Jacquez Jones (10) has to do "his thing" at Pro Day today. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Today quarterback Will Levis can show off his throwing arm and other skills to numerous NFL personnel and media members at Kentucky’s Pro Day.
Levis is still being projected by most draft analysts as a top 10 pick in next month’s draft. However, he’s already thrown at the NFL Combine and interviewed with numerous NFL teams who all also have seen his game film from the last two years at Kentucky.
That’s why Pro Day could actually be more meaningful to many of Levis’ teammates than it will be to him. Other Cats scheduled to work out today are:
Offensive lineman Tashawn Manning; linebackers Jacquez Jones, DeAndre Square and Jordan Wright; defensive backs Carrington Valentine, Keidron Smith and Tyrell Ajian; running back Chris Rodriguez; kicker Matt Ruffolo; and punter Colin Goodfellow all have indicated they will work out for NFL scouts.
Manning, Rodriguez and Valentine worked out for teams at the NFL Combine just like Levis did.
“This day tomorrow is about all of us, all these guys that are going and trying to live out our dream of playing professional ball,” Levis said Thursday. “I think most importantly it’s probably important for the guys that weren’t invited to the combine, that couldn’t participate in the combine in one way or the other because this is really their shot to do those things and get their numbers that they’ve been clawing for for the past few months.
“If I can help by being a sought-after player and getting more eyes on them, then I’m very happy to do that.”
Kentucky receivers Barion Brown, Dane Key and Tayvion Robinson will also get a chance to impress NFL scouts since they will be running routes for Levis.
Smith knows his 40-yard dash time could be a make-or-break number for NFL scouts but he’s grateful to have all the eyes on him because of Levis.
“My job out there is to do the best I can do to help myself,” Smith said. “There are going to be a lot of eyes out there for Will, but if I can catch some of those eyes while I’m out there doing what I need to do, then so be it.”
Jones, who was hurt late last season, said he cannot worry about who is watching him work out.
“You’ve just got to go out and do your thing. Some guys will be like, ‘There’s going to be more scouts, so I’ve got to do more than what I have to,’ when you’ve really just got to go out there and do your thing,” Jone said.
