UMD - Pro Day

JansenFan · Post by **JansenFan** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 1:00 pm

umterps.collegesports.com wrote:Terps Test for NFL Scouts, Coaches

Several former Maryland players improve their stock at 'Pro Day.'

March 16, 2005

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland football team hosted its annual Pro Day today, an opportunity for recently-departed Terrapins to show their wares to National Football League scouts and coaches. Today's event was the largest in the last five years for the Terps with over 70 scouts and coaches in attendance.

The primary focus today was on Shawne Merriman, the junior defensive end who declared early and has been projected to be a top 15-20 pick overall in the April 23-24 collegiate draft. But several of Merriman's teammates helped get themselves noticed today while several others had already put their work in prior to this afternoon's session.

Among those who likely helped themselves today were DB Ray Custis, WR/Spec. Curtis Williams, DB Chris Kelley and DB Reuben Haigler. Custis, the Terrapins' top "Iron Terp" the last two seasons, showed that his reputation as a workout warrior was not unfounded as he benched 225 pounds 25 times, posted the day's best vertical jump (42 ½ inches) and ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash.

Williams posted a 42-inch vertical jump and a 4.39 in the 40 at 205 pounds, making him a viable option for teams looking for a wide receiver, safety or special teams player. Kelley ran the fastest time he has ever run as a Terp, going as fast as a 4.46 after posting 20 reps at 225 and a 35-inch vertical. Finally, Haigler ran a 4.51, benched 25 reps and posted a 38-inch vertical.

Cornerback Domonique Foxworth was one player whose work was mostly done before today. Foxworth was one of the top five defensive backs in most categories at the Indianapolis combine earlier this month. Foxworth ran a 4.34 in the 40, jumped 42 inches, put 225 up 14 times and long jumped 10-5, likely making him a player who will be picked on the first day.

The most noticeable of all coaches and scouts today was the contingency from Kansas City as head coach Dick Vermeil was joined by defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham and President/CEO Carl Peterson.

Below are some of the numbers the Terps posted in today's workout:

Name-------------Ht/Wt------Bench----V.Jmp.----40-yd. Dash*
Rob Abiamiri----6-3/247------22-------39----------4.55
Jon Condo-------6-2/244------14-------32----------4.95
Ray Custis------5-8/185------24-------42.5--------4.38
Kevin Eli-------6-2/273------24-------29----------4.85
Reuben Haigler--5-9/189------21-------38----------4.51
Chris Kelley----6-0/204------20-------35----------4.46
Lou Lombardo----6-5/297------24-------29----------5.12
Sammy Maldonado-5-11/224-----19-------31.5--------4.62
Shawne Merriman-6-4/274------DNT------40----------4.60
Nick Novak------5-11/190-----10-------DNT---------DNT
Rich Parson-----5-9/186------14-------35.5--------4.50
Kyle Schmitt----6-4/295------23-------26.5--------5.46
Maurice Smith---5-10/226-----26-------36.5--------5.0
Steve Suter-----5-8/192------20-------40----------4.47
Curtis Williams-6-1/204------19-------42----------4.39

Players who tested at the Indianapolis Combine: C.J. Brooks 6-5/310 -- -- 5.13 Dom. Foxworth 5-11/185 14 41 4.34

* 40-yard dash times are unofficial and use the best of two times run by each player; DNT=did not test today; C.J. Brooks' info from the NFL combine other than his 40 time were not available; Shawne Merriman's bench from the combine was unavailable; all other info from today (which did not include results from the shuttle or broad jump) is official.

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 2:16 pm

I don't know who that kid is, or if he can even play football, but Ray Custis' numbers are impressive.

a 5'8 corner weighing 185 lbs Benching 25 times and running a 4.3 while having a 42 INCH VERTICAL...that is incredible hops. He's 5'8 and can jump almost 4 feet high standing flatfooted.

that is pretty impressive

i don't know who Nick Novak is , but 10 reps is pretty sad. 1 set? Some of us can probably do that.

ii7-V7 · Post by **ii7-V7** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 2:43 pm

I heard a report about this on the radio today. I wasn't aware that Merriman was 274 lbs. I had heard that he was about 240. This changes my whole perspective on him. I would love to pick him up if he really is big enough to play DE!

Chad

Wysocki · Post by **Wysocki** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 2:44 pm

Novak is the kicker...

WshSkins22 · Post by **WshSkins22** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 2:48 pm

wow merriman is amazing speed rfor his size

JansenFan · Post by **JansenFan** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 2:59 pm

He's got the frame to get up to 280-285 without effecting his speed too much. He's definately got talent and speed, and with the added sixe, he could be dangerous.

Not to mention Foxworth running a 4.34 40.

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 3:11 pm

oh, okay, that explains the 10 reps, thanks.

ii7-V7 · Post by **ii7-V7** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 3:41 pm

JansenFan wrote:He's got the frame to get up to 280-285 without effecting his speed too much. He's definately got talent and speed, and with the added sixe, he could be dangerous.

He is certainly rising up my draftboard!

Chad

Redskins4Life · Post by **Redskins4Life** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 6:15 pm

One of the most sought-after products in the state of Maryland coming out of high school, this cat-quick athlete is known as a workout warrior. In the offseason, he trains with Washington Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington. What's the connection? Merriman played high school hoops with Arrington's brother. The work seems to be helping, as Merriman turned into a dominating force in 2004.

He trains with LaVar!?!?!?!? Maybe we can acquire Courtney Brown then draft Merriman (unless of course Mike Williams is available) and make LaVar a very happy player on a team with a bunch of friends. Man if we drafted Merriman our D-Line would be AMAZING (assuming we get Brown).... I'm definitely on the Merriman bandwagon after reading this and his pro day results

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/draft/416752

Hogfather · Post by **Hogfather** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 7:47 pm

The Hogster wrote:I don't know who that kid is, or if he can even play football, but Ray Custis' numbers are impressive.

a 5'8 corner weighing 185 lbs Benching 25 times and running a 4.3 while having a 42 INCH VERTICAL...that is incredible hops. He's 5'8 and can jump almost 4 feet high standing flatfooted.

I wanted to know too. I know why he has a 42 inch vert..he has some thick calves & quads for a guy 5'8, most of that 185lbs is in his wheels!

andyjens89 · Post by **andyjens89** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 9:36 pm

Can Merriman play the middle?

Redskins4Life · Post by **Redskins4Life** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 10:24 pm

andyjens89 wrote:Can Merriman play the middle?

I highly doubt it. Usually DE/LB tweeners are used for pass rushing and Middle Linebackers are definitely run stuffers...

SKINSLOVER · Post by **SKINSLOVER** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 10:30 pm

The Hogster wrote:I don't know who that kid is, or if he can even play football, but Ray Custis' numbers are impressive.

a 5'8 corner weighing 185 lbs Benching 25 times and running a 4.3 while having a 42 INCH VERTICAL...that is incredible hops. He's 5'8 and can jump almost 4 feet high standing flatfooted.

that is pretty impressive

i don't know who Nick Novak is , but 10 reps is pretty sad. 1 set? Some of us can probably do that.

yea ray is nice i played against him when he went to northwest high school he has a little bro commin up 2

DiRTyHoG3026 · Post by **DiRTyHoG3026** » Sat Mar 19, 2005 11:47 am

Merriman is a beast! 4.58 40 and a 40 inch vert! :hail:

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