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University of Minnesota Athletics
Blog: Gopher Pro Day
3/10/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Video Coverage of Minnesota's Pro Day
For most of the nearly 30 former college football players in attendance, Wednesday's Pro Day at the University of Minnesota was the biggest job interview they have ever faced.
Twenty-two former Golden Gopher football players who wrapped up their careers in the 2009 season took part in the event. They were joined by a handful of players from Minnesota State-Mankato, the University of Northern Iowa and Concordia University.
Scouts from numerous National Football League teams were in attendance to see the testing, get measurements and talk with these athletes who are all hoping for a chance at the next level. Four of the Gophers in attendance took part in the NFL Combine, which was held in Indianapolis recently. But for the others, this was their chance to show what they can offer a professional team.
"For the guys who didn't go to the Combine, this is their Combine, my Combine," former Gopher defensive lineman Garrett Brown said. "It's just a time that you need to go out and perform. There are no if's, and's or butt's. Most guys only get one Pro Day. You have to take advantage of every opportunity you get."
Many of the Gophers felt good about their performances. A number of Gophers turned heads with some of their performances. There was a great deal of cheering when Minnesota's Barrett Moen and Eric Small each put up 34 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press. Former Gopher Marcus Sherels gained a lot of attention running a 40-yard dash that was timed by some as low as 4.34 seconds. He also caused some buzz with a vertical leap of 40 inches.
Wide receiver Eric Decker and linebackers Lee Campbell, Simoni Lawrence and Nate Triplett all took part in the NFL Combine. But they were in attendance at the Pro Day, as well. For them, it was an opportunity to improve upon marks they posted at the Combine.
"Teams want to see what things you need to improve on," Campbell said. "Can you go home and take the 10 days (in between the Combine and Pro Day) and to home and improve on those."
Campbell said the entire trio of linebackers all put up performances that were better than what they recorded in Indianapolis. Those improved performances may have had something to do with familiarity in surroundings and having familiar, friendly faces around.
"It's definitely more of a family atmosphere, probably a little more comfortable here," Campbell said. "Here, it is just another opportunity to root your guys on from your team. It's good to see everybody succeed."
Decker was happy with the opportunity to improve his performance on the bench press. But his appearance at Pro Day was more about getting to support his Gopher teammates.
"I was happy to put up 19 reps," Decker said. "Shoot, I'm trying to enjoy it. I'm back in Minnesota with my guys. It's been fun. Coming back here, the biggest thing was seeing everybody. We've been through so much and these seniors who are working out today, I'm so proud of them. They've been brothers to me for my career. I'm happy to see them try to pursue their dream."
Campbell said playing for Minnesota prepared him and his teammates well for a possible professional career.
"I got to play Big Ten football for four years," Campbell said of his Gopher career. "It's definitely hard-hitting football. It has prepared me. I played with elite athletes week in and week out. I'm ready for the next level and I'm excited."
The next step for these pro hopefuls will be Draft Day. The National Football League Annual Player Selection Meeting - the official name of the NFL Draft - will be held April 22-24 in New York. The first round is set for April 22, with the second and third rounds to be held on April 23. The fourth through seventh rounds will take place April 24.
Following the draft, players who aren't selected are allowed to sign with NFL clubs as free agents.
-Andy Seeley
