Some random thoughts from NDSU’s "Pro Day" at the BSA today:
- From talking to others and from my own eyes, running back Tyler Roehl, receiver Kole Heckendorf and safety Nick Schommer were the most impressive for the scouts. One scout had Heckendorf at a 4.33 in the 40. I had him at 4.4 and I’m still a little skeptical of a 4.33, but somewhere around 4.4 flat seems more realistic.
- Roehl benched 225 pounds 30 times and until the last few, made it look like it was a plastic bar. Perhaps only somebody like offensive lineman Austin Richard of the current Bison players get in the 30 range.
- The downside to Roehl’s measurables was an 8-10 in the standing long jump. "I’ve never been a jumper," he said.
- I had Jerimiah Wurzbacher at 4.75 in the 40 both times he did it and 33 1/2 inches in the vertical jump. Again, my times are VERY unofficial. Wurzbacher also got a look as a long snapper. Phil Hansen was a backup long snapper his entire NFL career and anytime you can do a dual role, it helps your stock.
- Schommer had a 9-10 long jump and I had him at around 4.5 both tries at the 40.
- Chauncy Calhoun from Valley City State had a 10-2 long jump and a 34 1/2 vertical jump.
- Other 225 bench press efforts: Agbetola 17, Wurzbacher 17, Calhoun 13, Schommer 11, Humber 20, Lardinois 15, Heckendorf 14, Maresh 23 and Jangula 27 (seven more were disallowed because he did not extend his arms). Richardson lost the bar after a couple and did not do it again.
- Three others besides Bison players worked out: Calhoun, another running back from Valley City who didn’t play last year and U-Mary linebacker Shawn Melland, who at 6-5 and 235, cut and lean caught some scouts’ eyes. I had him between a 4.6 and 4.8 in the 40 and he had a 36 vertical.
- The NFL teams represented were the Redskins, Packers, Vikings, Chiefs, Jaguars, Broncos, Colts, Eagles, Giants, Chargers and Steelers.
- Roehl looked very powerful in the "L drill" run and was verdy fluid in catching passes during the skills session. I don’t think he dropped one. I clocked him at 4.4 in the 40, although he says it was more like a 4.5 from what he was told. Heckendorf certainly didn’t drop a pass in the skills portion.
how many did wursbacher drop? as many as wyoming?
Hate to go off topic…
But is Taylor seriously going to release a schedule with only 4 home games?
I had no idea Heckendorf and Roehl were so fast. I hope some of the Bison at least go to training camps and play a few preseason games. After seeing some of the numbers I expect a few to have a chance. The NFL is lacking in fullbacks so Roehl could have a shot at that spot as well.
Fball schedule wasnt out til what, May last year??
NDSU will get a crappy 5th game, no worries.
These seniors had great talent, its a shame the offense didnt cater to Nick.
2009 will be a bounce back year. write it down.
Yeah it would be great to see as many as possible get a shot at the draft/camps.
Love to see those teams there and glad to hear the guys showed well.
Yeah but who is the crappy game going to be? DII/NAIA?
Because there are no more FCS games (unless we consider UND a viable option) to be had in the entire subdivision.
Thanks for the info Jeff! When Bohl said Heck was a 4.4 guy, I never believed it, but I do now.
Roehl is a bit short for a NFL FB, most are >6′, very few shorter than that, but he should get a decent shot.
Did these guys take the Wonderlic test? It would be interesting to see their numbers.
I would take anybody except for the sue
how about the game with Montana st. when is that one going to be played?
This is what I kept telling those Gopher fans that their d-backs weren’t that slow but that we were that quick.
What is with a DE Lardinois only doing 15 reps at 225 while a tiny CB Agebetola does 17? No wonder the DEs were so weak last year, they really were.