Wide receiver Brandon Norwood running his 40-yard dash.
Photo credit: Ahmon Lott
Florida A&M hosted their annual NFL pro day Tuesday to accommodate their draft eligible players. The Rattlers utilized the fieldhouse facility and weight room to host the broad jump, vertical jump and bench-press events while the participants decided to run their 40-yard dashes on the field inside of Bragg Stadium.
Position coaches led the players through the drills, showering each player with words of encouragement. Family, friends, and current players filled out the weight room cheering on their NFL hopefuls as they navigated through each drill.
Senior standout wide receiver Brandon Norwood participated in the pro day recording an impressive 38" vertical jump on his second attempt.
In 2016 Norwood reordered over 50+ catches his junior year following up with another strong season tallying 50 catches in 2017. Standing at 6'1” 190 pounds, Norwood fits the build of an effective slot receiver at the next level, and while performing in the pro day he was sure to show off his quickness and lower body explosion.
Norwood was pleased with his overall performance but felt there was still room for improvement.
"I felt good about what I did out there wish I could have done better, but now everything is in God's hands," said Norwood.
Preparation plays a key in role in the performance of these athletes on pro day. There are countless hours of repetition and practice all in hopes of performing well enough to draw attention from a professional team.
"My preparation leading up to the pro day definitely helped me. I train seven days a week not only lifting but stretching, conditioning and watching what i put into my body" said senior quarterback Vincent Jefferies.
Jefferies, a junior college transfer from Garner, North Carolina, performed well through the drills showing that he has mobility and lateral movement in the pocket running a 40-yard dash in 4.70 seconds.
The best 40-yard dash time of the day came from senior running back Tevin Spells who ran a blazing 4.48 unofficial time.
The Rattlers had multiple players get called in to join NFL training camps last year, that list will only continue to grow as these players try to find their footing as NFL free agents.