SPANISH FORT — Who says you can’t go home?

Kris Abrams-Draine and DJ James took a trip to their old stomping grounds on Friday for a Spanish Fort Day presentation. The pair had recently finished up practices ahead of Saturday’s Senior Bowl, the nation’s longest continually running college football all-star game.

The former Toro standouts were presented with replica jerseys and a helmet before they shared advice with current Spanish Fort football players. Both athletes who played collegiate football spoke on the importance of conditioning and physicality.

“Hit the weight room and fall in love with the weight room,” Abrams-Draine said. “Because in college, everybody is going to be bigger, faster and stronger. So if you go into college already prepared and strong enough, you can make an immediate impact.”

The active Toros then got to meet the SEC defensive backs up close and personal before walking away with autographed pictures.

It was a special homecoming for both Spanish Fort alumni, especially since the event was held in the Competition Gym that was being built while they were in school there. Abrams-Draine said he saw the building under construction when he was a senior and hadn’t seen the finished product until Friday’s ceremony.

“To be able to compete in front of my friends and family, it’s a blessing,” James said. “It’s a blessing to be here with y’all to speak in front of y’all, thankful you could have me today.”

NFL Draft preparations will come to a head on Saturday, Feb. 3, as Abrams-Draine, James and the American Team take on the National Team with a noon kickoff at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile. Follow @GCMSportsAL for immediate updates and stay tuned to gulfcoastmedia.com/sports for full coverage.