Pro Timing Day in Boulder

BOULDER?Fourteen players participated in the University of Colorado Pro Football Timing Day on Wednesday, showcasing their skills for the NFL draft in front of about two dozen scouts from various teams.

Eleven of the 14 players were seniors on last season’s Buff squad, including linebacker Jordon Dizon, offensive lineman Tyler Polumbus and cornerback Terrence Wheatley. Three other participants were also former Buffs, including Bernard Jackson, who started at quarterback for the Buffs in the 2006 season but worked out in front of scouts as a defensive back, quarterback and wide receiver. Former tailback Mell Holliday (2006) and former punter Mark Mariscal (1998-2002) were also on hand.

Pro Timing Day is mostly about numbers. Events started in CU’s weight room where scouts measured heights and weights and players were tested on the bench press and in the vertical jump. The players ranged from 5’6, 173 lb. wide receiver/returner Chase McBride to 6’7, 305 lb. Polumbus in scale. Tailback Hugh Charles was the leader among players in the bench press, recording 25 repetitions of 225 pounds.

Wheatley, who participated with Dizon and Polumbus at the NFL Draft Combine February, improved his vertical jump two inches to lead all players with a 38? mark. That number equals the mark of cornerback Dominique Rogers-Cromartie of Tennessee State who recorded the highest vertical jump at the combine.

“I felt like I did a good job with the process,” Wheatley said. “It’s been a long process and a stressful one, but I’ve been trying to enjoy it because I know it’s a special opportunity that most people never get to experience.

“I think I’m bigger than a lot of people thought. I’ve been able to show my explosiveness, the ability to get in and out of breaks and showcase my speed. I’ve also shown that I’m a smart player and that I’m mentally ready for the next level.”

Events shifted to the practice bubble where players participated in the 40-yard dash, the 3-cone drill, the L-Drill, the Pro Shuttle and various positions drills.

The 40-yard dash has long been one of the most important drills scouts look at when evaluating a player. Charles led the Buffs with a time of 4.43 seconds. Wheatley ran a 4.37 second 40-yard dash at the combine and chose to preserve his time and not run on Wednesday.

“One of my main focuses was the 40, and I’m pretty pleased with my performance,” Charles said. “I wanted a 4.39 but I didn’t quite get there.”

Wide receiver Dusty Sprague, who took passes from Jackson and Tharp in receiver drills, said the whole experience was invaluable.

“Since football season ended I’ve just been training with my trainer,” Sprague said. “Mainly I’ve been working out and trying to become faster. Today was an awesome experience just to get the opportunity to work out for NFL scouts. I’m pleased with how I did, but really I’m just happy to have the opportunity.”

Dizon went into Pro Timing Day feeling that it was a no pressure situation. Numbers are obviously important, but most of what scouts look at is film. As Jordon measured in at 6’0, he joked to a scout that he was taller. The scout told him “For all I’m concerned you’re 6’3.”

“It was good to improve from my numbers in the combine and I did that in most things,” Dizon said. “Pro Day can’t hurt you; they already have your combine times. If you beat them great, if not they forget them.”

Notes: Dizon said his extensive talks with NFL teams have given him an indication of where he might fit in. “I can’t fit into a 3-4 with my hand in the dirt and come off the edge. But I can fit into a 4-3 like we had here where I can read the play and run it down. I can also fit into the Tampa-two style defense.” Alonzo Barrett, who played defensive end his entire career at CU, worked out as a linebacker...Wheatley said he has been looked at as a kick returner in the NFL; he finished his CU career with 1,350 kickoff return yards, good for second all-time...Safety Lionel Harris recorded a time of 6.74 in the 3-cone drill; the mark was best among all performers Wednesday and was better than any safety recorded at the combine...Former CU linebacker and Butkus Award winner Matt Russell was on hand as a scout for the Philadelphia Eagles...Former tight end Joe Klopfenstein, a member of the St. Louis Rams, was in attendance to support his former teammates...The NFL Draft is scheduled to take place on April 26 (rounds one and two) and April 27 (rounds three through seven)...Former Boise State quarterback Taylor Tharp threw with the CU skill players, as underclassmen are not allowed to work out with seniors on Timing Day. Tharp was available as he is from Boulder.

Pro Timing Day Results

Name Ht. Wt. Bench Vert. 40-yd

Barrett, Alonzo 6’3 232 20 29? 4.81

Charles, Hugh 5’8 191 25 36? 4.43

DeVree, Tyson 6’5? 244 14 34? 4.75

Dizon, Jordon 6’0 225 12 34? 4.59

Harris, Lionel 6’0 197 17 32? 4.75

Harrison, Edwin 6’3 309 23 28? 5.47

Holliday, Mell 5’8 215 20 33 4.69

Jackson, Bernard 6’0 191 13 32? 4.84

Mariscal, Mark 6’0 198 DNP DNP DNP

McBride, Chase 5’6 173 17 31? 4.71