Photos By Matt Weir / The Collegian
Twenty-three NFL scouts showed up on Wednesday afternoon for Fresno State football’s pro day
Nearly 30 representatives from 23 NFL teams, including San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith, came to Fresno State’s pro day on Wednesday to see departing seniors and other players from the area showcase their skills. It was said to be the biggest turnout in program history.
Senior wide receivers Seyi Ajirotutu, Marlon Moore and Chastin West all showed off their talents by participating in workouts. Each individual participated in the 40-yard-dash and the 3 cone drill, as well as position drills. Moore had 18 reps on the bench press lifting 225 pounds.
Senior running backs Anthony Harding, Lonyae Miller, Jamal Rashad and fullback Reynard Camp each had an opportunity to impress the many scouts that were present during the day.
Senior defensive backs Moses Harris, Marvin Haynes, A.J. Jefferson and Damion Owens also had the chance to impress scouts at the pro day. Harris, Haynes and Owens, who were not invited to the NFL Combine, participated in all the events that were asked of them. However, Jefferson chose not to participate in the workouts.
“I think I proved everything I had to [at the combine],” Jefferson said.
Jefferson decided to stick with the results he had at the combine, but he did surprisingly run routes with the receivers even though he spent his entire career at Fresno State playing cornerback.
Other players who worked out for scouts were former Fresno State players Tyler Clutts, Ikenna Ike, Damon Jenkins and local players like Arkelon Hall. Punter Robert Malone also impressed at the pro day, finishing with 22 reps on the bench press.
While many scouts came out to see more than a dozen athletes perform, the main attraction was Fresno State’s record-breaking running back Ryan Mathews.
Mathews set school-records by rushing for a single-season best 1,808 yards and 19 touchdowns during his junior year. He ran for more touchdowns than any other player who has donned a Bulldog uniform. Mathews finished his career finding the end zone 39 times on the ground. For his career, he recorded over 3,500 yards from scrimmage en route to scoring 41 touchdowns.
He impressed numerous scouts after finishing strong in position drills and the 40-yard-dash. Mathews was quite impressive running and catching the ball out of the backfield.
Mathews will continue to work out until the NFL Draft rolls along on April 22 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Q & A
Why did you decide to participate in workouts at the Pro Day?
I just came out here ready to compete. Everybody else was running and I didn’t want to be the only one not running. I kind of think that looks bad, so I just came out here and had fun with it. I did my best.
Were you worried about not running as fast as you did at the combine?
No. If you worry about that than you start messing up and everything. I just came out, just having fun and running and being with my teammates one last time.
What time did you run in the 40-yard-dash?
They said low 4.4. It’s good for being on grass; this grass is soft and moist. I felt fast today and hopefully they take it for what it is and put it on the board.
What are you hoping come draft day?
Hopefully, I’ll be in New York and be on ESPN, but if not it’ll just be a blessing itself. Just be picked up by a team and whatever happens, happens. That’s what it’s meant to be and you know I’m hoping for the best, but you also have to think about the worst.
How’s this whole experience been for you?
It’s been long, a little bit dragging. But it’s different you know; it’s a once in a lifetime thing and not many people get to go through it. I really appreciated everything that everyone has done for me, on my support that everyone has given me.
What’s the best case scenario for you?
Hopefully, I get picked up in the first round, that’s the best case. I think for anybody that would be.
Are you going to miss playing for Fresno State?
I am. I’m already missing it: everybody, all my friends, all the fans and stuff. Being able to walk down the Red Mile right there and Bulldog Lane. Just being able to be with everybody and having all of your friends come to the game. I’m going to really miss it and the camaraderie of the team.