Friday morning the FSU Indoor Practice Facility was filled with players, scouts, families, and friends. Eighteen former Noles showed off their talents to NFL scouts who were visiting Tallahassee looking for notable players to consider in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Athletes participated in the Bench Press for individual maximum repetitions, lifting 225 pounds. As usual, the 40-yard Dash timed sprint brought the most attention from the more than 80 family and friends gathered to cheer their sons, brothers and friends.
Larry Reed, father of former star linebacker DJ Lundy, said, “I hope he performs well with the bench press and his speed.” Reed also hopes that Lundy could end up with his favorite team, the Seattle Seahawks.
Former coaches also came to encourage the players. Arthur Ingram III came to see Cam Riley, who Ingram coached to a state title in Alabama. Ingram had confidence in Riley, “I know he’s got it in him and if he’s not nervous he is going to perform very well.”
Defensive backs went through their drills after kicker Ryan Fitzgerald kicked a series of field goals, capping his drill with a 60-yard kick that split the uprights. Fitzgerald’s parents and brother were watching, and his father Chad was focused on one thing, “Just hoping he gets drafted.”
Quarterback and receiver drills were held at the end of the event. Former QB DJ Uiagalelei looked sharp with short and medium-range passes and receivers ran down several deep balls from DJU.
Next up for these men is the waiting game of the NFL Draft, scheduled April 24 through 26.