Twenty former Horned Frogs showed off their skills and athleticism to NFL scouts at Friday’s Pro Day.
Friday offered the opportunity for any Frog to impress scouts before the upcoming NFL Draft.
Pro Day began at 9 a.m. Friday in the weight room. Players’ official measurements were taken, including height, hand size, wingspan and weight.
Following measurements, players showcased their bench-pressing skills.
After all measurements were taken, players moved to the Sam Baugh Indoor Practice Facility. There, the athletes showed their skills in events such as the vertical jump, broad jump, and the 40-yard dash.
Players were then grouped according to position and participated in various drills.
NFL Scouts lined the field, seeming quite interested in the Horned Frog bunch.
Head Coach Gary Patterson was present at Pro Day to watch some of his former players.
Patterson said he felt he served a role not only as a parent during Pro Day, but said he also thought it was his job to let the athletes know how he thought they did.
“It’s fun listening to the pro guys talk about how these guys have worked and how proud they are to come into our place and work them about because of how they’re treated,” Patterson said.
For a few Frogs, Friday’s Pro Day was their second opportunity to show off for scouts.
The NFL Combine was held Feb. 24-Mar. 1, and offered Horned Frogs like Andy Dalton, Marcus Cannon, Wayne Daniels, Jeremy Kerley and Jimmy Young the opportunity to impress NFL scouts early on.
Throughout all events, those present at the Combine had the option of using their Combine results. Andy Dalton and Jeremy Kerley, among others, opted to use their Combine results in most events.
Former quarterback Andy Dalton said the biggest difference between the Combine and Pro Day was the fact that he was throwing to his teammates during Pro Day.
“I thought we came out and threw the ball really well,” Dalton said. “I hope we came out and impressed everybody.”
Dalton is one of the top quarterback prospects listed on the Combine’s website.
Players were also comforted by the support of family, friends and teammates Friday.
Offensive tackle Marcus Cannon said he enjoyed the support he received from his teammates and family members.
“It’s all about family,” Cannon said. “Out here, we’ve got people cheering us on.”
The 2011 NFL Draft will be held April 28-30 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Players who participated in Friday’s Pro Day were:
Alonzo Adams, WR
Marcus Cannon, OT
Curtis Clay, WR
Andy Dalton, QB
Wayne Daniels, DE
Evan Frosch, TE
Cory Grant, DT
Kelly Griffin, NT
Alex Ibiloye, S
Bart Johnson, WR
Colin Jones, S
Jeremy Kerley, WR
Jake Kirkpatrick, C
Clarence Leatch, DE
Tyler Luttrell, S
Zach Roth, OT
Jason Teague, CB
Josh Vernon, OG
Malcolm Williams, CB
Jimmy Young, WR