A few former Ball State University players will get a chance to work out for NFL scouts Thursday at Scheumann Stadium.
Ball State will hold their Pro Day with safety Alex Knipp and defensive end Brandon Crawford expected to be among the participants. Both Crawford and Knipp were named All-Mid-American Conference during their careers in Muncie.
Crawford and Knipp will both be fighting an uphill battle to get onto NFL Draft boards because they were not invited to the combine, which was held this week at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Coach Stan Parrish said he leaves the decision of working out at Pro Day to the players.
"I tell them all the same thing," he said. "It's their choice. I offer any guidance or advice when they ask me."
Crawford has been working out six days a week at the St. Vincent Sports Performance Center in Indianapolis. All of that preparation has been focused on Thursday.
"It's been a great experience," Crawford said. "I've been learning a lot. Everything we do is like at the NFL combine."
Michael Wozniak, Crawford's agent, said he has added 15 pounds of muscle while working out at St. Vincent. Now that he's increased his strength, Crawford will have to prove he hasn't lost his speed and agility.
"If he can come in around the 4.8 range [in the 40] that would be ideal," Wozniak said. "He's there in the low 4.8s."
A time of 4.8 would put Crawford just outside the top times run at the combine by defensive linemen.
Crawford isn't opposed to a move to outside linebacker if it means a shot at the NFL.
"If they stand me up I have no problem with it," he said. "It's just a matter of me finding out where they want me at."
Crawford isn't allowing himself to get caught up in thinking about his longshot odds of being drafted or what team he would like to play for. His focus remains on Thursday's workout.
"I'm just going to put it all on the line on Pro Day," Crawford said.
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