Villanova's senior football players recently participated in the pro-day at Temple. For the NFL, the pro-day is a mini-combine, allowing teams to work out and scout eligible players who were not invited to the combine, and some who were.
Seven players from this year's NCAA Division I National Championship team (the BCS is not an NCAA championship, by the way), participated in the work outs on March 18th.
Perhaps the most impressive Villanovan was Safety Ross Ventrone, whose brother Raymond (also a 'Nova alumus) has been employed by the New England Patriots, New York Jets and most recently, the Cleveland Browns. Ventrone ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds, had a 35 1/2-inch vertical jump, a 6.77-second three-cone drill and did 22 repetitions on the bench press (225 pounds). Those numbers would put him among the most athletic safeties in the draft, but due to concerns over his size, 5'9" and weight, 198 lbs, it is probable that the talented DB will end up as an undrafted free agent like his brother.
WR Brandyn Harvey (he of the amazing hands) was also at the pro-day, putting on a clinic of how to catch a football. At 6'3", Harvey has good height for a pro receiver, and also showed off a 39-inch vertical leap. He also measured a 10'7" broad jump. Harvey's forty-yard dash time of 4.6 seconds was slightly disappointing (but still better than the 4.71 that Jerry Rice ran in 1985). Scouts were extremely impressed with his hands.
The other players who had their tires kicked by NFL scouts were:
OL Jonathan Bugli (6-5, 311) did 29 bench press reps, with an impressive 31-inch vertical jump. He is a tough kid, who worked out well in position drills.
QB Antwon Young (6-3) is a developmental quarterback. He is very raw, but has a big arm with good athleticism.
DE/OLB Tim Kukucka (6-3, 245 pounds) had a 37-inch vertical jump before pulling his hamstring.
LB Osayi Osunde (6-1, 236) had a 34-inch vertical jump and did 26 bench press reps. A tight quad hampered him in position drills.
DL Phil Matusz (6-2, 319) had 31 bench press repetition
It seems that a couple of Villanova players had their days ended early with injuries. These players may get a chance to try out for a team after the draft anyway.
Additionally, the Football team began spring practice on March 8th. The offense has looked sharp in these early workouts, with the running game and offensive line play impressive so far. The 2010 season will open labor day weekend.
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