Michigan State football welcomed NFL scouts to the Skandalaris Football Center for its annual Pro Day. Seventeen Spartans from last season participated, looking to prove themselves and take steps toward achieving their dreams of playing in the NFL.
Pro Day is an annual event for college programs giving players another opportunity to showcase their talents heading into the NFL Draft. It also gives players potential opportunities on practice squads, training camps, and other professional football leagues.
Running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver, linebacker Wayne Matthews III, defensive backs Devynn Cromwell, Dontavious Nash, Josh Eaton, and Malik Spencer, defensive linemen Jalen Satchell, Grady Kelly, Quindarius Dunnigan, and Ru’Quan Buckley, edge rusher Cam Williams, tight end Jack Velling, punters Carson Voss and Ryan Eckley, offensive lineman Matt Gulbin and wide receiver Omari Kelly all suited up and participated in the event.
The Pro Day began in the weight room with the vertical jump, where Devynn Cromwell led everyone with a 40½-inch leap. Other notable marks included Josh Eaton at 36½ inches, Grady Kelly at 35½ inches, and Omari Kelly at 34½ inches.
Next was the bench press at a set 225 weight for everyone and Buckley put up an incredible 32 reps, the most on the team, 10 ahead of the next best. Grady Kelly did 22 reps, Gulbin had one less with 21 reps, and Matthews was the only non-lineman to put up 20 reps or more.
On the practice field, Cromwell continued to show off in the physical portion of the pro day, leading the team again, this time in the broad jump with an 11-foot-3-inch broad jump. Eaton would be the next furthest with a 10-foot-4-inch broad jump, Spencer would be just behind him with a 10-foot-3-inch jump and Bell also broke the 10-foot mark with a 10-foot-1-inch jump.
“I felt like I was ready, could have gotten better numbers, but at the end of the day, no regrets, just proud of all the results I had,” said Bell.
Following the physical and speed portion, players moved to position-specific drills, starting with the offensive linemen, with Matt Gulbin as the main focus. The one-year starter at center has already drawn plenty of NFL attention and showed why at Pro Day. He began with footwork drills, where he looked very sharp, then moved into blocking drills, demonstrating the strength and power he hopes to bring to an NFL roster next season, having already met with multiple teams.
“I kind of enjoy the interviews because it’s just talking football,” said Gulbin. “Obviously it’s an interview process you got to conduct yourself a certain way, but it’s cool learning some NFL offenses and stuff like that.”
Spencer was a standout in the speed drills, which included the 40-yard dash, 3-cone drill, and the shuttle. He kept that momentum in the defensive back drills, showcasing his athleticism, agility, and catching ability as he proved to be one of the brightest players at Pro Day.
