Pro Day lacked last year’s fan fare without Johnny Manziel and Mike Evans, but departing A&M football players again attempted to catch the NFL’s eye Wednesday.
Thirteen athletes — including junior running back Trey Williams, who will forego his senior season — were showcased at the McFerrin Athletic Complex as Texas A&M hosted its annual Pro Day.
Also among the 13 were senior defensive back Deshazor Everett, senior receiver Malcome Kennedy and UTEP quarterback Jameill Showers, who transferred from A&M in 2012.
Head coach Kevin Sumlin said Pro Day carries tremendous significance for the players.
“The Pro Day is a big day here at Texas A&M and it’s a culmination for a lot of these guys that have had this childhood dream [of making it to the NFL],” Sumlin said.
Much of the buzz Wednesday centered on one player in particular, Williams, who declared for the NFL a year early, shocking many Aggie fans.
Williams said the decision was difficult.
“It was very hard. I love my team, I love my school, Texas A&M,” Williams said. “It took a lot to make the decision that I made but, you know, I just prayed about it and just stuck with my decision to pursue my dream.”
He said he thinks he has what it takes to succeed at the pro level.
“I feel like I’m good enough to pursue my dream,” Williams said. “The NFL is what I’ve wanted since I was a little kid.”
Like Williams, all of the players that participated in Pro Day were competing against not only the clock, but each other. As Kennedy put it, “It’s all about competition today.” For those who were not invited to the NFL combine, like Kennedy, Wednesday was the best chance for them to show off their skills to the scouts.
There were 36 representatives from 28 different NFL teams in College Station Wednesday to get a closer look at what A&M has to offer.
Unfortunately, due to an ACL injury sustained in the Aggies’ bowl game this season, Cedric Ogbuehi was unable to work out for the scouts on Wednesday. Ogbuehi — who was projected as a first-round pick prior to his injury — was in good spirits, showing support for his fellow teammates.
“I’m happy for all of [my teammates] and I’m hoping they do really well today”, said Ogbuehi.
Ogbuehi said he will be healed in time for NFL training camp.
“I’ll be good to go,” he said.
Sumlin said Ogbuehi did enough in his time at A&M to show what he can do, insisting that “the video speaks for itself.”
Guard Jarvis Harrison also did not participate in drills, though he weighed in at 6 foot 4, 327 pounds.
Showers returned to the school at which his collegiate career started to help run some drills. He participated with Malcome Kennedy, Trey Williams, Cameron Clear and Ben Compton in passing drills. All of the Aggie receivers solidified their skills and Compton, who played primarily offensive line, turned heads when he caught a deep pass over his shoulder.
Both Compton and Williams spoke about the importance of versatility at the next level. Along with Compton, Williams played a slew of positions in his time at A&M. Looking ahead at his future in the league, Williams said he hopes to be able to find a role as a special teams player. However, both guys made it clear that they will be glad to be selected to play any position.
Everett recorded the highest vertical jump, elevating 38 inches off the ground. Everett (4.49), along with Floyd Raven Sr. (4.45), recorded sub-4.5-second 40-yard dash times. Williams, who recorded a time of 4.49 at the NFL combine, ran a 4.48 Wednesday.
All 13 now look forward to draft day on April 30.