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While 11 of his former University of Maryland teammates pressed to make an impression on NFL scouts, offensive tackle Bruce Campbell smiled for the television cameras and happily answered questions from reporters.
Campbell had nothing left to prove after running the 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.85 seconds and bench-pressing 225 pounds 34 times last month in Indianapolis at the NFL combine. The 6-foot-7, 310-pounder is projected to be a first-round pick in the draft.
So, on a day in which he had long thought he would have to prove himself as a potential NFL star, Campbell did interviews and shouted encouragement to friends Wednesday during Maryland Pro Day.
``It feels real good to have done everything at the combine so I don't have to do anything here,'' he said. ``It feels different, because three years ago I expected to be out here doing this event.''
Campbell opted to forgo his senior year at Maryland to enter the NFL draft. Scouts Inc. ranks Campbell the 30th best player coming out of college.
``He's just a great guy and an unbelievable athlete,'' Maryland offensive coordinator James Franklin said. ``He's still raw as a football player, and I think his best football is ahead of him. That's why a lot of people are excited about him.''
Unlike Campbell, Maryland quarterback Chris Turner isn't even assured of having his name called during the draft. So he eagerly jumped, ran, lifted weights and threw the football to give the scouts something to remember him by.
For Turner and the other participants, the goal was to add measurable skill numbers to the talent they showed on film while playing for the Terrapins.
``It's crazy that they can do all these things for five years, but a lot of it's going to come down to just how high they jump and how fast they run,'' Franklin said.
Unfortunately, it's hard to look good on film for a team that went 2-10 in 2009.
``I feel like I had a lot to prove coming off last season. I feel like I played well, but the record is not always a good indicator for the scouts,'' Turner said. ``So for me, it was just important to participate and do my best.''
Turner could appreciate the irony in knowing that, for once, the quarterback was vying to get noticed while one of his offensive linemen (Campbell) was attracting most of the attention.
``It's funny how the tables turn, but it's fine,'' Turner said. ``I have a high hill to climb, but I'm confident in myself. It's just important to show them what I can do. I know the things I can't do - I'm not going to run a 4.5 40 - but I can throw the football, and I hope to show them that today.''
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Turner ran the 40 in 5.16 seconds, then in 5.10. He pressed 225 pounds 11 times. Those numbers aren't as important as the fact that he was a three-year starter, threw 30 touchdown passes, had four 300-yard games and was 5-2 against teams in the Top 25.
``He's got the body type they're looking for, he's a smart guy,'' Franklin said. ``I've coached in that league. It wouldn't surprise me if he made a team. Where he gets drafted, I don't know all that. But his arm is strong enough and he's more athletic than you think. So I think he's got a chance.''
Said Turner: ``I think with good performances, good interviews, with good tryouts with different teams I can get drafted. It's just a matter of doing it.''
Turner had a high-topped bush of hair playing for the Terps, but now he's sporting a tight-cropped style.
``I'm a professional now and I have to look professional,'' he said. ``It's fun to have long hair and all that. I feel like a sellout, I'll admit that. But it's time to look sharp.''
Other players at the workout included defensive back Nolan Carroll, who missed most of his senior season with a broken leg; offensive lineman Phil Costa, who pressed 225 pounds 30 times; 6-4, 325-pound defensive lineman Travis Ivey; and defensive lineman Jared Harrell, who strained a left hamstring during his second try at the 40-yard dash and despondently limped away from the tryout.
