FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Several Northern Arizona football players worked out for NFL scouts Wednesday on campus for the annual Pro Day and posted impressive results.
“I think it went really great today,” said assistant coach Jimmy Beal. “The guys really trained and put up some great numbers. The feedback I got from the scouts was they were impressed with how prepared our guys were, and I think they will have some opportunities to get some good looks.”
Several Lumberjacks participated in the Pro Day event, including offensive lineman Trey Gilleo, defensive lineman Jarret Bilbrey, wide receiver/running back Austin Shanks and defensive backs Devin Willis and Taylor Malenfant. Former NAU player Giovannie Dixon and former Flagstaff High School and Arizona State defensive end James Brooks also participated.
“I think it went well,” said Gilleo, a senior from Kingman. “I have been training really hard and I had a good season this year. Hopefully everything goes as planned and I get an opportunity.”
The Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots each had scouts at the event.
“I think it went real good,” said Bilbrey, a native of San Diego. “I put up some good numbers in the weight room. I felt like I ran fast and showed them what I had.”
Each player participated in the bench press, long jump, vertical jump, shuttle, 40-yard dash and positional drills.
“It was really exciting overall,” said Malenfant, who posted a 40-inch vertical jump, 10'6" broad jump and 4.51 40-yard dash time. “I tested really well. This combine is a foundation to go off for the future.”
Willis, who has previously participated in an NFL regional combine, and Malenfant, who will participate in one in Seattle on March 23, both hope to advance to the Super Regional combine in Dallas.
Since the inception of the NFL Draft in 1936, 37 Lumberjacks have been drafted by NFL teams. Over the last 12 years, 10 players have signed NFL free-agent contracts. Kicker Paul Ernster was the last NAU player taken in the draft; the Denver Broncos selected him in the seventh round in 2005.
