Four days before the unveiling of a new Gator football team and coaching staff at the Orange And Blue Debut, the former Gators trying out for the NFL showed their stock in the Swamp one last time at Pro Day on Tuesday. The athletes who highlighted the showcase were projected first-rounders Dante Fowler Jr. and D.J Humphries.
Fowler had this to say about his future in the NFL and the opportunity to play in the league.
“I want to be one of the great ones when it is all said and done. Just looking up to Ray Lewis, Demarcus Ware, Derrick Brooks and guys like that. I always wanted to be like them growing up, me being able to be in that situation now I feel like I have a big chip on my shoulder and still have things to prove.”
Fowler is projected to be a top 5 pick with expectations for him to land just down the road in Jacksonville.
After his decision was questioned to declare for the NFL, offensive lineman D.J. Humphries has had increased interest in the eyes of teams around the league. When asked about his soaring draft stock Humphries happily said “it’s up up and away”.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was in Gainesville for Pro Day and he had his eyes on running back Matt Jones among others. The 6 foot 2 junior ran for 817 yards in his final year at Florida before declaring for the draft.
Other notables from pro day were Andre Debose who was clocked a 40 yard dash just over 4.3 seconds Tuesday afternoon. Debose drew serious interest from the Bengals who spent time interviewing him as well as running him in position drills.
The NFL Draft will open up on April 30th in a new location for the first time ever. Chicago will play host to the 80th National Football League draft.
For audio from Pro Day, click below.