March 26, 2008

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Ten former University of South Carolina Gamecocks worked out for the NFL scouts at the annual Pro Timing Day, held Wednesday morning. Each player worked out in hopes of catching the scouts’ eye prior to the 73rd NFL Draft, which is set for April 26-27.

The list of tryout candidates included Cory Boyd, Casper Brinkley, Ryan Brown, Marcus Davis, Chris Hampton, Brandon Isaac, Blake Mitchell, Joel Reaves, Mike West and Greg Wright. Scouts representing approximately 15 teams were on hand for the day’s activities.

The group went through a battery of tests and measurements in the weight room, including the standing broad jump, vertical leap and bench press, then moved to the playing surface at Williams-Brice Stadium where they were timed in the 40-yard dash and shuttle drills, then took part in individual drills.

“I felt pretty good,” said Cory Boyd following the workout. “I just have to keep working out and trying to stay in shape. I try not to pay too much attention to (where I’m projected to be drafted). I’ll try not to think about it too much. It’s always good (to be seen in front of the scouts) because they can see your hips and see how you go against air and see how your expolsiveness is. I tried to come out here and do it the same way I did in Indianapolis (at the Combine),” added Boyd.

“I think I excelled at my linebacker drills and opening my hips up,” said Brinkley. “I think that’s what the scouts wanted to see from me. I think I have a pretty good chance (of getting drafted.). When I didn’t get an invite to the Combine, I was down in a slump. But there are a lot of guys that don’t go (to the Combine) that end up getting drafted. I took it as a motivation.”

“I felt pretty good,” said Mitchell. “My arm was live. I tried to show everybody what I have. I thought I had a pretty good day. I’ve trained hard in Atlanta for the past 12 weeks. They want to see how you can react to change and how well you can follow directions. I thought I did pretty well.”