OGDEN -- Scouts from each of the 32 National Football League teams were on hand earlier this week when Weber State held its pro timing day for last season's seniors to advertise themselves for the upcoming NFL draft.
WSU coach Ron McBride said that with seven former Wildcats currently signed with NFL teams, teams are interested in what's going on at Weber State.
"Basically we've got pretty good representation," McBride said. "There are three or four guys that they've looked at all year long that they need to get more information."
Pro scouts were common at the team's practice throughout the 2009 season, and had their eyes on players like wide receiver Tim Toone, cornerback Josh Morris and center Kyle Mutcher. However it was difficult to gauge how the scouts felt after the workout.
"They don't say much, but I thought Tim Toone tested extremely well and Josh Morris, in certain areas, did really well," McBride said.
McBride said that the scout from the Jacksonville Jaguars is planning on returning next week to have an individual workout with Toone, while the scout from the Seattle Seahawks spent a lot of time with Morris.
Defensive end Kevin Linehan also had an impressive showing, especially with his strength during weight lifting.
Running back Trevyn Smith, corner back Thyrell Lewis and punter Mike Snoy also worked out for the scouts.
Tight end Cody Nakamura suffered a season-ending injury three games into last season, and prior to that he also had scouts showing interest. Nakamura, who did not get a sixth year granted and had his collegiate career come to an end, was also on hand to show his skills to the scouts.
Due to his broken ankle which he suffered in the final regular-season game, Mutcher didn't work out for the scouts. However they did get to watch him all season.
"It was good," McBride said of the Pro Day. "I was happy the players had a good opportunity to show what they can do and hopefully they'll get a shot to play."
The NFL draft begins on April 22, and if the former Wildcats don't get drafted they can also sign with NFL teams as free agents.
* USU: Eight former Utah State's former football student-athletes worked out for NFL scouts on Thursday.
Aggies participating in the event included cornerback Sidney Allen, safety James Brindley, wide receiver Xavier Bowman, linebacker Paul Igboeli, defensive lineman Antonio May, offensive lineman Brennan McFadden, tight end Jeremy Mitchell and placekicker Chris Ulinski.
Highlights from Thursday's action include Brindley's 4.45 time in the 40-yard dash, as well as a 37-inch vertical jump, which Bowman topped by a half-inch for the top height. Bowman also had the top broad jump distance of 10'8". McFadden had the top weight bench prench of 225 pounds, doing 22 reps.
Five other players from other schools were on hand as well, working out for the scouts.
Brindley is considered USU's top prospect. A Grass Valley, Calif., native, Brindley was eighth in the WAC in tackles with 7.8 per game, despite missing two complete games and halves of two others with a leg injury.
* BYU: Twenty scouts descended on Provo Wednesday afternoon as BYU held its annual pro pay on campus. Seven members of BYU's 2009 graduating class took turns showcasing their speed, agility and strength as they participated in the broad jump, vertical jump, bench press, 40-yard dash, shuttle run and three-cone drill.
The former Cougars who attended were Shawn Doman, Andrew George, Max Hall, Tevita Hola, Jan Jorgensen, Dennis Pitta and Manase Tonga. Hall, Pitta and Tonga were invited to take part in the NFL combine, which concluded in Indianapolis a week ago.
"It was great to come back here for pro day," said Hall. "It's a lot different than the combine. I feel more comfortable here and I'm very familiar with this place. It great to be around people I know."
Southern Utah, UNLV and Southern Virginia were also represented with one participant from each university.
* UTAH: Sixteen NFL teams sent representatives to Utah's annual pro day, and according to Ute assistant head coach/defensive line coach John Pease, they came away impressed.
Scouts timed and tested around 20 former players at Utah's football facilities. The best 40 time was clocked by R.J. Stanford (4.4 seconds), while Aiona Key, Robert Johnson and David Reed crossed the line in 4.5 seconds. Stanford (37-5) and Key (35-5) also recorded the best vertical jumps.
Several coaches spent most of their time watching offensive lineman Zane Beadles. Pease also said the scouts liked "Johnson's range and Stanford's speed," and that a couple of linebacker coaches concentrated their energies on Stevenson Sylvester, Mike Wright and Koa Misi. Misi played defensive end for the Utes, but can also play linebacker.
Other former Utes who participated included: Ray Stowers, Tyler Williams, Justin Jones, Ben Vroman, Deshawn Richard, Darrell Mack and Bo Hikila. Three players from other schools also attended.
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