Terps Work Out Wednesday for Pro Football Scouts
3/11/2009 8:00:00 AM | Football
March 11, 2009
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Approximately 40 representatives from 25 NFL teams were on the University of Maryland campus Wednesday afternoon to test former players in their strength, athleticism and dexterity.
The 24 NFL hopefuls included DB Jeff Allen, DB Kevin Barnes, OL Scott Burley, LB Moise Fokou, TE Dan Gronkowski, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, DL Jeremy Navarre, OL Dane Randolph, OL Jaimie Thomas, OL Edwin Williams and WR Isaiah Williams.
Twenty of those 24 players started during their Terrapin careers, and 18 started at least 10 games.
Barnes, Fokou, Gronkowski, Heyward-Bey, Thomas and Edwin Williams already had one opportunity to impress the pro scouts when they worked out at last month's NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Heyward-Bey and Gronkowski were among the most impressive players at their positions at the NFL Combine. Heyward-Bey ran a time of 4.30 in the 40-yard dash, the top time among wide receivers, while Gronkowski had the third-best performance (26 reps) among tight ends in the bench press and the second-best mark (11.72) in the 60-yard shuttle.
Heyward-Bey and Gronkowski only participated in individual drills for pro scouts Wednesday.
For the rest of the former players, Maryland Pro Timing Day can be an important step in the process to reach the NFL.
"I think the main thing is what they did on tape," Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen said during the workout. "(Today) can either validate or not validate what (the scouts) have seen on tape. If you don't test well, it can hurt you. If you have a really good day and have played well on tape, I think it can really help you. I think the bottom line is really how you play. But I've seen guys jump up and I've seen guys drop down so it's important to do well on these days."
A number of players posted some impressive numbers in the various drills.
Isaiah Williams posted the top time in the 40-yard dash (4.38) and 60-yard shuttle (11.10). He also had the third-best time (4.24) in the 20-yard shuttle and matched Barnes for the top vertical jump (41 inches).
RB Rashad Henry had the top time (4.11) in the 20-yard shuttle and Allen posted the second-fastest time (4.17).
Barnes posted a time of 4.44 in the 40, while Henry clocked a 4.53 and had a 36-inch vertical leap.
Navarre proved to be the strongest player, posting 36 reps on the bench press. DL Dean Muhtadi was not far behind with 34. Randolph had 29 reps, while LB Chase Bullock and OL Jack Griffin had 26 apiece.
Terp Notes: A number of current and former players were on hand to cheer on their former teammates. Those in attendance included Andrew Crummey, Jared Gaither, Eric Ogbogu and Christian Varner ... former Terp Sam Hollenbach, who completed his eligibility in 2006, served as the quarterback during individual receiving drills.
