The FCS will have on-campus Pro Days beginning March 7th with Samford and wrapping April 4 with national runner-up Eastern Washington. With only 14 FCS players invited to the NFL Combine, this is an athlete's big chance to show out in front of NFL scouts.
Maine, Alabama State and Northern Colorado were Friday's Pro Day participants in the FCS, and all three programs have prospects who are projected to get drafted, along with others who could work their way into that position. While results from all three Pro Days were spotty because the scouts left with the data (it happens), enough word came out to let us know there were some stellar performances.
MORE: All FCS to the NFL Coverage
Up at Maine, OLB/DE Sterling Sheffield — who was one of the heart-and-soul players on a suffocating FCS semifinal defense last fall — showed why some services already have him as a day three draft pick. In front of 12 NFL teams, his 40-yard dash time (4.65 seconds) and his broad jump (119 inches) would have placed in the Top 10 at the NFL Combine last weekend for "EDGE" rushers. But he wasn't the only Black Bear to impress, as SS Jeff DeVaughn went 125 inches in the broad jump, which also would be Top 10 among safeties at the combine.
Maine head coach Nick Charlton said TE Drew Belcher, a converted QB, also had some impressive times — though those won't be made available to the program until the weekend. Belcher had been really impressive in pre-pro day training, especially in the three-cone drill. WR Micah Wright, OT Cody Levy, FS Darrius Hart also had solid pro days.
"(Sheffield) was working multiple positions, and the other guy who had a huge day was Micah," Charlton told HERO Sports. "His stock went up after a great time and strong individual drills. Drew Belcher our TE was also very impressive. He's a very versatile kid, a real hybrid type player. I'll be getting official times this weekend."
- AT ALABAMA STATE: The scout circus was certainly on board for NFL Combine invitee Tytus Howard, who only did position drills and interviews. But overall, it was reported that 30 teams were on site to evaluate, and Philadelphia Eagles OL coach Jeff Stoutland put Howard through his O-line drills. It looks more and more like Howard isn't just a draft pick, but a potentially high-end one. The other big highlight was safety Kurron Ramsey, who has made some noise since making a pre-Christmas all-star game in Florida. He measured in at 6-foot-3, 213 pounds and could be a FS or SS. Sources say he ran the 40 in the 4.5 to 4.6 range, though official results continue to be withheld, while his broad jump of 123 inches would have been Top 10 for safeties at the NFL Combine. He'll be somebody to watch going forward.
- AT NORTHERN COLORADO: The Denver Broncos ran the Pro Day and full results won't be available Friday, but we do know combine invitee Alex Wesley was on hand for interviews and 10 NFL teams and one CFL team were present. And he also was on hand at Colorado's Pro Day on Wednesday with many more scouts on hand. Results for the other participants will come at a later date.
SCHEDULE: All FCS Pro Days
NFL COMBINE: Top FCS Performers
