All 32 teams from the National Football League were in attendance today as Jordan Agasiva, Aaron Amaama, Anthony Armstrong, Corrion Ballard, Cody Barton, Jackson Barton, Marquise Blair, Lo Falemaka, Jameson Field, Matt Gay, Chase Hansen, Alani-Havili-Katoa and Mitch Wishnowsky took the field to take the next step in their careers.
It's here! Good luck #UBoyz! https://t.co/OgHI6xMw8n
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) March 28, 2019
Between height and weight measurements, vertical and broad jump, bench press, the 40-yard dash, short and long cone drills and then on-field position drills, these former Utes were put to the test today in front of scouts from all over the country.
Luckily for the athletes competing today, they had a familiar face in the building to give them advice on the next steps to becoming a pro.
Former Utah standout Eric Weddle also spoke to the media today
On what kind of advice he gave the guys…
"It is an opportunity to show yourself and let your personality shine. Who knows what is going to happen. Some guys might have a chance in the NFL and some guys might not, but this is the next step. What I tried to explain to them is whatever you decide to do in life, try to be the best at it because there is no reason not to. Be the best dad, be the best husband, or if you are going to be a school teacher, go out and be great at it. Be the best ever."
"Let's go get em, let's be fast, let's be strong."@weddlesbeard is supporting our guys at Pro Day! #UtahProDay19 pic.twitter.com/OEhBVFEqw6
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) March 28, 2019
Chasing the dream at #UtahProDay19 ?? #goutes pic.twitter.com/cCtyKRud3Z
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) March 28, 2019
Offensive Lineman Jackson Barton
On how he felt the day went…
"It went well. I've really been anticipating this and have prepared hard for it, so I am glad it has paid off. Now it is just getting ready for the draft and staying in shape."
On if he is happy with his numbers from today and the combine…
"I am happy with everything right now. It was great to be able to get back out there with my teammates and being with them for one last workout as Utes. It has been fun."
On how this environment compared to the combine…
"It was pretty much the same, but we weren't as on edge. It was pretty much the same though, a very competitive environment."
On how it has been experiencing this with his brother Cody Barton…
"It is really unique. It was fun getting to watch him do linebacker drills and then getting to go up after him. We only saw each other for five minutes at the whole combine. Everyone was kept on schedule there."
Photos from #UtahProDay19 pic.twitter.com/1rFPHMZqSE
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) March 28, 2019
Linebacker Cody Barton
On how he felt he performed today…
"I think it went good, and went good for everybody. Today I only did linebacker drills, but I thought I was smooth and it looked good. I felt good."
On how much work he has put into getting to where he is today…
"I have put a lot of work into it. You get what you put in, so I have put a lot of work into this. There is a lot of preparation and a lot of long days, but hard works pays off."
On getting to go through this with his brother Jackson Barton…
"So we didn't train together because he was in Arizona and I've been in Florida. I saw him at the all-star game in January and then at the combine for maybe five minutes. But we talk to each other almost every night. We check in on each other, make sure he is working hard, we just make sure we are still pumped up and motivated. We played high school together, then college ball and now this pre-draft process, it is amazing."
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) March 28, 2019
Linebacker Chase Hansen
On his plans between now and the draft…
"Right now I am just waiting to get cleared and trying to make sure I am smart with my body. Goal No. 1 is to be healthy wherever I end up and be healthy in the long run. I am trying to think big picture and I don't want to rush things and then regretting it. As tough as the timing is, I have had a lot of people in give me advice and to just be patient."
On what he thinks about the process of a pro day and him being unable to compete today…
"If I was investing in someone or a player, I would want to know what their medical history is and their age, things like that. I am not blind to the criticism about me, but I feel like I have a lot of really good years of football left in me. I am looking forward to that. I feel good."
On getting to meet with the scouts after the drills were over…
"It was a good experience. They did film with me and looked at different things they wanted to know about me, how I learn, how I study. There are a million different questions they ask you to try and get a read on what kind of person you are and what kind of a player you are. Hopefully they can gather what kind of a player you are off of the film, but there is a lot more that goes in to being successful in the NFL from what I understand."