03/11/10 - Sam Maxwell, Sr, Kentucky, 6-2, 246 (DS#37 OLB) The last time Sam Maxwell suited up for UK, he returned an interception for a touchdown against Tennessee on Nov. 28. That play capped a breakout senior season for the career backup linebacker who exploded for 81 tackles and seven interceptions in 2009. He was able to do so even though he played much of the year with a shoulder injury, and underwent surgery on a torn labrum in his left shoulder after the Tennessee game. He missed UK’s bowl game and has since been rehabbing the shoulder so he could work out for NFL teams. At UK’s Pro Day on Wednesday, Maxwell finally suited up again. But this time, he was suiting up for Sam Maxwell. Scouts from about 15 NFL teams showed up to put UK’s seniors through drills, workouts and time them in the 40-yard dash. For a player like Maxwell, who has laid low since his injury, it was a chance to get back on the map. “Not many people know about Sam Maxwell,” Maxwell said. “The only people who know are people who watch Kentucky football.” Maxwell’s training suffered as he had to focus on recovering from his surgery, and he said he knows he’ll have to improve his 40-yard dash time to raise his stock. He turned in a time in the 4.9s. Still, Maxwell feels he’ll be able to help an NFL team if he is drafted. He was being discussed as a surefire pick during the season, but much of the buzz around him cooled as he recovered from surgery. Now, he’s not sure if he’ll be drafted or if he’ll have the chance to sign somewhere as a free agent. “I’m an all-around guy,” Maxwell said. “I’ve got the talent, I’ve got the character. Just give me the chance.” - BW Jones, The Kentucky Kernel
03/11/10 - Eric Decker, rSr, Minnesota, 6-3, 217 (DS#14 WR) NFL Draft enthusiasts should know all about Minnesota wide receiver Eric Decker by now. The 6-3, 217 pound Decker was a Biletnikof finalist in 2008 with 83 catches for 1,077 yards and 7 touchdowns. Despite being limited to only eight games due to Lisfranc sprain, he earned first team all-Big Ten honors for the second consecutive season as a senior. The Lisfranc sprain kept Decker from working out for scouts at the Combine and also kept him from participating in the drills at Minnesota's Pro Day Wednesday. Decker will have follow-up surgery to have screws removed from his foot on Monday (March 15) and will be asked to go back to Indianapolis April 9 for a Combine "re-check." Scouts know Decker can play. They want to make sure he's healthy, after repeated surgeries on his legs. He did, however, help his cause in the bench press (19 reps) and was, as always, articulate in team and media interviews. I've been told that he had the year's highest score on the Wonderlic of all players tested at the Combine and I'm not at all surprised by this. - Rob Rang, The Sports Xchange, NFLDraftScout.com
03/11/10 - Eric Decker, rSr, Minnesota, 6-3, 217 (DS#14 WR) Former Gophers wide receiver Eric Decker did 19 reps on the bench press at 225 pounds at the university's Pro Day on Wednesday, up from the 15 reps he did at the NFL Scouting Combine last month. Decker did not take part in any other drills as he continues to recover from a Lisfranc injury to his left foot. He is due to have a follow-up surgery March 15 to have the screws removed from his foot, and he will go to Indianapolis on April 9 so NFL doctors can evaluate his progress before the draft later in the month. - Judd Zulgad, Star Tribune
03/11/10 - Danario Alexander, Sr, Missouri, 6-5, 215 (DS#23 WR) PRO DAY RESULTS: 12 teams on hand for Missouri’s Pro Day. WR Danario Alexander did not work out due to a knee operation for an injury suffered in the Senior Bowl. It is not clear when Alexander will work out. – Gil Brandt, NFL.com
03/10/10 - Eric Decker, rSr, Minnesota, 6-3, 217 (DS#14 WR) The Gophers two-sport star is hobbled by a foot injury and it limited his participation in the NFL Combine and for the Gopher's Pro Day. "I'm going to be in a boot for four weeks after I get my surgery, and then two to four weeks progressing to that time. By June, I'm supposed to be no restriction, full go," Decker said. Despite the bum foot, Decker is clearly on the NFL's radar and will be drafted in April. "His tape is his resume. I'm sure people are going to want to get a feel for where he's at health-wise. And typically they like to get some of these measurables as well," said Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress. "A-plus character kid. Has all the tools to be a very productive player in this league," said ex-Gopher wide receiver and Minnesota Vikings VP of Player Personnel Rick Spielman. At Minnesota, Decker was Eric the Great, snagging a school record 227 passes for 3,119 yards and 24 touchdowns. When Decker meets with NFL coaches he sells himself as..."A guy that's going to work every day to be the best. A guy that's going to run good routes, a guy that's gonna get open, a guy that's gonna block, a guy that's gonna high-point the football on the field, said Decker. "That's going to be a leader in the locker room, help out his community off the field." - Eric Nelson, WCCO
03/10/10 - John Clay, rSo, Wisconsin, 6-1, 248 (DS#7 RB) Standout running back John Clay will sit out spring practices for the University of Wisconsin football program after undergoing surgery to repair recurring pain in his ankles, coach Bret Bielema said Wednesday. "The thing that excites me about his injury is I think (the surgeries will) give him relief, allow him to become a better football player," Bielema said. Clay, who rushed for 1,517 yards last year as a sophomore - ranking him eighth nationally - is expected to be "in full swing" by the start of summer conditioning on June 7. The reigning Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Year is in full rehabilitation mode, with conditioning in a swimming pool four days per week at 5 a.m., Bielema said. Ankle injuries have hampered Clay ever since high school, and he pondered undergoing the surgeries prior to last season as well. - Madison Sports
03/10/10 - Eric Decker, rSr, Minnesota, 6-3, 217 (DS#14 WR) Former Gophers wide receiver Eric Decker is preparing for the NFL despite his injury. Decker tore ligaments in his left foot last October, ending his standout career at Minnesota. He had surgery, but is still months from being back at full speed. With the NFL draft in late April, Decker's health could decrease his value. But he plans to be at full strength by late summer when training camps start. Decker has been unable to run most of the skill tests for NFL scouts, but he can do the bench press. School spokesman Andy Seeley said Decker did 19 repetitions at 225 pounds at Minnesota's pro workout day on Wednesday. That's up from the 15 reps he did at the combine last month. Decker is one of 20 former Gophers players who took part in the workout. - AP Sports
03/10/10 - Sam Maxwell, Sr, Kentucky, 6-2, 246 (DS#37 OLB) The 2009 and 2010 Kentucky football seniors put their physical abilities on display Wednesday morning at the annual “Pro Day” workouts for professional scouts. The 2009 and 2010 Kentucky football seniors put their physical abilities on display Wednesday morning at the annual “Pro Day” workouts for professional scouts. Representatives of 15 National Football League teams, along with the combine scouts for the entire NFL and United Football League, put the Wildcats through their paces. The 2009 seniors, the first UK class to go to four-straight bowl games, were tested in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, agility drills, various position-specific drills and the 225-pound bench press. The upcoming seniors for the 2010 season were tested in the 40-yard dash. Five of the ’09 seniors, fullback John Conner, linebacker Micah Johnson, cornerback Trevard Lindley, linebacker Sam Maxwell and defensive tackle Corey Peters, had been worked out in February at the official NFL Combine. Those players were on hand today for additional evaluation. “One of the things that has changed over the years is the (increased) number of scouts that have attended in recent years,” Coach Joker Phillips said. “This is a day that helps our program. The current players observe and it helps them understand the level of training they need to succeed.” Phillips noted that this is an area that Rock Oliver, the team’s new strength and conditioning coach, has made an impact. “This game is so much mental and he helps a lot with their attitude,” Phillips said. “Having been with the Cincinnati Bengals the last six years, any time he talks about the NFL, they listen.” - WYMT TV
03/10/10 - Ryan Miller, rSo, Colorado, 6-8, 320 (DS#8 OT) Colorado offensive lineman Ryan Miller will miss the rest of spring ball after breaking a plate in his arm during the first session of spring practices Saturday. Coach Dan Hawkins said Miller, CU`s right guard, had the plate installed in his forearm after last season. Hawkins said Miller is expected to be healed and ready to go by the beginning of training camp in August. This was the first year in Hawkins` tenure that the five regular starters on the offensive line at the end of the season returned for the start of spring ball, but the continuity lasted only one day. It`s a setback for an offensive line that must improve for the offense to be more successful in 2010, but Hawkins said Miller`s injury presents an opportunity for other players. "Obviously he`s a guy you expect to be in there and you`d love to have him getsome spring reps," Hawkins said. "...The blessing of the whole thing is that other guys get more reps." Miller will be a fourth-year junior in the fall. He has played in each of his three years in Boulder but had his 2008 season cut short in the fourth game when he suffered a broken leg. The NCAA granted him a medical redshirt waiver for that season, giving him a year of eligibility back. - Kyle Ringo, The Daily Camera
03/09/10 - Dorian Munroe, rSr, Florida, 5-11, 205 (DS#999 SS) Back in 2007, the career of safety Dorian Munroe looked bright. He was the starting safety for a major SEC program. But knee injuries derailed his last two years at UF, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as Ahmad Black, Will Hill and Major Wright formed one of the best safety trios in the country. Now he’s hoping for a second chance — a sixth chance, really. Munroe is appealing the NCAA’s ruling against his sixth year of eligibility. Munroe said he doesn’t know the status of that appeal but that he’s “hoping for the best.” Should his appeal sway the NCAA, Munroe might be able to see the field now that Wright is off to the NFL. Munroe was a talented player in 2007, but he redshirted in 2008 with a torn ACL and missed most of 2009 with a torn meniscus and other knee-related injuries. Munroe is the only remaining Gator from the 2005 class. - Jeremy Fowler, The Orlando Sentinel
03/09/10 - Jason Fox, Sr, Miami, 6-7, 303 (DS#10 OT) After anchoring the University of Miami offensive line for four seasons, tackle Jason Fox is ready to take his game to the next level. That includes plenty of lifting - and running - and a new diet plan. "I'm on a nutrition plan just to get my body ready for whatever is going to come my way on pro day," said Fox, who will participate in Miami's pro day on March 26th. That workout will be crucial for Fox, who missed most of the NFL Scouting Combine due to a knee injury that also cost him the final two games of his college career. Fox says this time, there will be no limitations. "I expect to go full go," he said. "I have to put on a show. I've been told all 32 teams will be there, so it's going to be a great opportunity." Fox bench pressed 225 pounds for 23 repetitions at the combine but was frustrated that he couldn't compete with the best draft prospects. "It was frustrating, only because I'm a very competitive guy. Once I saw everybody getting out there showing what they've got, I wanted to get out there and show off my athleticism." Sitting out most of the workouts lit a fire under Fox. "There were a lot of good athletes there, a lot of big time players [and] I think I'm right up there with them. I think I can compete with the best. I use that as motivation." Fox started 11 games for Miami in his senior season and was a four year starter on the offensive line. He was also a versatile player, which allowed the Hurricanes to put him at several positions. He's projected to go in the fourth or fifth round of the upcoming draft. - Dylan Brooks, CBS4 Miami
03/09/10 - O'Brien Schofield, rSr, Wisconsin, 6-2, 221 (DS#15 OLB) After suffering a torn ACL back on January 25 in Senior Bowl practice, O'Brien Schofield says his rehab is ahead of schedule. Schofield was in good spirits as he appeared at Smart Motors in Madison Monday night for a fundraiser for Gilda's Club. He walked with only a very slight limp and seemed not to be in any pain. "I was off crutches ten days after surgery. Most people are six weeks. I'm already doing stationary bikes, leg press. I'm almost ahead of schedule and I feel about two or three months I'll be able to jog a little bit. I'm grinding in the training room and people will see my work ethic and see how important it is for me to get back on the field," Schofield said. Schofield knows his draft stock was affected by his injury, but is optimistic that a team will give him a chance to show what he can do. Schofield says he plans on playing this year. He says he'll be full speed in 6 months and should be able to participate in non-contact drills in NFL mimi-camp. - WKOW-TV
03/08/10 - *Sam Bradford, rJr, Oklahoma, 6-4, 236 (DS#1 QB) Despite Oklahoma hosting their Pro Day tomorrow, quarterback Sam Bradford will not be present, according to NFL.com's Gil Brandt. Bradford's absence isn't necessarily a surprise considering that he had previously scheduled a personal workout on campus for March 25. Still, it generated mixed reactions from scouts I spoke with this morning. One, who had previously held reservations about the former Heisman winner, remained pessimistic about the quarterback's reasoning for not attending. "I wondered how much of a team guy he was before. Now, he isn't going to support his teammates?" Another scout, however, thought this was taking things too far. "He's already said he wasn't going to work out tomorrow. If he shows up, he'll just be a distraction from the guys who are (working out). Sure, we all wish he'd be there, but he's taking the time to get himself right and he won't get closer to doing that by sitting on the sideline with pom-poms." The reality is, Bradford's final draft status will ultimately hinge on the results of te medical tests he took at the Combine and how he performs during his workout... not his former teammates. On a related note, the belief among scouts is that the next two highest rated Sooner prospects - DT Gerald McCoy and OT Trent Williams - will attend the Pro Day, but aren't expected to do anything more than positional drills. - Rob Rang, The Sports Xchange, NFLDraftScout.com
03/08/10 - *Sam Bradford, rJr, Oklahoma, 6-4, 236 (DS#1 QB) Oklahoma will hold its annual pro day in Norman on Tuesday morning. Several ex-Sooners will have the opportunity to work out in front of pro scouts. One player, though, that won’t be participating will be quarterback Sam Bradford, who is working his way back from surgery on his throwing shoulder. Bradford has scheduled a personal pro day for scouts on March 25 in Norman. - Jake Trotter, News Oklahoma
03/05/10 - Chandler Harnish, rSo, Northern Illinois, 6-2, 213 (DS#22 QB) Northern Illinois starting quarterback Chandler Harnish will miss spring practice because of a right knee injury that will require surgery, the DeKalb Daily Chronicle is reporting. Harnish suffered the knee injury against Toledo on Oct. 17 and missed three games. Coach Jerry Kill said in mid-February that part of the reason he signed junior college quarterback Casey Weston was in case Harnish wasn’t able to go. “We recruited a junior college quarterback that’s very talented,” Kill said. “Because if something happened with Chandler, I want to make sure we have a guy that’s been underneath center.” Kill also noted that if Harnish couldn’t play this spring, the quarterback competition would be open. Last year’s backup, DeMarcus Grady, will challenge redshirt freshmen A.J. Hill, Jordan Lynch and Tommy Coughlin. Weston will not be on campus until the summer. A date has not been set for Harnish’s surgery and there is no timetable on when he’ll be able to return. - Graham Watson, ESPN
03/05/10 - Brandon Smith, rSr, Arizona State, 6-2, 195 (DS#999 WR) Arizona State receiver Brandon Smith has been granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. Smith, who missed the entire 2009 and 2007 seasons injuries, could step in at a need position for the Sun Devils, who lost their top two receivers from 2009. Smith is one of the Sun Devils fastest players but he's struggled to stay healthy. In his first career start in 2006, he caught three passes for 102 yards (34.0 avg.) and a touchdown against Washington State, becoming the first Sun Devil freshman wide receiver to surpass 100 receiving yards in a game since Shaun McDonald did so in 2000. His 62-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Rudy Carpenter was the longest completed pass for the Sun Devils during the 2006 season. He capped the season with a 37-yard TD catch in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl against Hawai'i. Smith played in only one game in 2008 and caught three passes for 20 yards against Oregon State. - Ted Miller, ESPN
03/05/10 - Arthur Jones, rSr, Syracuse, 6-3, 301 (DS#15 DT) Quarterbacks Greg Paulus and Cam Dantley and tight end Mike Owen took the first step in pursuing their NFL dreams on Thursday by working out for NFL scouts at Syracuse University's Pro Day at the Carrier Dome. Cameras were not allowed into the Dome to tape the workouts, but scouts from 12-15 NFL teams were expected. Defensive end Art Jones, who's projected as a potential first-round pick, did not work out as he's still recovering from knee surgery. He's planning on holding a personal workout day prior to the draft. - News 10 Now, NY
03/04/10 - Barquell Rivers, rSo, Virginia Tech, 6-0, 237 (DS#2 ILB) Virginia Tech starting linebacker Barquell Rivers had successful surgery Thursday to repair his left quadriceps tendon, and is expected to miss five to six months, the school announced. “Knowing Barquell Rivers, with his toughness and raw strength, we are confident he will have a successful rehab over the summer and will be back to help us in the 2010 season,” head athletic trainer Mike Goforth said in a prepared statement. Goforth said Rivers will miss spring practices, and is questionable for the start of fall practice in August, but is expected to make a full recovery. Rivers had 96 tackles, including 6.5 for a loss, and a fumble recovery in his first year as a starter this past season. - Heather Dinich, ESPN
03/04/10 - Zac Etheridge, rJr, Auburn, 5-11, 212 (DS#13 SS) Auburn safety Zac Etheridge took the next step to making a full recovery from a fractured vertebrae Thursday after visiting a specialist in Birmingham. The senior is now out of his neck brace and can begin limited workouts with his teammates. Etheridge won't be able to participate in spring practice and won't have a final decision on his football future until later this summer. Etheridge started 33 consecutive games before suffering a neck injury against Ole Miss Oct. 31. The Troy, Ala., native has 192 career tackles. ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper recently named Etheridge as the nation's No. 4 safety prospect for the 2011 draft. - Bryan Matthews, Auburn Sports
03/04/10 - Karrington Bush, Jr, Texas State, 5-10, 185 (DS#999 RB) A star running back for Texas State University spent Wednesday night in Hays County Jail after what police said was a dispute with his girlfriend. Karrington Blake Bush, 22, was charged with assault causing injury/family violence. He was released from custody this morning on a $3,000 surety bond. According to Corporal Wayne Casteel of the San Marcos Police Department, officers were summoned to the apartment Bush shares with his girlfriend minutes after 6 p.m. Wednesday. Reports indicated the couple had quarreled after the girlfriend found messages on his cell phone. The altercation turned physical, Casteel said, leading to a point where the girlfriend was allegedly trying to strike him and he pushed her down on a bed. “She rolled off and bumped her head,” Casteel said, which caused her pain. He said officers who responded noted that when they got there, Bush was packing a suitcase “to at least leave for a while,” but also that the woman had “minor bruises” and scratches on her arms. He said officers asked Bush if he pushed her and he said he did. “He said he was trying to protect himself. She was upset and hitting him. He said he didn’t mean for her to hit her head, he was just trying to calm her down.” The girlfriend was not charged. A native of Whitewright, Bush was the Bobcats’ leading rusher in 2008. That same year, he was an All Southland Conference selection and honorable mention All American. The 5’11”, 185 lb. Texas State junior saw limited action last season following an injury. - San Marcos Daily Record
03/03/10 - Walter Thurmond, rSr, Oregon, 5-11, 189 (DS#24 CB) Walter Thurmond III entered his senior season at Oregon seemingly on his way to becoming a highly sought after commodity in this year’s NFL Draft. Injuries have a way of derailing the best-laid plans. A sprained knee against Cal on Sept. 26 originally believed not to be serious ultimately proved otherwise, ending Thurmond’s career at Oregon and severely damaging his draft stock. “He could have been a late first-round or a second-round pick,’ said one NFL scout. “That was the direction he was going.” Now? “Obviously it’s sort of an obstacle when considering bringing in a player that relies on speed and quickness and is coming off a bad knee injury,” the scout said. But all is not lost. Quarterback Kellen Clemens overcame a broken leg to become a second-round pick in 2006. Quarterback Dennis Dixon rebounded from a severe knee injury to become a fifth-round pick in 2008. Many draft sites project Thurmond as a later-round pick. Thurmond, who missed eight games and the Rose Bowl, was not healthy enough to perform at the recent NFL Scouting Combine. The scout said he’ll have to show something at Oregon’s Pro Day or during an individual workout to ease the minds of scouts. “His chances of getting drafted are good providing his knee is healthy,” the scout said. “All 32 teams are not going to agree on that. A handful of teams are not going to take the chance. People evaluate it differently.” - Aaron Fentress, The Oregonian
03/03/10 - Josh Pinkard, rSr, Southern Cal, 6-1, 214 (DS#16 FS) Defensive back Josh Pinkard will not participate in Tuesday’s workouts at the NFL scouting combine, and he also is expected to miss USC’s March 31 pro day while recovering from knee surgery. However, his agent, Michael Hoffman, said Pinkard is recovering well after tearing the ACL in his left knee Dec. 5 vs. Arizona. “The injury is healing nicely,” Hoffman said. “It’s still in the early stages. According to the doctors who have seen him, they expect to give him full clearance. He’ll be ready by training camp.” Although he had an up-and-down year at cornerback, Pinkard was on NFL teams’ radar screens because of his size (6-1, 214), speed and versatility. Now, after a third ACL injury, he has gone from a mid-round prospect to a late-round draftee or rookie free agent. “No one can really answer that,” Hoffman said. “Obviously, it’s not going to be the same. Right now we’re focusing on his health.” - Michael Lev, The OC Register
03/03/10 - Walter Thurmond, rSr, Oregon, 5-11, 189 (DS#24 CB) Oregon will host upcoming pro day workouts on March 11 and March 18. These are chances for former UO players to work out for NFL personnel, hoping to make an impression prior to next month’s NFL draft. Typically, most if not all of Oregon’s pro prospects return to Eugene for at least one, even if they’ve moved elsewhere to prepare for the draft. The date I’ve seen most widely publicized is the first one, on March 11. Walter Thurmond III said last week he planned to attend that one, though he still won’t be ready to test his surgically repaired knee until April. Both workouts are closed to the public, including media. - The Oregonian
03/03/10 - Richard Gordon, rSr, Miami, 6-4, 270 (DS#32 TE) Miami tight end Richard Gordon surprised a few of the coaches during a recent team meeting. He showed up with a pen and pad. With this his final chance to have an impact, Gordon is displaying the maturity needed at one of the Hurricanes' thinnest positions. They have just two scholarship tight ends on the roster, with Gordon almost a sure bet to start. "He's taking notes in meetings," tight ends coach Joe Pannunzio said. "It's amazing when kids grow up and matures. … He knows what he's doing, he's seen it before." Gordon's career has been somewhat disappointing. He's caught just four passes, despite being given several chances for playing time. Last year he missed most of the season with a shoulder injury. After receiving a medical redshirt, he's looking to take advantage of one more opportunity to produce. "I know most of the plays," Gordon said. "It won't be a big problem. It's time to come back." The Hurricanes need it this season more than ever. They were so deep at the position a year ago, but lost Jimmy Graham, Dedrick Epps and Tervaris Johnson to graduation. The only other available tight end is redshirt freshman Billy Sanders. - Canes News
03/03/10 - Ryan Wolfe, Sr, UNLV, 6-1, 205 (DS#34 WR) "Right now there are no real restrictions," Wolfe said, adding that doctors on Monday gave him a green light to go all out but won't remove the stabilizing screw in the bone on the outside of his foot. "It's up to me how much I do and how fast I progress (in rehabbing the injury)." He began running again in late January. Wolfe has been doing low-impact lower-body workouts while focusing mostly on his upper body strength. He's now running at what he estimates as 60 or 70 percent of his top speed and thinks he'll be able to prove he's recovered from his broken foot in the next few weeks. The Rebels' Pro Day on March 25 has become the most important date in Wolfe's planner. Between the Scouting Combine and the pro day, Wolfe is flying to California to work with former UCLA quarterback and Tennessee Titans, St. Louis Rams wide receiver Drew Bennett. Wolfe, the Mountain West Conference career record-holder for receptions with 283, doesn't necessarily need to prove his durability to teams. He played in 47 games and was a three-time All-MWC player before the injury forced him to miss his final game with UNLV. But since his arrival in Indianapolis on Tuesday - he came in two days ahead of schedule to better adjust to the three-hour difference in the Eastern time zone - Wolfe knew he wouldn't be able to show teams his complete resume. For a player who prides himself on "not being outworked" being a bystander at the prospect competition has been more painful than any injury. "It's not an advantage, but I've had a good experience," Wolfe said of being mostly an observer in Indianapolis. "But I'm focused on doing everything I can and will be full speed (March 25)." - Jeff Reynolds, The Sports Xchange, NFLDraftScout.com
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