Virtually every NFL team was represented at Ohio State’s annual pro day for coaches and scouts
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Thirteen former Ohio State Buckeyes worked out in front of NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center Friday morning as part of the football program’s annual Pro Day.
After recording physical measurements and weight room abilities, the Buckeyes moved to the indoor field at the WHAC and ran a variety of drills, including the 40-yard dash and 20 and 60-yard shuttles. The group ended the morning session that lasted nearly four hours with position drills while family, friends and members of the media watched from the bleachers.
A sizeable contingent of scouts surrounded each drill, including a trio of Bengals and a large group from the Steelers. Pittsburgh’s head coach, Mike Tomlin, defensive coordinator and former Buckeye, Dick LeBeau, and offensive coordinator, Todd Haley, watched the athletes and chatted for considerable amounts of time with current Ohio State coaches Luke Fickell, Mike Vrabel and Kerry Coombs.
“Ohio State is a top program with quality guys,” Tomlin said. “They do a good job of providing necessary information and making it a fun trip for everyone.”
The day also served as a reunion of sorts for former Buckeyes as many made the trip to Columbus to show support. Current NFL players Brian Rolle, Alex Boone, Beanie Wells, Bobby Carpenter, Donald Washington and Doug Worthington were in attendance. Jim Cordle, a member of the 2012 Super Bowl champion Giants squad, watched the drills from the sidelines as well.
Former Buckeyes and NFL players Raymont Harris, Chris Spielman, LeCharles Bentley, Andy Katzenmoyer and Joey Galloway also took in the activities of the day.
Notes from the day:
§ Buckeyes working out Friday: Mike Adams, Dionte Allen, Mike Brewster, Nate Ebner, Donnie Evege, Aaron Gant, Daniel “Boom” Herron, Tony Jackson, Nate Oliver, DeVier Posey, Grant Schwartz, JB Shugarts and Andrew Sweat.
§ Three players from other schools worked out as well, including former Buckeye Rocco Pentello (Otterbein), George Carpenter (Marshall) and Jared Brown (West Virginia)
§ Many current Ohio State players watched the workouts from the west end zone stands, including Travis Howard, John Simon, Jack Mewhort, Orhian Johnson, Zach Boren and Christian Bryant.
§ Each NFL division was accounted for as 30 of 32 teams sent coaches or scouts. The Chicago Bears and New York Jets were the only two teams not represented.
§ The 2012 NFL Draft begins April 26 and continues through April 28.
§ Ohio State ranks second nationally with 70 first-round draft picks.
§ The Steelers have taken three Buckeye defenders the last two drafts, including first-rounder defensive lineman Cameron Heyward in 2011. Pittsburgh also took receiver Santonio Holmes in the first round of the 2006 draft.
Quotes from the day:
“It is cool to see the younger guys go through this camp process. It feels good to show support, even if it’s just being around and talking to guys.” – Brian Rolle
“This is a culmination of years of hard work. It’s a comfortable environment being at home, even in front of a bunch of pro scouts.” – Bobby Carpenter
“It is good to be back watching these guys. After going through this, you can relate to them. It’s exciting for them to be at this point.” – Beanie Wells
“Once I got past the combine in Indianapolis and the Senior Bowl, I wasn’t as nervous. It is good to get out and show everyone how you move and look from the work you have put in.” – Mike Brewster
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