Detroit’s Mayhew, Caldwell among dozens of scouts at FAMU’s Pro Day

L-R: Quinn Gray, Martin Mayhew, Earl Holmes, Jim Caldwell and Corey Fuller

More than 20 scouts from the NFL and CFL descended on the campus of FAMU for the 2014 Pro Day. Detroit Lions General Manager Martin Mayhew and Head Coach Jim Caldwell came in person to check out FAMU’s gridiron talent.

At the center of the scouts’ attention were John Ojo, Brandon Denmark, Frances Mays and James Owens.  Along with the pre-workout favorites, Jonathan Pillow, Douglas Almandares, Devan Roberts, Kevin House, Michael Ducre, Michael Ethridge and Lonnie Lockett used the opportunity to make their bid for a chance to play at the next level.

While the scouts were able to conceal the results from the general public, some results were obvious.  Denmark and Ojo both had verticals over 38 inches.  Ojo, who had completely recovered from the shoulder injury that slowed him during last season, performed well all around.  Denmark, was one of the athletes scouts were most interested in seeing.   Commenting that at the end of last season he was unblockable, Head Coach Earl Holmes briefed the scouts on his resume as he completed his impressive showing.

James Owens, the speedy running back/kick returner from central Florida, showed his athleticism with a remarkable vertical jump and a speedy 40-yard dash.  Mays, also showed agility, adding an impressive vertical to his 6’9” frame.  He also ran a solid 40-yard dash time.

Padric Scott, Travis Harvey and Ellie Hyppolite also went through drills at Pro Day.  Scott, who signed with the Arizona Cardinals as a free agent last season, is making another push to get in the league.  Trimmed down nearly 10 pounds, Scott’s strength was never an issue, as scouts informed him that there really wasn’t a reason for him to lift, as they knew very well of his strength.  His fleet feet in the 40-yard dash was impressive.

Harvey, who signed last season with the Tennessee Titans, went through the regimen again, as an injury last season hampered his performance at Pro Day.

Former Rattler football player, Kevin Elliott, currently a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, was there to show support for some of his former teammates.  Elliott recalled his Pro Day his senior year and how it catapulted him into an opportunity to play professional football.