Seven Cougars Participate in Pro Day Workouts

PROVO -- Twenty scouts representing teams from the National Football League descended on Provo Wednesday afternoon as BYU held its annual Pro Day at the Student Athlete Building and Indoor Practice Facility.

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.”

Class of 2006 members, Curtis Brown and Jonny Harline, also worked out in front of the scouts. Southern Utah, UNLV and Southern Virginia were represented with one participant from each university.

Following the standardized exercises and measurements, Hall had a chance to demonstrate his arm strength and accuracy as he ran drills with his two tight ends, Pitta and George, and running back Tonga.

“I was pretty happy with how things went at the Combine as far as my measurements are concerned,” said Pitta. “Today I got to showcase myself as a football player by running routes and catching the ball. I feel I’m good at those things, but there’s always room for improvement.”

With the NFL Draft just over a month away on April 22-24, the former Cougars now have to wait to hear what awaits them at the next level.

“I’ve done all I can do at this point,” said Pitta. “It’s out of my control now. Now it’s just a matter of waiting to see what happens.”