University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss Holds Football Pro Day Thursday
3/25/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Members of the 2015 Southern Miss football senior class got their chance to shine Thursday, despite some rainy elements, in the school's annual Pro Day.
Twenty-three pro football franchises, 21 from the National Football League and two from the Canadian Football League, were in attendance for the event as the players involved did their best showcasing their talents in the 40-yard dash, the vertical jump, broad jump, weightlifting exercises and individual drills on the field.
Those Golden Eagles who tried to make their best impressions included former defensive back Kalan Reed along with wide receivers Mike Thomas and Casey Martin.
All three impressed the scouts on Thursday, and it gave players like Reed a chance to improve their stock, after he posted a 41 ½ vertical jump and a 4.38-second 40-yard dash.
Reed was happy with his day and glad to see all the hard work that he and his former teammates have put in over the last few months to get ready for this day.
"It was a pretty good day," said Reed. "I don't think people were expecting me to be as explosive or run that fast. So all in all, I did pretty well and showed them what they had questions about. That there were plusses and not minuses."
Casey Martin excelled as well, including an impressive showing in the bench press, tallying 23 repetitions at 225 pounds. Martin said he was happy the way the testing went, that included a 4.49 40-yard dash.
"I've always been strong, so I was pretty confident with my bench," said Martin. "I was also happy with my 40-time. I practiced that a lot and ran a good one."
One other player, Mike Thomas, who set school records for receptions yards (1,391) and touchdown catches (14), was another draw for scouts. Probably the highest projected Southern Miss player slated to be taken in this year's draft, Thomas did not hurt his stock after a 10-foot, 6-inch broad jump, a 36.5-inch vertical leap and a 4.4, 40-yard dash.
The NFL Draft takes place April 28-30.
