Today, while the rest of the free world watches the opening day of March Madness, the graduating seniors and former players will be working out for scouts to prove they have what it takes to play in the NFL. The following seniors will be participating:
- Greg Boone
- Brent Bowden
- Nekos Brown
- Kam Chancellor
- Brandon Dillard
- Richard Graham
- Cody Grimm
- Kenny Jefferson
- Cam Martin
- Dorian Porch
- Matt Reidy
- Sergio Render
- Demetrius Taylor
- Cordarrow Thompson
- Stephan Virgil
- Matt Waldron
- Ed Wang
- Sam Wheeler
As well as the following former players:
- Jason Murphy
- Derrius Monroe
- Robbie Powell (Purdue - Cave Spring High School)
- Carlton Weatherford
- Ike Whitaker
Aside from defensive end Jason Worilds, who last I read was training with the Andrews Institute in Florida, no other Hokies are projected to be first, second or even third round picks. However, we all know these guys are a talented bunch. Brent Bowden, Kam Chancellor, Cody Grimm, Stephan Virgil and Ed Wang were all invited to the combine and I believe they along with Sergio Render all have a chance to be 4th-6th round picks. An excellent showing would solidify, or perhaps move them up many draft boards.
Honestly though, I'm most interested to hear about how Ike Whitaker does. His addiction to alcohol took him to the edge. But he's back and here's to hoping he turns some heads this afternoon.
I remember that I was ready to end my life. I was a burden to myself and everyone around me. I just felt dark inside. I knew I had to stop drinking, but I couldn’t. So, I decided to just end it. That’s how tough this addiction is. That’s how depressed and sick the alcohol can make you.
...
I entered rehab in early October in Galax, Virginia. From there, I went to Wilmington, North Carolina to a half-way house. I was around great people and it was very positive. From the half-way house, I returned to Maryland. I’ve since returned to training and I’ve totally dedicated myself to it. I just measured in at 6'5" 230-pounds and I’m in the best shape of my life. Coach Beamer is allowing me to participate in the Pro Day, and I’ll be working out as a quarterback.
I’ve never been this sober for this long. I’m in a positive place in my life right now and I want to stay there.
Good luck to everyone.
Update
According to Heather Dinich Worilds was there and improved on all of his numbers from the combine, which if you remember his 40-yard dash, 60-yard and 20-yard shuttle were best among linebackers and defensive linemen.
40-Yard Dash: 4.47 to 4.55 (4.51 avg)
Broad Jump: 9’10”
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.07
60-Yard Shuttle: 11.25
Beast Mode.
Update 2
Here are more numbers and information from Pro Day courtesy of Draft Insider.net.
Defensive lineman Cordarrow Thompson, a sleeper of sorts, measured 6"2'/311lbs, completed 24 reps on the bench and a vertical jump of 26.5-inches. His forty time was 5.18 included a 10yd split of 1.73 seconds. The New York Jets, a team in need of young defensive line help, closely monitored Thompson. Cornerback Stephan Virgil posted a time of 4.64 seconds in the forty, 4.08 seconds in the shuttle and a three cone of 6.87 seconds.
I'm surprised to see Taco only put up 24 reps on the bench. That's well below average for a defensive lineman. Also, Virgil's 40 time was sluggish.
And here's some actual video from today's workouts.
Update 3
This stunner is from Gil Brandt of NFL.com.
The biggest name of the group was offensive lineman Ed Wang (6-4 7/8, 318), who is looking to become the NFL’s first Chinese player. Wang, who also worked out at the NFL Scouting Combine, could find his way into the first round of the draft.
Ed Wang got's ups.
While at VT, Ed Wang never impressed me as more than a player who was spectacularly average. However, to his credit, the former slender bodied tight end has potential and a tremendous work ethic—the two characteristics that move you up draft boards.
In other news, Virgil ran the 40 in 4.73 and 4.69, slower than his combine time of 4.64.
VT PRO DAY [BeamerBlog]
Worilds impresses at Virginia Tech’s pro day [NFL.com Blogs]
