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Players test stock in front of 39 scouts during NFL Pro Day

March 12, 2008

Antonio Smith

The State News caught up with former MSU wide receiver Devin Thomas and former MSU basketball stand-out Antonio Smith, who looks to enter the NFL at age 31, Wednesday at NFL Pro Day at Duffy Daugherty Football Building.

Thomas and Smith, along with 10 other former MSU football players, worked out and performed tests while being evaluated by 39 scouts representing 29 NFL teams.

Here’s their take on the day:

Devin Thomas

Results: 4.4-second 40 yard dash, 33-inch vertical jump, 15 reps bench pressing 225 pounds

SN: After wowing scouts at the NFL Combine, why did you feel the need to work out again at MSU’s Pro Day?

DT: Really, I just wanted to polish up on some things — like weight room, I wanted to hit the bench, re-do the vertical and just the position drills. That’s something I felt was necessary to do, just running routes and catching the ball.

SN: What made you decide to turn pro a year early and have there been any second thoughts?

DT: Just looking at it, I felt talent-wise and mentally I was ready. Going into it, once I made the decision, I was excited and went straight to do — I didn’t want to think about coming back another year – once I made the decision, I erased that from my mind and focused right on the NFL.

SN: Where do you hope to be taken in the draft?

DT: I’m hoping to be the first receiver taken. That’s my goal right now, and if I fall short I do, but I’m shooting for that right now.

Antonio Smith

SN: What are your thoughts on how you did?

AS: I think I did pretty good. I’m not sure how my numbers match up with the other guys, but I thought I did good.

SN: Do you think NFL scouts will take your tryout attempt seriously?

AS: Hopefully, that’s what I’m praying for. I’m not out here making a joke out of anything, I’m out here as serious as I was on the basketball court. I’m going to go out on the football field with the same attitude, the same mentality, and I know that I’m going to have to work. I know it’s a long shot but I’m just going to put forth my best effort and go from there.

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