Tag: NFL Pro Day

‘I think I’ll be at peace’: Drake Stoops ready for what will come on Draft Day

OU Pro Day is over and Drake Stoops is just hoping for an opportunity come Draft Day.

Earlier this week the Oklahoma Sooners hosted their [autotag]NFL Pro Day[/autotag]. Several Sooners participated in the festivities in front of a number of NFL scouts..

But no one got more attention than [autotag]Drake Stoops[/autotag]. Stoops put together a pretty good day. He had an 8-foot-11 broad jump, 30-inch vertical, 4.67 40-yard dash, 4.25 20-yard shuttle and his best category was the three-cone drill where he ran a 7.01. That would have tied for fifth at the combine.

Stoops talked about his Pro Day and what he’s hoping comes next. “I’ll be ready mentally,” Stoops said. “I’ll be ready physically. I’ll take a day off after today and then get back to work with Schmitty (Jerry Schmidt). Make sure I’m in good shape when an opportunity arises. Leading up to the draft, I think I’ll be at peace. Whatever happens, happens. God has a plan. It’s not really up to me whether that’s drafted or undrafted, I think an opportunity will arise and that’s all that matters.”

Stoops went on to say all he needs is an opportunity and that’s how I feel as well. Stoops came in as a walk-on and many didn’t think much would come from it. Some even thought he only got the offer because of his dad.

But he quickly proved that wrong and became one of the best receivers in the conference in 2023. He became a fan favorite and someone Oklahoma fans will be following wherever his playing career takes him..

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

WATCH: Anthony Richardson hits roof with throw at pro day

We all knew Anthony Richardson has a cannon but this is ridiculous.

Former Florida quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag] put on a show last Thursday during the Gators’ pro day at the Condron Indoor Football Facility.

The departing redshirt sophomore displayed better accuracy in short and intermediate routes in comparison to what was seen on the field and at the NFL combine prior to the workout, continuing to build value in his brand as he seeks the top spot in this month’s NFL draft. But the biggest news was his arm strength, which he showed off in fantastic style in front of coaches and talent evaluators from all 32 pro franchises.

During his 25-minute throwing session, Richardson tossed one of his 62 throws for more than 74 yards in the air, while another went so high it hit the roof of the indoor facility before caroming back to the field. Take a look at that bomb below.

“I did tell one team I think I could possibly do 80 (yards), so I hit the roof,” Richardson said. “I tried to showcase that, it didn’t work. Maybe someday I’ll get to showcase that.”

Richardson is vying for the top spot in the draft with Ohio State‘s C.J. Stroud, Alabama‘s Bryce Young and Kentucky’s Will Levis — all of whom are projected to be the top four quarterbacks picked in the NFL draft. He made the decision to work out at Florida’s pro day because the other three quarterbacks threw at their respective pro days as well.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1368]

[mm-video type=video id=01gx16n1qhchjpk5mdcg playlist_id=01eqbz250mdknqvm5z player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gx16n1qhchjpk5mdcg/01gx16n1qhchjpk5mdcg-e5d28c0a3bfc629aaa794669a96fe7bd.jpg]

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

2023 Florida Pro Day results and observations

Florida’s 2023 Pro Day was basically the Anthony Richardson Show, but plenty of other Gators got in some good work on Thursday.

A dozen former Gators took part in Florida’s 2023 Pro Day on Thursday, and all 32 NFL teams were in attendance.

The event was televised on the SEC Network, thanks in large part to the attention drawn by potential first-round pick [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag]. The former Florida quarterback wowed NFL coaches and scouts with his performance, but it was also a good opportunity for those people to see the other Gators hoping to hear their names called when the draft finally takes place on April 27.

Not every player participated in the same drills. For example, Richardson only threw and skipped things like the 40-yard dash after posting a good number at the combine.

Pro Days are a chance for players to put their best foot forward and improve in whichever areas scouts still have questions about. Even players that were dismissed from the program, such as [autotag]Brenton Cox Jr[/autotag]., got a chance to work in front of everyone.

Some players upped their stock while others didn’t take the jump (literally) that they had hoped for. Here’s how the Gators fared on Thursday in their final appearances at the Swamp.

WATCH: Anthony Richardson shines at Florida Pro Day

Anthony Richardson was back in the Swamp Thursday to participate in Florida’s NFL Pro Day, and he did not disappoint the coaches and scouts watching.

A dozen former Gators participated in Florida’s Pro Day on Thursday, but the biggest focus of the morning was clearly on quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag], who is projected to be among the top quarterbacks selected in the upcoming 2023 NFL draft.

Richardson already boosted his draft stock tremendously with a strong performance at the combine, so all he opted to do on Thursday was throw the ball. His 4.43-second 40-yard dash, 40.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-9-inch broad jump easily made him one of the most athletic quarterbacks of all time. There’s simply no need to prove himself physically and risk injury.

But pro scouts did want to see Richardson throw, and No. 15 made sure to impress several NFL head coaches and front office personnel in the audience. At this point, it seems fairly realistic to assume that Richardson could go within the first 15 picks of the draft, or even at No. 1 overall.

Here’s a look at Anthony Richardson’s Pro Day and some reactions on social media from throughout the morning.

How to Watch: Florida football’s pro day on Thursday

Today is not just opening day for Major League Baseball but also pro day for the Florida Gators.

Pro day has finally arrived for the Florida football program as former players participate in measurements and drills designed to determine how well those former Gators might fit into the National Football League’s upcoming draft, which is scheduled to start on April 27.

On Thursday, former wide receiver and UF legend Chris Doering will report live from inside the Gary Condron Family Indoor Practice Facility with Peter Burns, Jordan Reid and Matt Stinchcomb assisting from the studio. Tom Pelissero and former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. will also be reporting from Gainesville on behalf of the NFL Network+.

Take a look below at everything you need to know about Thursday’s pro day at the University of Florida.

Take a look at who is taking part in Florida football’s pro day

Take a look at the lineup for Florida’s pro day at the end of the month.

The 2023 NFL draft is rapidly approaching with just five weeks remaining before the selection process kicks off on Thursday, April 27. The festivities hosted in Kansas City, Missouri, will continue until Saturday, April 29, as 32 professional franchises make their decisions out of a field of 259 possible picks.

Most recently, the top prospects in the upcoming draft participated in the NFL scouting combine, which scrutinized each individual both on a physical and performance level. However, before the big day arrives many schools are putting on their own pro days to give their alumni another chance to wow the pro scouts before judgment day.

Take a look below at the 12 athletes — 11 of whom are football players and the other a former track and field standout — who are scheduled to partake in this year’s pro day at the University of Florida on March 30.

Former Florida track and field star to participate in football pro day

A former Florida Gators track national champion will join the football team at their upcoming Pro Day, showcasing their talents in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives.

NFL scouts, coaches, and executives will be in Gainesville on March 30 to witness first-hand what former Florida football players have to offer. In addition, one former Florida athlete will also be in attendance.

[autotag]Dedrick Vanover[/autotag], a former member of the Florida Gators track team in 2021 and 2022, will be the only athlete not part of the Gators football team to participate in Pro Day activities. Despite finding success on the track, Vanover is no stranger to playing football. Before stepping foot on campus in Gainesville, Vanover was an all-SIAC defensive back for Moorhouse College in Atlanta. In 2019, he recorded a team-high four interceptions and nine pass breakups, and was third on the team in total tackles with 31.

As a track star for the Orange and Blue, Vanover played a vital role in the Gators’ 2022 national outdoor track national championship, serving in the leadoff position in Florida’s 4×100-meter relay. That team’s 38.52 time won them the title, but it was their 38.47 time earlier in the season that ranks as the fourth-fastest time in Florida track history. He also was the co-SEC champion in the outdoor, individual 100-meter sprint.

The 2022 all-SEC Outdoor and Indoor First Team athlete will join Florida football players [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag], [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag], [autotag]Amari Burney[/autotag], [autotag]Brenton Cox[/autotag], [autotag]Ventrell Miller[/autotag], [autotag]Gervon Dexter[/autotag], [autotag]Trey Dean III[/autotag], [autotag]Rashad Torrence[/autotag], [autotag]Richard Gouraige[/autotag], [autotag]Justin Shorter[/autotag] and [autotag]Jordan Pouncey[/autotag].

Florida’s Pro Day will take place on Thursday, March 30, and will be broadcast at 10 a.m. EDT on the SEC Network and NFL+.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1368]

[mm-video type=video id=01gw2kmsrdp3hqgz2vme playlist_id=01eqbz250mdknqvm5z player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gw2kmsrdp3hqgz2vme/01gw2kmsrdp3hqgz2vme-1c179571e6535b44693e1594fbf8f240.jpg]

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Here’s when Florida football’s NFL Pro Day is scheduled

Florida has announced details of its annual Pro Day, with eleven Gators players expected to participate.

The road to the 2023 NFL draft continues for former Florida Gators football players, with the program announcing Monday that the annual pro day will be held on March 30, according to the University of Florida’s official website.

Eleven draft-eligible players from the 2022 Florida Gators football roster will participate in this year’s pro day, including projected first-round draft picks quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag] and offensive lineman [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag]. Joining them will be linebacker [autotag]Amari Burney[/autotag], linebacker [autotag]Brenton Cox Jr[/autotag]., defensive tackle [autotag]Gervon Dexter Sr[/autotag]., safety [autotag]Trey Dean III[/autotag], offensive tackle [autotag]Richard Gouraige[/autotag], linebacker [autotag]Ventrell Miller[/autotag], wide receiver [autotag]Jordan Pouncey[/autotag], wide receiver [autotag]Justin Shorter[/autotag], and safety [autotag]Rashad Torrence II[/autotag].

Pro day events will include official weigh-ins, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, 40-yard dash, 60-yard shuttle, and positional workouts. Among those in attendance will be NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers.

Coverage of pro day will take place from the Condron Family Indoor Practice Facility, with the event broadcast at 10 a.m. EDT on the SEC Network. Former Florida football player and current SEC Network analyst [autotag]Chris Doering[/autotag] will report live from Gainesville while Peter Burns, Jordan Reid and Matt Stinchcomb will be in-studio.

There will also be coverage on NFL+, the NFL’s streaming app, with the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. reporting live from the indoor practice facility.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1368]

[mm-video type=video id=01gvz4jq9vak7an85d8f playlist_id=01eqbz250mdknqvm5z player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gvz4jq9vak7an85d8f/01gvz4jq9vak7an85d8f-a8006f58a350318660b5b9cea8df26aa.jpg]

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Eagles among teams Deion Sanders calls out for not attending Jackson State’s pro day

The #Eagles were among the teams called out by #JacksonState head coach #DeionSanders for not sending to personnel to the schools #ProDay #NFLDraft2022

Deion Sanders made headlines on Monday when he called out NFL team personnel who missed Jackson State University’s pro day. 

The Hall of Fame corner gave a shoutout to the 24 teams who sent out scouts in attendance at the pro day, but condemned the other teams who did not show.

Among teams that were not present were the Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans,  Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, and the Minnesota Vikings.

“You could have sent somebody. You could have shown up just a little bit,” Sanders said, as he voiced his frustration. 

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CbZ56kaAl9r/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Sanders’ Instagram post follows another NFL call-out comment he made last year, when he shed light on the fact there wasn’t a single HBCU player drafted.

Jackson State linebacker James Houston IV, who finished second in FCS with 16.5 sacks last season, was among the standout players to watch.

The 2x Super Bowl champ has reiterated his case for demanding the NFL to properly evaluate more HBCU players that deserve attention just like any other college player being scouted.

[listicle id=664893]

[listicle id=664811]

[lawrence-related id=664865,664852,664843,664836,664802,664800]

 

 

Over a dozen players expected to participate in Florida Pro Day

Only four Gators were at the Combine, but Florida will have 16 NFL hopefuls at the team’s annual Pro Day on March 28.

On Monday, Florida announced that the football program’s annual Pro Day will be held on campus on March 28.

The Gators only had four players attend the NFL Combine earlier in the month, but 16 players will be in front of scouts to show off their skills. Some of the participants are returning for another season at UF, but the rest are hoping to make a name for themselves ahead of the NFL draft.

Headlining that group may be running back Malik Davis who had his best year in a Gators uniform in 2021. Dameon Pierce may get all the attention for being the physical phenom he is, but Davis was just as productive and underused as a senior.

Jean Delance is another name to look out for as a strong Pro Day could get his name called after already talking with teams throughout the cycle.

Zach Carter, Kaiir Elam and Jeremiah Moon all joined Pierce at the Combine, but plenty of players have improved their stock with a strong performance on their home turf. Elam, in particular, could use a strong outing after a bad season for the defense hurt his draft stock.

The Pro Day will be streamed live on SEC Network+.

The 16 players expected to participate include:

LB Lacedrick Brunson
DL Zachary Carter
K Jace Christmann
RB Malik Davis
OL Jean Delance
DB Kaiir Elam
LB Jeremiah Moon
DL Daquan Newkirk
RB Dameon Pierce
OL Stewart Reese
DB Nicolas Sutton
DL Tyrone Truesdell
DL Antonio Valentino
WR Rick Wells
DL Kyree Campbell *
LS Brett DioGuardi *

*Returning

[mm-video type=video id=01fy2maxxejtdhy84b8m playlist_id=01eqbz250mdknqvm5z player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fy2maxxejtdhy84b8m/01fy2maxxejtdhy84b8m-ced41a36da61f99e8d57e8619e926e7f.jpg]

[lawrence-related id=80041,79995,79980,79846,79817]

[listicle id=79833]

[listicle id=77787]

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.