the Jets and the first month of the regular season on the practice squad. He hopes his time in the FXFL will give him another shot to fulfill his dream of landing a spot on an NFL regular season roster.

“I’m really happy to be able to compete against NFL talent again,” Aumavae said. “It’s an opportunity for me to develop my skills.”

Aumavae said he’s been happy with his play through the first two games of the season, but knows there’s still work to be done.

“There are still things I need to concentrate on and work on. I need to develop my craft. I’m lucky to be able to do it,” Aumavae said.

Aumavae said the coaching has also been key. The Brawlers are led by head coach Terry Shea, a former offensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears.

“It’s a really good coaching staff, with really deep ties to the NFL,” Aumavae said.

Not only is he learning how to be an NFL caliber on the field, Aumavae said, but he’s also learning how to handle himself as a professional off the field.

“How practices are run, how meetings are run,” Aumavae said. “Preparing as a professional.”

Aumavae said Boston has already had players receive interest from NFL teams.

Now, Aumavae is waiting for his call.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.