Eric Sorenson
About a dozen former Arizona State football had an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of 20 or so NFL teams during ASU’s annual Pro Day, Friday in Tempe.
For some like linebacker Brandon Magee and safety Keelan Johnson, it was a chance to make a second impression on NFL scouts and personnel after participating in the Combine last month at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Each of the players participated in a number of different events including the 225-pound bench press, the 40 yard dash and three-cone shuttle, among others.
Many of the players seemed happy with their results.
“Most definitely I feel like I opened some eyes today,” former Chaparral High star and Sun Devil cornerback Deveron Carr told the assembled media. “I don’t know what exactly the scouts had in mind of me but my whole mindset when I came out here was basically to relax and do what I know how to do best.”
Magee was especially pleased after lowering his 40-yard dash time from the Combine.
“I’m happy, man,” a beaming Magee said afterwards. “They told me my 40’s were in the 4.5’s. I’m happy with it. [It’s] better than that 4.74 you guys have been talking about for the last couple weeks, huh?”
Running back Brandon Marshall believes the Pro Day gave him time to prove to teams last year’s injury-filled, low production season was an isolated situation, not an indication of the type of player some draft experts have labeled him.
“I still feel like I have a lot to prove going into the next level,” Marshall, who has lost 10 pounds in body fat since the season ended, said. “There’s a lot of stuff that I didn’t get to accomplish on the field this year that I want to use as motivation for next year [in the NFL].”
Several present and past players attended to show their support for the collection of athletes who worked out. Starting quarterback Taylor Kelly and defensive end Carl Bradford were spotted, along with Arizona Cardinals wide receiver and former Desert Vista and ASU star Gerrell Robinson. Cincinnati Bengals talented linebacker Vontaze Burfict was also on hand. He and Robinson worked out at the Pro Day last spring.
The event was originally scheduled to take place at Sun Devil Stadium, but rain forced it inside the Dickey Dome, ASU’s indoor practice facility.
