Scourton shines as 12 Ags work out in front of 80 NFL representatives
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How much does Shemar Stewart love Texas A&M?
Well, there were 13 names on Thursday’s Pro Day roster, and for branding purposes, the former No. 4 decided against working out so that 12 of his former teammates could showcase their skills in front of over 80 representatives from NFL organizations.
OK, so maybe Stewart sat out because he dominated at the NFL Combine last month and had already proven that he was one of the elite prospects in this draft class, but I like my version better.
With all that has changed in college football over the last few years, it's sort of refreshing to see how amazingly consistent Pro Day procedures and agenda remain.
Its unwavering itinerary starts with standardized data gathering stations such as the 40-yard dash, 5-10-5 shuttle, 3-cone drill and bench press. From there, the workout transitions into a skill session for each position.
On Thursday afternoon, those aforementioned 12 Aggies went through the paces in an effort to improve their standing in the eyes of professional evaluators and move one step closer to turning their childhood dreams into reality.
The story of the day was Nic Scourton.
Having shed nearly 20 pounds since his last appearance in the Maroon & White, the Bryan native chose only to participate in the individual skill sessions at the back half of the day.
In short, he made himself some money.
Scourton flew through each drill with an impressive combination of speed, mobility and power — drawing audible praise from the gathered crowd and the coaches at each station.
He combined explosive violence with technical proficiency as well as a clear motor to accelerate through the finish line. His body language and energy were noteworthy, as well. Watching his interactions and communication skills with the decision-makers in attendance showed the confident demeanor of a self-aware young man who understood that everything he did was being evaluated.
Scourton even ended his outing with a few reps as a stand-up, off-the-ball linebacker.
It was a total package type of day that should have only enhanced his overall profile for the next level.
Shemar Turner also only worked out during the individual period.
While he wasn't as fluid as his D-line partner in crime, Turner certainly showed glimpses of the power and tenacity that became so prevalent during his time in College Station. In talking to some scouts there, I got the sense the current buzz surrounding Turner was an early Friday selection.
There is an injury concern or two, but it doesn't sound like it should be too debilitating to his status. The volume of tape Turner has put together, which includes a stretch where he was playing like one of the top defensive linemen in the country a couple of seasons ago, should hold a lot of stock.
Outside of those two, I thought Jahdae Walker made an excellent account of himself with his workout today.
He looked a touch leaner than we saw him last fall and showed improvements in both his mobility and dexterity in his route running. After turning in 40-yard dash times that hovered around 4.4 seconds, Walker was crisp with his feet and sure with his hands as he progressed through the route tree during the pass-catching period. On multiple occasions, he received plaudits from coaches on his decisiveness and suddenness to get vertical after making a reception.
Like Scourton, the bounce in Walker’s step and upbeat body language were noticeable traits.
I'm pulling for BJ Mayes to get his shot. From a prep player at Houston Heights to a college journey that took him through Incarnate Word and UAB before A&M, this kid has had quite the path up the footballing ranks.
To me, Mayes had a much better time of it during the skill work than he did during testing. I hope the evaluators invest and do some digging on this kid because I think he could be a steal as either a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent. The tape shows some real awareness and a knack for finding the football. Also, don't forget he selflessly changed positions in the middle of last season due to injuries. Not only that, he thrived in his new role. I should think that section of Mayes’s file will be appreciated by the scouting world.
Notes
• TE Shane Calhoun ran an impressive 40-yard dash, showing surprising explosiveness out of the blocks and impressive top-end speed. He followed that up with a steady outing in the pass skeletons at the end of the workout. In fact, a lot of the times and measurements from Calhoun today would have ranked among the best at the NFL Combine. I think it’s safe to say he was the biggest surprise from a data standpoint of any player at Pro Day. He has put himself squarely in the mix to get a shot at the next level.
• Similarly, I thought TE Tre Watson had a solid day. He's such a confident, controlled route runner who shows very little propensity to fight the football. He comes across as a natural, comfortable receiver.
• Rodas Johnson's 20 reps on the bench press led the way for all those who participated. He also looked as if he'd dropped some weight and tightened up his build since the end of the season.
• The new indoor facility is truly a masterpiece and a massive tool for A&M. Its design and layout were extremely well thought out, and its utility is only further highlighted during large events such as Pro Day. I talked to scouts and agents that were blown away by its size and grandeur.
