UVa Hosts Pro-Timing Day for All Draft-Eligible Players

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Virginia football program held its annual Pro-Timing Day for all draft-eligible players on Thursday, as 17 different NFL franchises were represented. There were 13 former Cavaliers taking part in the event at the UVa practice facility.

Danny Aiken, B.J. Cabbell, Darnell Carter, John-Kevin Dolce, Raynard Horne, Dontrelle Inman, Mike Parker, Zane Parr, Keith Payne, Joe Torchia, Marc Verica and Trey Womack all took part in the day’s festivities. Ras-I Dowling was in attendance, but only participated in being weighed and measured after sustaining an injury while at the NFL Combine with Aiken in late February.

“I was so anxious to get out there,” said Inman. “I have been dreaming for this (NFL) since I saw my first football game and I decided ‘that’s what I want to be – that’s what I want to do’ – so I am happy and glad I got the opportunity to be out here and perform.”

The day started for scouts at 6:30 a.m. with film study of selected players. After check-in and an information meeting, the draft-eligible players were in the McCue Center weight room going through measurements and physical testing. This includes measuring height, weight, hands, arm span and reach. The players also tested their vertical jump, broad jump and bench press.

After finished in the weight room, everyone moved outside to the practice fields. Draft-eligible players ran a 40-yard dash, a 60-yard shuttle and another short shuttle. Players also ran a three-cone drill to determine quickness and agility.

The even finished up with individual player workouts at their specific positions. After the position drills, scouts were free to speak with players and work them out at different positions.

This benefits players like Keith Payne.

“Everyone thinks I can play three different positions, like H back, fullback and tailback,” said Payne. “If teams think they can play me at all those positions, it’s a good thing and I am looking forward to seeing how things turn out.”

The 2011 NFL Draft is set commence on April 28 and concludes on April 30 from Radio City Music Hall in New York City.