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The NFL Scouting Combine is an invite only event that every college player hopes to attend. As a result of the invite-only stricture, and potentially due to injury, not all draft available players have an opportunity to show their stuff at the Combine. For players that are not invited, one of the best venues they have to impress NFL scouts is at a school’s Pro Day. The Virginia Tech Hokies held their Pro Day this past Wednesday, and scouts from all 32 of the NFL teams were in attendance. In total 15 players on the 2015-2016 roster and three former VPI players demonstrated their capabilities. Additionally, Washington Redskins rookie sensation, Kyshoen Jarrett, was present to observe and encourage his former teammates.
ICYMI - @Ky3fOUR was supporting his fellow #Hokies at #ProDay2016 #LPD pic.twitter.com/Hwn33ZBvwI
— VT Football (@VT_Football) March 17, 2016
Kendall Fuller and Luther Maddy were both present, but neither participated in the day’s events. Fuller is still recovering from the right knee surgery that sidelined him in September. Maddy, who was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, underwent tendonitis surgery on his left knee after the Combine. Both Fuller and Maddy have intentions to hold personal workouts for NFL scouts prior to the NFL Draft, which kicks off April 28. Fuller has not provided a timetable for his potential workout. Luther has stated that his demonstration will be on April 19 in Blacksburg.
Not surprising at all, Dadi Nicolas, garnered much attention from the scouts. Nicolas was another of the Hokie players invited to the Combine, and he also participated in the Senior Bowl. Nicolas stated that he has spoken with "…eight or nine teams seriously." Dadi was able to improve on many of his NFL Scouting Combine Numbers. He increased his bench press from 14 at the Combine to 19 on Pro Day. He also improved his 40-yard dash time from 4.74 to 4.7.
J.C. Coleman turned heads with his performance at Pro Day. He ripped off a respectable 4.48 40-yard dash time, 19 reps in the bench press, and 37 inches on the vertical.
The NFL draft is rapidly approaching. We here at Gobbler Country wish these young men the best of luck chasing their dream! GO HOKIES!