cowboyjoe
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 28,433
- Reaction score
- 753
Cavs’ NFL hopefuls strut their stuff
By Jay Jenkins
Published: March 19, 2010
http://www2.dailyprogress.com/cdp/s...le/cavs_nfl_hopefuls_strut_their_stuff/53834/
nowBuzz up!It sounds excessive, but Nate Collins spent three months preparing to make a first impression.
Well, it is probably more accurate to say it was a cross-examination process that involved 32 would-be employers and lasted a few hours.
On Thursday, Collins and a host of former Virginia football players performed numerous drills and put their bodies on display for NFL scouts and a few assistant coaches during the program’s annual pro day as the first round of the draft nears on April 22.
For Collins and others, it was perhaps the most meaningful day to date during the calendar year.
“It’s the biggest job interview for any of us guys out here. That’s how I approached it,” Collins said. “Everyone, after college, picks a career they want to do, and for us, this is the career that we want to pursue, so this is our job.
“These types of things are business interviews and … hopefully, all of us will get picked up and we will do great in the league.”
Some players boosted their stock significantly — former two-way star Vic Hall dazzled in the 40-yard dash, running it in what one scout timed at 4.4 seconds.
Virginia quarterback Jameel Sewell posted a 4.58 according to one stopwatch and Collins added another in 4.93, a good mark for a defensive lineman.
Others struggled to stand out — Mikell Simpson was timed unofficially at 4.69 and 4.60, numbers that do not compare well to running backs who were invited to the NFL combine.
Virginia had just two players invited to that premier event, but fullback Rashawn Jackson and cornerback Chris Cook were on hand to perform in a selected amount of drills in perfect conditions at the program’s practice field.
Cook, projected anywhere from a late first-round pick to a third-round selection, said he felt at ease at UVa after going through the process at the NFL combine.
“It was tiring — late nights and early mornings — but overall it was a good experience,” he said. “You meet a lot of the best players in the country and to be able to meet with all those coaches and GM’s and all the player personnel, it was a good experience.”
Jackson participated in more drills than Cook, something the fullback wanted to do for his former teammates.
“I didn’t want to do everything, and some things that I didn’t want to do, I still did — like the cone drill — but it was pretty cool,” Jackson said. “I am excited for the other guys and I didn’t have to do the position drills, but I knew [Simpson] was doing it and I entered with him, so I figured I would finish it with him.
“I am excited for his opportunity and for all the seniors. This is truly a blessing to be in this position. Everybody has an
opportunity.”
Marques Hagans and Deyon Williams, two Cavaliers trying to get a fresh start professionally, worked out in passing drills with Sewell.
While his accuracy on some short routes was sometimes shaky, Sewell showcased nice arm strength.
“He looked good on deep balls,” former Virginia wideout Fontel Mines said. “He just looked nervous, which is normal.”
Former right tackle Will Barker, the lone offensive lineman to work out, was paired with Collins in a number of head-to-head drills.
“It was kind of nice to get a one-on-one look from everybody,” Barker said. “It’s good that Nate got out there and helped me a little bit in some of the drills.
“I can’t really compare it to anything since it’s my one and only pro day.”
It remains uncertain if Barker will be a late-round selection or will look to latch on with a team as an invited free agent.
Barker does have Virginia’s recent track record working to his favor, as a number of former Cavaliers are starting at various offensive line spots in the professional ranks.
“It at least puts Virginia on the map for linemen,” Barker said. “There’s been a hell of a line of guys coming through here and that’s what Virginia is known for.
“Hopefully, I can continue that legacy. I know that there’s some younger guys that will continue to do that. I hope I can do the same.”
By Jay Jenkins
Published: March 19, 2010
http://www2.dailyprogress.com/cdp/s...le/cavs_nfl_hopefuls_strut_their_stuff/53834/
nowBuzz up!It sounds excessive, but Nate Collins spent three months preparing to make a first impression.
Well, it is probably more accurate to say it was a cross-examination process that involved 32 would-be employers and lasted a few hours.
On Thursday, Collins and a host of former Virginia football players performed numerous drills and put their bodies on display for NFL scouts and a few assistant coaches during the program’s annual pro day as the first round of the draft nears on April 22.
For Collins and others, it was perhaps the most meaningful day to date during the calendar year.
“It’s the biggest job interview for any of us guys out here. That’s how I approached it,” Collins said. “Everyone, after college, picks a career they want to do, and for us, this is the career that we want to pursue, so this is our job.
“These types of things are business interviews and … hopefully, all of us will get picked up and we will do great in the league.”
Some players boosted their stock significantly — former two-way star Vic Hall dazzled in the 40-yard dash, running it in what one scout timed at 4.4 seconds.
Virginia quarterback Jameel Sewell posted a 4.58 according to one stopwatch and Collins added another in 4.93, a good mark for a defensive lineman.
Others struggled to stand out — Mikell Simpson was timed unofficially at 4.69 and 4.60, numbers that do not compare well to running backs who were invited to the NFL combine.
Virginia had just two players invited to that premier event, but fullback Rashawn Jackson and cornerback Chris Cook were on hand to perform in a selected amount of drills in perfect conditions at the program’s practice field.
Cook, projected anywhere from a late first-round pick to a third-round selection, said he felt at ease at UVa after going through the process at the NFL combine.
“It was tiring — late nights and early mornings — but overall it was a good experience,” he said. “You meet a lot of the best players in the country and to be able to meet with all those coaches and GM’s and all the player personnel, it was a good experience.”
Jackson participated in more drills than Cook, something the fullback wanted to do for his former teammates.
“I didn’t want to do everything, and some things that I didn’t want to do, I still did — like the cone drill — but it was pretty cool,” Jackson said. “I am excited for the other guys and I didn’t have to do the position drills, but I knew [Simpson] was doing it and I entered with him, so I figured I would finish it with him.
“I am excited for his opportunity and for all the seniors. This is truly a blessing to be in this position. Everybody has an
opportunity.”
Marques Hagans and Deyon Williams, two Cavaliers trying to get a fresh start professionally, worked out in passing drills with Sewell.
While his accuracy on some short routes was sometimes shaky, Sewell showcased nice arm strength.
“He looked good on deep balls,” former Virginia wideout Fontel Mines said. “He just looked nervous, which is normal.”
Former right tackle Will Barker, the lone offensive lineman to work out, was paired with Collins in a number of head-to-head drills.
“It was kind of nice to get a one-on-one look from everybody,” Barker said. “It’s good that Nate got out there and helped me a little bit in some of the drills.
“I can’t really compare it to anything since it’s my one and only pro day.”
It remains uncertain if Barker will be a late-round selection or will look to latch on with a team as an invited free agent.
Barker does have Virginia’s recent track record working to his favor, as a number of former Cavaliers are starting at various offensive line spots in the professional ranks.
“It at least puts Virginia on the map for linemen,” Barker said. “There’s been a hell of a line of guys coming through here and that’s what Virginia is known for.
“Hopefully, I can continue that legacy. I know that there’s some younger guys that will continue to do that. I hope I can do the same.”