The Boise State weight room was jam packed, bright and early this morning, with 30 total scouts, 26 NFL teams and 2 CFL teams, as they watched the former players’ bench press and vertical jumps.
Not participating in the Pro Day was Running Back Jeremy McNichols, who is still recovering from shoulder surgery. He did, however, compete in this year’s NFL combine. When he recovers he will hold workouts with a couple of NFL teams. McNichols says he has confidence in turning pro.
"I’m not nervous at all, everything's out there; my resume is out there, my film is out there, my times. There is nothing else for me to stress about. Everything is out of my hands at this time. I’m not going to stress about it because whoever wants me falls in love with me," said, Running Back Jeremy McNichols.
Linebacker Tanner Vallejo, who injured his wrist this past year, showed solid effort on the bench by lifting 225lbs 19 times. He also took part in the 40-yard dash and other field drills. Vallejo’s workload today could lead to a possible landing spot in the league.
"It’s been a grind. It's what I have always wanted to do to call your job when you go to your work out and call that your job. This is the best shape I have ever been in and feeling the best I have ever felt in terms of football. I can only imagine when I get pads how I will be playing,” said, Linebacker Tanner Vallejo.
This year’s Pro Day allowed Punter Sean Wale and Kicker Tyler Rausa to perform in front of the scouts prior to other position players. Rausa finished his senior going 9 for 13 on field goals and was a perfect 58 for 58 on PATs. Though his kicks today were a little off the mark, Rausa says with the right team, he could be kicking on Sundays.
"It was huge for us, it was a big benefit for Sean and I, we felt it was a good opportunity for them to see what we are all about. I mean there was a lot of good stuff that I heard today and talked to some guys and just kinda seeing what to go from there and what kind of phone calls come about,” , said, Kicker Tyler Rausa.
For Offensive Lineman Mario Yakoo and Wide Receiver Thomas Sperbeck, both did not participate in the NFL combine but took part in the Pro Day. Yakoo plans to stay in Boise to train for the draft, and Sperbeck’s uncle, who is an NFL agent and his agent, will head to Sacramento.
"Obviously, like you said, it's a bummer not getting invited to the combine, but I was able to show what I was shown here and I think I hit most of the times that I wanted. And at the weight room I was good at the vert, broad and bench and hit numbers I really wanted to hit and I'm happy with the day's results," said, Offensive Lineman Mario Yakoo.
"Especially today I kinda surprised some people with my times and stuff and I think some guys don't think I have the athletic ability but I think I do. I'm pretty football smart, so I got that going for me," said, Wide Receiver Thomas Sperbeck.
The NFL draft will take place on April 27th.
