By Niles Hall (@n23hall) – Content Editor | Defensive Tackle Gafa Faga elevates on his vertical jump at SJSU Pro Day on March 18. (Photo by Max Garcia Ortiz (@maxgarci09) – Spear Photographer)
San Jose State football hosted 14 of last season’s seniors to showcase their talents in front of 11 different NFL teams’ scouts at its annual Pro Day on Wednesday.
Koret Athletic Training Center had an intense buzz as players lined up to have their hands, weight, wingspan and height measured.
Spartan standouts who participated in the event were defensive tackle Gafa Faga, tight end Jackson Caanan, defensive backs Isiah Revis and Jalen Bainer and linebackers Jordan Pollard and Taniela Latu.
“It was fun for our last time,” Pollard said. “I’ve been around these guys for a while, so being around them one more time was great.”
The event began as players circled the bench press, cheering one another on as they pushed the weight until they could no longer lift it. Offensive lineman Peseti Lapuaho stood out during this portion, having a workout-high of 24 repetitions.
The group moved on to vertical and broad jumps, where Revis excelled, recording a 37.5-inch vertical jump and an above-average 10-foot-four broad jump.
Pollard and Latu also showed their athletic ability. Latu had a 35.5-inch vertical jump along with a 10-foot-seven broad jump and Pollard had a 30-inch vertical jump with a nine-foot-nine broad jump.
Newly promoted from SJSU linebackers coach to defensive coordinator, Bojay Fillimoeatu, a former NFL linebacker, encouraged his former linebacker tandem.
“I think the biggest thing is when they wake up is not feeling nervous. I was nervous when I did it, you have to tell yourself to calm down,” Fillimoeatu said.” Just go attack … and take every drill step by step.”
The workout moved to the field, where the players ran the 40-yard dash, and then they performed skill drills. Bainer had the fastest 40 time, running it in 4.6 seconds.
Whilst the NFL may be a long shot for many players, they are still grateful to showcase their talent in front of NFL scouts.
“I’ve been dreaming about this since I was 10 years old,” Revis said. “I feel like I did all I could … I’m satisfied with where I’m at, I just got to wait and see what those next steps are and keep staying consistent.”
