March 11, 2011

Corvallis, Ore. -

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We will get to that question later.

Approximately 25 NFL scouts, several personal trainers and a host of curious onlookers converged onto the Oregon State University campus for the annual Pro Day festivities (photo gallery).  It’s a chance for all of the Beavers’ eligible athletes for the upcoming NFL Draft to showcase their talents. For many of the individuals it was their first appearance on campus since the end of winter term, as most headed to California, Arizona or Texas to prepare for this specific day.

Most of the eyes were focused on three-time All-Pac-10 Conference running back Jacquizz Rodgers, as he tried to better his 40 time that he termed “disappointing” at last month’s NFL Combine.  Rodgers ran in the 4.6 range in Indianapolis, but improved to 4.47 on his first attempt within the Merritt Truax Center.  He followed with a 4.53.

“I’m proud of my 40 time today, because I ran a 4.6 at the Combine; I knew I was better than that,” Rodgers told a gathering of media.  “I had to prove myself in the 40; I think I did that today.  I know my speed was a question, but being able to run a better time than what I did at the Combine was a big improvement.”

Rodgers wasn’t the only Beaver from last year’s team to participate, as he was joined by Gabe Miller, James Dockery, Aaron Nichols, Keith Pankey, John Reese, Dwight Roberson, Alex Linnenkohl, Suaesi Tuimaunei and Keo Camat. Tuimaunei posted the best time in the 40 at 4.35 while Miller led the way in the Sports Performance Center with 34 reps at 225 pounds. 

Former defensive ends Ben Terry and Matt LaGrone, from the 2009 season, also participated as did former Beaver quarterback Brennan Sim.  Sim played quarterback the last two years for the fledgling South Alabama program.

But it was Rodgers, who will be back to being a student at OSU this spring, who felt he had the most to prove.  Arguably the biggest thing for him to prove was how tall he is.

“They had me measured 5-5 at the Combine,” he said with a laugh.  “At first today I was 5-7 when they measured me, then they re-measured me to 5-6 ¾.”

Whatever his height, it’s probably safe to just use OSU head coach Mike Riley’s description – “he’s short, but he’s not small.”

One noticeably missing player from today’s workout was defensive tackle Stephen Paea, a projected first round selection.  Paea, who is recovering from a January knee injury, is expected to go through drills for scouts on the OSU campus later this month.

Oregon State opens spring practice for the 2011 season Mon., March 28 culminating with the annual spring game Sat., April 30 at Reser Stadium.

Support Oregon State University Athletics by making your tax deductible donation to the Beaver Athletic Student Fund.  For more information follow this link or call 541-737-2370.