Khalil Paden's Lumberjack Highlights

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Senior wide receiver Khalil Paden will have to miss his graduation on Saturday. He has a job interview.

Paden, who was scheduled to receive his degree in psychology at the Walkup Skydome, was invited to the Arizona Cardinals rookie minicamp this weekend at the Cardinals facility.

"It is a great opportunity for me," said Paden. "It has been my dream all my life to play in the NFL. I am very grateful for them to give me this chance and God blessing me with this opportunity."

Paden, who is from Chatsworth, Calif., finished his degree requirements in the fall but postponed his graduation to the spring to allow his family to attend the ceremony.

"I was planning on graduation," said Paden. "But now I am not going to be there. It would have been a good experience to walk with my teammates, my friends and the people I grew close with in Flagstaff. Looking at the bigger picture, it is important for me to do what I can with this opportunity with the NFL."

Paden, who originally attended San Jose State for two seasons, was an All-Big Sky honorable mention selection in 2011 after leading the team with 61 receptions, 991 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. He ranked fifth in the Big Sky in receptions and receiving yards per game, recording five 100-yard receiving games. The Cleveland High School product had a career-high 167 yards and touchdowns against Montana as a senior.

 "Hopefully I will get signed to a contract," said Paden, who had 1,191 yards on 81 catches in two seasons at NAU.