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With the NFL Draft just around the corner, 11 Cougar football players had the chance Thursday to impress their potential employers. WSU hosted its pro day where outgoing Cougs had their athletic abilities measured. It was an especially important opportunity for players such as wide receiver Dom Williams and defensive lineman Destiny Vaeao, who were not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine last month
Williams, it appears, had the standout performance that he had trained for. Stefanie Loh reported that according to the scouts at the combine he officially ran a 4.40 in the 40 yard dash, but some timers had him as low as 4.38. Combine this with his outstanding 40.5 inch vertical jump and you have an athlete that is one of a kind in this year's wide receiver class.
WRs who ran sub-4.4 & vertical jumped 40+ at the Combine: ZERO
— WSU Cougars (@WSUCougars) March 10, 2016
WRs who did it at @wsucougfb Pro Day:#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/d73b4WwEHj
Williams, who has been training six days a week in Bellevue in preparation, acknowledged afterwards that he was pleased with the results of the Pro Day. I imagine that these results will turn some heads in NFL front offices and that Williams' stock is on the rise. He might not get drafted, but he'll get a shot and he has the skills to have a role professionally.
Dom, wasn't the only Coug helping his pro stock Thursday, however. Vaeao, who has been training in Orlando, Florida, registered 27 reps on the bench press. In an interview with wsucougars.com (embedded below) Vaeao talked about how coach Joe Salave'a had helped him prepare for the next level. Vaeao is another player that is expected to get a shot at playing in the NFL.
Question: Is Destiny Vaeao strong? #ProDay #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/4tRdUKmOB6
— WSU Cougars (@WSUCougars) March 10, 2016
Joe Dahl, WSU's top NFL prospect, decided to stick with his workout results from the combine, but did do some offensive line drills.
Darryl Paulo, who played defensive end for WSU, is looking to make the switch to rush linbacker. The Cougs leader in sacks from 2015 has gained five pounds since the football season and weighed in at 260 Thursday. He ran a 4.80 40 yard dash with 25 bench press reps and a 9'10" broad jump.
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Football:
WSU Pro Day 2016 - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
Nearly 20 scouts were on campus for WSU's Pro Day, Thursday.
Seniors Recognized at Cougar Football Banquet - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
The Washington State University football team held its annual banquet Thursday evening at Martin Stadium.
State of the program: Washington State Cougars
After a few seasons of getting their house in order, the Cougars look to be contenders in the Pac-12 North.
WSU Cougars’ DE Darry Paulo transitioning to rush linebacker | The Seattle Times
WSU's Darryl Paulo hit a personal best at Thursday's Pro Day. He's trying to make the transition from defensive end to rush linebacker
WSU Cougars LB Jeremiah Allison will be featured in Season 3 of NFL Network’s ‘Undrafted’ | The Seattle Times
This fall's season of "Undrafted" will feature Washington State linebacker Jeremiah Allison, one of the Cougars' most respected defensive players. A four-man crew from the NFL Network was in Pullman on Thursday to film Allison's Pro Day workout.
Dom Williams one of the top performers at WSU Cougars’ Pro Day | The Seattle Times
Defensive linemen Destiny Vaeao Darryl Paulo, linebackers Jeremiah Allison, Ivan McLennan and Kache Palacio, receivers Dom Williams and Dan Lilienthal and offensive tackle Joe Dahl all participated in workouts.
Men's Basketball:
As it comes to an end, it's time to shed some light on Washington State's basketball season | The Spokesman-Review
Do you remember the last time Washington State won a Pac-12 (actually, Pac-10) basketball tournament game?
Josh Hawkinson’s return a positive step for WSU team that has a lot of work to do | The Spokesman-Review
Despite an uncompetitive loss that capped a season full of them, Washington State’s brief appearance at the Pac-12 men’s basketball tournament was a wild success for the Cougars.
Men's Golf:
Men's golf finishes ninth at Bandon Dunes Championship | Sports | dailyevergreen.com
The WSU men’s golf team was unable to improve their standing in the final round of the Bandon Dunes Championship at the Bandon Trails Golf Course on Tuesday.