March 25, 2010
Photo Gallery Of UNLV's Pro Day
LAS VEGAS - No less than 19 scouts from 16 different NFL teams were on hand at Thursday's annual UNLV Pro Day on campus but a lot of wind and a little hamstring tweak dampened the event.
Taking part in all or some of the timed or measured events were a dozen Rebels who just completed their college careers (Rodelin Anthony, Jason Beauchamp, Mike Donato, Kamu Kapanui, Marquel Martin, Ryan Wolfe, Kyle Watson, Renan Saint Preux, Jerriman Robinson, Martin Tevaseu, Terrance Lee and Joe Hawley), who were joined by four former UNLV players (Erick Jackson, Jay Staggs, Mil'Von James and Beau Bell) as well as former BYU running back Curtis Brown, who is the older brother of current UNLV defensive back Kenny Brown. Also, former BYU and UCLA quarterback Ben Olson was at Rebel Park to throw passes to the receivers.
One ball-catcher he didn't get the chance to work with was all-time UNLV leading receiver Wolfe. The Mountain West Conference's career leader with 283 grabs didn't get to run his 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine earlier this month because he was still recovering from foot surgery performed late last season. Thursday was supposed to be Wolfe's big timing day but he tweaked his left hamstring on his first run attempt. The time was thrown out and the three-time first team all-conference performer sat out the rest of the drills.
Earlier in the day, however, Wolfe improved his bench press total from the combine by two when he lifted 225 pounds 15 times inside the Lied Athletic Complex. Wolfe's broad jump was 9'10" and his vertical jump came in at 33.5 inches.
Wolfe said he was disappointed about the minor injury but that he will still get timed next month when he runs for teams at Hart High School in his hometown of Santa Clarita, Calif.
"I felt 100 percent coming in but then on the last couple of steps in my first 40, my hamstring tweaked a little bit," he said. "It's nothing too serious but I had to be careful. I will have another chance to show what I can do."
Another Rebel who was invited the official combine was Hawley, who can play guard or center at the next level. The four-year letterman made a lot of noise in Indianapolis, pushing his way near the top of the list in multiple events. The big man took part in two measurements Thursday and improved his results in both. Hawley jumped 31.5 inches, besting his 26-inch effort at the combine, while he jumped 8'11" in the broad jump, which was two inches further than his previous recorded time.
"I proved a lot at the combine so I really came here to mingle and let some scouts get to know me a little bit," said Hawley. "It's much more relaxed in this setting. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have a chance to be drafted, I just don't know when or where."
Former Rebel free safety Martin also created a lot of buzz Thursday after posting eye-popping numbers. The one-time walk-on jumped an impressive 38.5 inches on the vertical and a outstanding 10'10" on the broad jump. Despite having to deal with heavy winds, Martin also posted a sub-4.5 seconds 40 time.
"I'm just fortunate to be out here with my former teammates and I really feel blessed," said Martin, who has yet to sign with agent. "I just can do what I can do and leave satisfied."
The 2010 NFL Draft will take place April 22-24 in New York.
