Gateway FB Conference CARBONDALE, Ill. - McAndrew Stadium saw its first football action of the year Wednesday afternoon as 10 Saluki players took part in Pro Day, an event in which National Football League scouts evaluate players' pro potential.
Kellen Allen, Linton Brown, Jon Hamm, Antione Jackson, Frank Johnson, Jamarquis Jordan, Brent Little, Quorey Payne, Mark Philipp and Lionel Williams all took part in the workout, which was hosted by scouts from the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans.
The day consisted of a variety of drills that quantify an individual's strength, speed and quickness. The two, biggest tests are the 40-yard dash and the bench press exercise, which are considered good predictors of future pro success.
Phillip, a 6-foot, 315-pound defensive tackle, was the star of the bench press. Players are tested on how many repetitions they can do with 225 pounds. Phillip did it a school-record 31 times.
"The benching was my forte for sure," he said, though admitting his goal was to hit 40. "I did 31, but I didn't quite have my technique down and lost my focus."
Little, one of the most prolific wide receivers in school history, is considered by scouts to be SIU's top prospect. He blazed through the 40-yard dash at 4.45 seconds on a cold, blustery afternoon.
"I think (the scouts) were looking for technique, strength and endurance," said Little. "Everything you would want in a football player."
Little was well prepared for the event. The cousin of St. Louis Rams' linebacker Leonard Little trained for eight weeks in Miami at the Chris Carter fast camp.
According to Saluki wide receivers coach Brian Anderson, 28 of the NFL's 32 teams visited campus to watch Little during the season. Several teams are scheduled to return to put Little through an individual workout.
Still, Little is more likely to sign as a free agent than to be picked during the NFL's seven-round draft April 29-30.
Other players, such as Jordan, said they'd be happy to play professionally in any league for any team that wants to give them a chance. "I'll play in the Canadian League, Arena League, I'll even play in Europe," said Jordan. "I just want to continue to play football." © Copyright 1997-2004 by I-AA.com and College Football Annual Advantage; Lakeland, Florida USA For permission to reprint or for more information, please phone 863.604.5962 |