Eight former Ball State football players participated in the school’s Pro Day Wednesday, hoping to making an impression on NFL scouts.
Scott Kovanda, Travis Freeman, Justin Cruz, Austin Holtz, Kitt O’Brien, Brandon Newman, Steven Schott and Dwayne Donigan went through a number of drills that included weight-lifting and the 40-yard sprint. Each of the players had different ways of preparing for Wednesday’s Pro Day, but all of them are wanting the same result — a spot on an NFL roster.
But there was also a change of plans for the group, as the weather forced the workout to be moved from Scheumann Stadium to the indoor turf field.
Holtz had been preparing at Dynamic Athletic Performance in Michigan, working on speed and strength drills. After the workout, he felt his preparation leading up to Pro Day had paid off.
“The [40-yard sprint] was quick,” Holtz said. “The shuttle felt smooth, which is always important.”
NFL scouts aren’t necessarily worried about the times linemen run in the 40-yard sprint, the focus is on the speed in the first 10 yards.
Each player was allowed to run the 40-yard sprint twice, but Newman only ran once because he pulled his hamstring on the first run. Even with the injury, he posted 5.40 time. He said had he not pulled his hamstring, he would have expected a time near 5.00.
“I’ve definitely timed before around 5-flat,” Newman said. “It’s always dangerous to run the 40. The time that really matters for the linemen is the first 10 yards.”
Newman has had conversations with scouts prior to Wednesday, and said the most feedback he’s had is to get above 315 pounds. Most of what he’s been told has to do with numbers — height, weight and measurements — but he said he’s still going out to show the scouts what he’s capable of doing.
“I kinda just told myself I wouldn’t be able to live with myself the rest of my life if I didn’t give this a shot,” Newman said. “So I’m hoping for the best, but prepare for the worst. With that mindset I’m not actually upset with anything I recorded here.”
Since the workout was held indoors with a low ceiling, Kovanda and Schott weren’t able to do any kicking drills. Kovanda has recently worked out at the NFL combine and Michigan’s Pro Day last week.
From now until the NFL Draft on April 25, each former Ball State player will continue to work out individually to get their bodies in shape. When the draft arrives, each one of them will be waiting for their phone to ring with news that they will be able to compete for a spot on an NFL roster.
