The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Pro Timing Day 2008
03.19.2008 | Football
Just three months after competing in their final game as a Longhorn, 17 former members of the Texas Football team had the chance to showcase themselves in front of 75 NFL representatives.
"It's great to see the turnout each year and to know our coaches have recruited the right guys and our program has produced the right players to have a lot of pro people come out and watch them," said Brown.
After sending seven players to the NFL Combine in February, 10 additional Longhorns had the opportunity to display their talents at Texas' annual Pro Timing Day.
"First and foremost, this is a great opportunity for a lot of guys because not everyone gets invited to the combine," said former Longhorn WR Billy Pittman. "Also, on the flipside, a lot of schools don't have as many scouts come to their Pro Day as we do, so we're truly blessed to have this opportunity. There are a lot of scouts and a lot of teams looking at you, so it's a great opportunity."
The program began shortly before 11 a.m. in the Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Strength Complex with the players' height and weight measurements, along with vertical and broad jumps. Shortly after, the athletes ran the 40 and the shuttle drill and took on the 225-pound bench press test. The program then moved to the Indoor Practice Facility for a series of agility and position drills.
"It's not a secret that Texas high school football and UT have a lot of fine athletes and that's what brings out such a great audience of NFL scouts and coaches," said Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager Bruce Allen. "Coach Brown and his staff really try to help us out and give us all the information about the young men and let us make our determination about how they'll fit in to our teams."
Every player had a chance to display their athleticism that they have been perfecting since Texas' victory over Arizona State in the Holiday Bowl. The group included RB Jamaal Charles, LB Scott Derry, TE Jermichael Finley, CB Brandon Foster, S Marcus Griffin, OT Tony Hills, S Erick Jackson, WR Nate Jones, S Drew Kelson, LB Robert Killebrew, DT Derek Lokey, DT Thomas Marshall, P Justin Moore, DT Frank Okam, WR Billy Pittman and WR Limas Sweed. Former Longhorn S Lee Jackson was also on hand to compete.
"Being able to come back home to Austin where you have lots of supporters and lots of family is great," said Okam. "It's a big deal for us to be able to be home and compete in front of our home crowd."
In addition to watching the players perform, NFL representatives had the chance to meet and interact with them face-to-face.
"I think Texas is a classy place, quite frankly," said Ted Thompson, Green Bay Packers' executive vice president, general manager and director of football operations. "They have guys with good character and guys that play hard, and those are the kinds of guys we're looking for. Texas players have historically been top of the line in terms of caliber of players, so they come into our league and they play well."
Pro scouts and coaches were not the only ones on hand. Many family members were there to lend support.
Mother of former Longhorn and current Tennessee Titan Michael Griffin returned for the second year-in-a-row to cheer on her other son, 2007 first-team All-Big 12 selection Marcus.
"The University of Texas has been really great for the boys," said Mae Griffin. "The opportunities they have had here have allowed them to pursue their dream of going on to the NFL. It's been a dream come true for them."
Limas Sweed, Sr., also acknowledged the foundation that his son was able to build during his time as a Longhorn.
"I think Texas has done a lot for him over the last couple of years," said Mr. Sweed. "From the time that he came out of high school and started his career at Texas, they've helped him improve his game, his speed, his size, his attitude and everything else. I think they did a lot for him and they've helped get him ready to go on to the next level."
There were also many current Longhorns football players in attendance to root for their teammates and to experience an event they hope to partake in after completing their collegiate football careers.
"It's very exciting and it's awesome to be able to watch all of these guys that I know personally," said 2007 All-Big 12 WR Quan Cosby. "To be able to watch all these guys performing gives us a head start about what to expect in the future. Every school in the nation doesn't have a Pro Day like this, so that says a lot about The University of Texas and about the opportunities it provides for you."
Pro Timing Day is also the athletes' last chance to finish their career at Texas on a high-note.
"It definitely was a big deal to compete in Pro Timing Day [at Texas] because I missed half of my senior season, so I didn't get to go out with a bang like I wanted to," remarked Sweed. "So, to come back today and be able to perform in front of friends and family is a great thing. It's kind of like winning your last home game."
