Former Cougars look to impress NFL during Pro Day


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PROVO — 17 former Cougar football players participated in BYU’s annual Pro Day in Provo on Friday.

Among the participants from last year’s team were WR Ross Apo, P Scott Arellano, DB Craig Bills, DB Robertson Daniel, OL Edwards Fusi, LB Alani Fua, DB Harvey Jackson, DL Marques Johnson, OL Solomone Kafu, RB Paul Lasike, WR Jordan Leslie, TE Devin Mahina, DS Kevin O’Mary, DB Skye PoVey and OL De’Ondre Wesley. Former linebackers Bryan Kehl (2002, 2005-2007) and Uona Kaveinga (2010-2012) also took part in Friday’s workout.

Of the 32 NFL teams, 28 of them had representatives in Provo. The only teams that weren’t in attendance were the Cincinnati Bengals, St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns.

For everyone but Alani Fua, Friday’s experience was their first time being put under the microscope by NFL scouts. Fua participated in last month’s NFL Combine in Indianapolis, and said that going through the drills in Indy really helped him be prepared the second time around.

“At the Combine I knew the drills that were coming but I didn’t really know how everything was going to really feel in front of the scouts,” Fua said. "Over here, I definitely felt comfortable and knew exactly what to expect.”

Of all the players that showcased their skills on Friday, former safety Sky PoVey probably made the most of his opportunity. PoVey said he was told that he had the highest vertical jump (36 inches) and the fastest 3-cone drill (6.6 seconds).

“Through training I knew I could put up some pretty decent numbers and maybe surprise some people,” said PoVey.” I think I performed pretty well.”

Because PoVey’s numbers when he played weren’t necessarily eye-popping, he believes he had the chance to sneak up on the scouts and show them how his hard work has paid off.

“I don’t think I was maybe on any of their radars … but then when I jumped and ran and did pretty well in the other things, I had a few guys approach me. … I just had one scout (Jaguars) ask me to stay after, he said he wants to run me through another test … hopefully it turned some heads.”

Former receiver Ross Apo also had an impressive day. Apo’s career at BYU did not turn out the way most expected it to. Injuries cost Apo a significant amount of playing time over his four years in Provo. After catching 34 passes as a freshman and 31 as a sophomore, Apo would only catch 14 as a junior and just one reception last season as a senior.

“What happens at the next level will override what happened at BYU,” Apo said. “It’s unfortunate that I had freaking three shoulder surgeries. … I just have to put it in the past and keep moving forward.”

Based on feedback that he received, Apo said he believes that all of the training he’s gone through over the past few months has been worth it.

“I was happy with the numbers I put up. There was a good turnout with the scouts that were here; I’m happy.”

The NFL draft will be held in Chicago from Thursday, April 30, through Saturday, May 2.

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Jason Shepherd

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