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LOGAN — Representatives from 22 National Football League teams watched former Utah State football players work out Friday morning in USU’s second Pro Day.
In addition to scouts, three teams — the Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams and Baltimore Ravens — had their linebackers’ coach in attendance, watching former Aggie linebacker Bobby Wagner, who missed the NFL Combine and USU’s first pro day with illness.
Wagner showed little signs or wear from his setback by running a 40-yard dash times of 4.46 seconds and 4.47, as well as a 39 1/2-inch vertical jump, an 11-foot broad jump and bench pressed 225 pounds 24 times. Wagner also had a 7.09 time in the three-cone pro agility drill and an 11.72 time in the 60-yard shuttle run.
“It was a big turn out. Definitely felt like there was a lot of scouts here. It felt like I did pretty good in the drills as well as the testing, so I feel pretty good about today,” Wagner said. “My goals were to jump around a 40-inch vertical, broad jump at 10’ 6,” run 4.5 or lower. So, I definitely felt like I met those goals. I definitely felt like it was a pretty solid day.”
Wagner was one of eight USU former players in action, including former running back Michael Smith, who was working out for the scouts for a second time. Wagner and Smith were joined by former players linebacker Kyle Gallagher, safety Walter McClenton, offensive lineman Philip Gapelu, wide receiver Xavier Martin, defensive end/linebacker Quinn Garner and tight end Tarren Lloyd, along with Southern Utah players safety Dion Turner and defensive end/linebacker Tyler Osborne.
“I came out here strong knowing what I’ve got to do to impress the scouts, just work hard with a lot of high effort, what I have been showing on film each and every game: just run fast, as fast as you can, and finish the drills. A lot of scouts are out here for me and Bobby Wagner to put on a show and represent Utah State to the fullest,” said Smith who was clocked in 4.33 and 4.34 in his two 40-yard dash runs.
Performance tests were held in the Laub Indoor Practice Facility where players had their height, weight and wing span measured. The participants then preformed tests including vertical jump, broad jump, bench press, shuttle run, three-cone pro agility run and the 40-yard dash. After the drills, the linebackers, receivers and running backs went through position drills.
Other highlight’s from Friday’s action included Martin and Garner with times of 4.48 and 4.81, respectively, in the 40-yard dash. Martin also had an 11.71 time in the 60-yard shuttle.
Teams’ pro days are one of the many tools used by NFL teams in preparation for the NFL Draft, which will take place Thursday-Saturday, Apr. 26-28 from Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Round 1 is Thursday, April 26. Rounds 2 and 3 will be Friday, April 27, with Round 4- 7 on Saturday, April 28.
Doug Hoffman is the assistant athletic director for Utah State University Athletic Media Relations.
