Courtesy Arkansas State University Athletics Department
JONESBORO, Ark. (3/14/13) – Fourteen former Arkansas State football standouts, including six All-Sun Belt Conference performers, worked out for scouts from 16 National Football League teams Thursday at Liberty Bank Stadium during the Red Wolves’ annual Pro Day.
The group was led by two-time Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year Ryan Aplin, along with all-conference selections Tim Starson (DE), Nathan Herrold (LB), Daylan Walker (DB), Josh Jarboe (WR) and Zack McKnight (OL).
“I think this is the last time I’ll probably do something of that magnitude on the field, so it was a little weird,” Aplin said of his experience. “Coming out here to train in the mornings this week without going through meetings and practice definitely felt different, but at the same time its time to start the next chapter. The last two months have been non-stop training, so it was nice to get this point. I’m hopeful I’ll get a couple of more workouts, but if not, I’m going to run with what I’ve got and give it my all.”
The other players that participated in the the interviews and various tests and drills were Shervarius Jackson (DE), Ronnell Wright (DL), Nick Nelms (LB), Anthony Kincy (TE), Kedric Murry (TE), Don Jones (DB), Chaz Sacles (DB) and Cole Lorgian (DB).
The Red Wolves have seen a player taken in the NFL Draft each of the last six years, including fullback Oren O’Neal, safety Tyrell Johnson, tight end David Johnson, defensive end Alex Carrington, offensive lineman Derek Newton and linebacker Demario Davis.
The event began with interviews and then moved to the ASU Football Facility weight room, where scouts put the players through a number of tests that included vertical jump, standing long jump and bench press. Shuttle drills, speed times and passing, receiving, blocking and defensive drills were conducted during the on-field testing held this afternoon.
Included among the NFL teams represented were the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts and Oakland Raiders.
The 2013 NFL Draft will be held April 25-27.