WSU hosts 27 NFL teams for Pro Day

WSU held its NFL Pro Day Thursday, where 17 Cougs had the opportunity to workout in front of professional scouts. This year’s event was particularly well attended as only five NFL teams did not send a representative.

Luke Falk didn’t go through a full throwing workout like he did at the NFL Scouting Combine last week, but was present at the event. He threw to help Robert Lewis and Gerard Wicks with their receiving drills. This was a particularly important event for Lewis, who missed all of the 2017 season due to injury.

To no one’s surprise, offensive lineman Cody O’Connell shined on the bench press, doing 28 reps of 225 pounds. Running back Jamal Morrow put up an impressive 17 reps in his return from a foot injury.

Morrow broke the metatarsal bone in his foot during the Holiday Bowl and was recently cleared to start running again. Morrow told Stephanie Loh of the Seattle Times that he’ll look to workout privately with NFL teams and potentially at another Pro Day as he returns to form.

Former linebacker Paris Taylor and defensive tackle Robert Barber also took advantage of the opportunity to work out in front of scouts. Neither played football in 2016, but are both looking to find a spot on an NFL roster this spring. The Seattle Times reported that Taylor’s 40 yard dash was clocked between 4.38 and 4.46 seconds.

The other participants at the event were Daniel Ekuale, Garrett McBroom, Hercules Mata’afa, Frankie Luvu, Dylan Hanser, Marcellus Pippins, Robert Taylor, Kirkland Parker, Cole Madison and Erik Powell.

Isaac Dotson was noticeably absent from the event, but that is not without explanation. The former linebacker posted on Instagram Wednesday, that he is retiring from football, citing health concerns.

For another look at the event, watch the video put together by the athletic department below.

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Football:

A record number of NFL teams descended upon Washington State for Cougars’ Pro Day
Luke Falk was very popular while Lewis, Hanser, Wicks and others showed off speed

Washington State's Isaac Dotson walking away from football before NFL draft
Isaac Dotson isn't working out at Washington State's Pro Day and it turns out, it's for good reason: He's walking away from the sport.

WSU football coach Mike Leach sued - KXLY
Washington State University football coach Mike Leach is being sued.

Cougars OL Cody O’Connell, Frankie Luvu and several defensive players do well at WSU’s Pro Day | The Seattle Times
Frankie Luvu came out of WSU's Pro Day on Thursday with two private workout invitations from NFL teams, Jamal Morrow says his broken foot is mending well, Robert Barber makes a surprise return and Dylan Hanser talks about his bonus special teams skills.

WSUCougars.com | Washington State University Athletics
Washington State football held its annual NFL Pro Day in front of roughly 32 professional scouts Thursday morning.

Baseball:

Area roundup: Washington State baseball rallies for 11-inning home win over Saint Mary’s | The Spokesman-Review
Dillon Plew was involved in the two key moments Thursday when Washington State (3-6) opened a four-game home series against Saint Mary’s (7-4) with an 11-inning, 7-6 nonconference baseball win.

WSU Rallies To Beat Saint Mary's in 11 - Washington State University
Washington State forced a Saint Mary's error in the 11th inning that allowed the winning run to score and give the Cougars a 7-6 win in the series-opener at Bailey-Brayton Field Thursday afternoon.

Men’s Basketball:

Grip on Sports: The past is always there for the Mariners, even if it's not all that pretty | The Spokesman-Review
Does anyone have a lot of faith the Cougars will turn their basketball fortunes around next season? If you watched the first six games and the last six games of the 2017-18 regular season, you probably would.