Texas Longhorns pro day news and notes
The Texas Longhorns hosted their annual pro timing day in the bubble on Thursday with representatives from over half the NFL and a scout from the XFL on hand.
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Some of the participants, like NFL Combine invitees Cameron Dicker and Josh Thompson, went out Thursday trying to improve upon their performances in Indianapolis, Ind. Others, like Ray Thornton, Ben Davis, and Derek Kerstetter were there to prove they belonged on an professional roster in some form or fashion.
There were even a couple of players a year or more removed from their last snap with the program. Donovan Duvernay, the brother of Devin who played in both 2021 seasons at Northwestern State, participated for scouts along with his former Texas teammates. Chris Brown, who spent 2021 out of football, gave drills another go.
Even former All-Pro safety Earl Thomas did work in front of scouts in an attempt to get one more opportunity in the league.
As usual, a collection of pros were on hand to watch Texas players participate in their “job interview” including Quandre Diggs, Joseph Ossai, Charles Omenihu, Samuel Cosmi, Michael Dickson, and others.
Josh Thompson tests to up his stock
Thompson only participated in position drills, interviews, and the forty-yard dash at the combine, posting a 4.40 at Lucas Oil Stadium. In Austin on Thursday, Thompson went through the gauntlet.
Some of the numbers he posted include a 37.5-inch vertical jump, 15 reps on the bench press, and an estimated 4.17 in the pro agility drill.
Why did he participate in drills in Austin?
“I just had a lot left on the table,” Thompson said.” I wanted to prove to myself and everyone else around me — I went to the combine and only ran the forty and did position drills — so me coming out here and competing with my brothers that I played with means a lot.”
Thompson played all over the defensive secondary during his Texas career. In talking with NFL teams, Thompson viewed that not as a negative but rather a positive.
“It helps me a lot because when you go into those interviews, they do a lot of board work,” Thompson said. “Me being able to play those positions and know where everybody’s at, know where the nickel, safety, corner is, that just shows my football intelligence and my IQ.”
And his thoughts on his performance?
“I think I did real well,” he said, before correcting himself. “I know I did real well.”
Thompson said he spoke with every team at the Reese’s Senior Bowl and had a lot of good formal interviews at the NFL combine.
Brenden Schooler showcases athleticism
The Longhorn who may have had the best athletic showcase in the bubble on Thursday was Brenden Schooler. Not only did he vertical jump 37.5 inches, he also put up 16 reps on the bench press and clocked a 4.24 in the pro agility.
His most impressive number may have been his 4.41 forty time. Schooler, who arrived at Texas as a wide receiver before moving to safety ahead of the 2021 season, participated in both offensive and defensive skill position drills.
A lack of elite production at either position probably keeps him from hearing his name called in the NFL Draft, but the athleticism showed in front of scouts may help him find room on a roster.
Cade Brewer hopes his versatility helps his case
Cade Brewer told reporters following the pro day he hit personal record marks in all the drills he participated in. Of note, he ran a 4.8 forty, posted a 4.57 in the pro agility drill, vertical jumped 32.5 inches, and put up 20 reps on the bench press.
Brewer called the process stressful and said he was glad to be done with his pro day. He also noted how he was used in a variety of ways at Texas, whether that be as a fullback, split out as a wide receiver, or in-line as a tight end.
“Been around a lot of offenses and I’ve done different things,” Brewer said. “I feel like I’m very versatile when it comes to that. I think I can do a lot of things on the football field and I’m very football smart. I think whoever’s going to pick me up will have a great addition to their team, and I think the previous offenses have helped me grow as a football player.”
Brewer went to the Hula Bowl in January and met with a handful of teams. He doesn’t have any interviews lined up right now but hopes what he was able to do in Orlando helps his cause.
Other Texas pro day notes
-After suffering a knee injury in October, Denzel Okafor was able to participate in every drill without a brace on his knee. While he may have limited pro prospects, it was a positive sight seeing the sixth-year senior give it his best shot at professional football. He also posted some solid numbers including 31 reps on the bench and a forty time in the 5.2 neighborhood.
-Cameron Dicker did not participate in any combine-like drills, electing to simply kick field goals on the Denius Fields in front of scouts. He hit several from the 30-40 yard range but did have some struggles as he moved further from the uprights.
-A few other numbers
Vertical Jump
Ben Davis – 34″
Darion Dunn – 34.5″
Jacoby Jones – 32.5″
Derek Kerstetter – 29″
Justin Mader – 32″
Ray Thornton – 32.5″
Bench press
Ben Davis – 21 reps
Darion Dunn – 7 reps
Jacoby Jones – 17 reps
Derek Kerstetter – 31 reps
Ray Thornton – 18 reps
Pro Agility
