Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Salukis impress at NFL Pro Day at Saluki Stadium
03/17/2015 | 12:00:00 | Football
By Tom Weber
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Scouts from five National League Football teams conducted a Pro Day this afternoon at Saluki Stadium that featured 12 current and former Southern Illinois players.
The two headlining attractions on the field were SIU senior tight end MyCole Pruitt, and five-year NFL veteran running back Deji Karim, who is a free agent.
The 6-foot-2, 251-pound Pruitt impressed scouts at the NFL Combine in February in Indianapolis where his 4.58 40-yard dash time was the second-fastest among tight ends, and his 38-inch vertical leap was the best mark at his position. With those solid numbers already in the books, today's work consisted mostly of route running and blocking drills.
"Coming from an FCS school, there's always going to be a knock on you that you didn't play against the best level of talent, but I feel like in our league we played against some great defenses, and they were focused on me," said Pruitt, who anticipates being an early-to-mid round selection in the Draft. "Being able to get open in those circumstances, I think showed scouts a lot."
The 28-year-old Karim suffered a serious eye injury last season with the Indianapolis Colts and has only recently been cleared to play. He blazed through the 40-yard dash and showed scouts he still has plenty of speed left to help a team as a tailback or return specialist.
"It was disappointing how my season ended last year when I had the issue with my eye, but I've been training hard and feel like I'm in the best shape of my life," Karim said. "I know I still have a lot more I can offer to an NFL team."
Senior RB Malcolm Agnew was impressive in the agility drills and hopes to join his older brother, Ray, in the National Football League next season. Ray Agnew recently signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
"I played well at the NFLPA all-star game and I'm really happy with the numbers I put up today," Agnew said. "I keep in touch with my brother and I think I understand what it takes to make it in the NFL and just can't wait to get an opportunity."
Numerous other Saluki players who participated in Pro Day also have hopes and dreams of playing in the NFL, such as center Tanner Crum, who did an amazing 32 repetitions in the 225-pound bench press, and wide receiver/return specialist Tay Willis, who said he's been running blazing-fast 40-yard dash times in the high 4.2 range. Former quarterback Kory Faulkner led the passing drills, and after spending time in the San Francisco 49ers training camp last season, hopes for another opportunity this year.
The three-day NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 30 and ends on May 2.
