Arkansas Pro Day: Recap, Highlights and Tweets

Eleven former Razorbacks participated at the Arkansas Pro Day on Wednesday. Officials from all over the NFL were there to watch, and the Hogs didn’t disappoint.

After a “somewhat” harsh review of the Hogs in the NFL Combine, I was pleasantly surprised at the showing of our eleven former Razorbacks at the Pro Day. Wednesday answered questions that we had like–

Is it “The Arkansas Pro Day” or just “Pro Day”? And is it even capitalized?

Between the Combine and Pro Day, the players that needed to make their mark made it. Wednesday gave me a little bit more comfort going into the NFL Draft.

This comfort is mainly due to Hunter Henry’s performance at Arkansas’ pro day. After only competing in the bench press at the combine, which he finished next to last in, the fragility of Henry’s draft position was keeping me up at nights.

But Wednesday not only did he improve his bench press number, he added other impressive feats. Henry ran a 4.67 40 time, which would have put him second overall at the combine among tight ends. He also (thankfully) increased his bench press reps from 13 to 21. With Henry projected to be the first tight end taken in the draft, these numbers can solidify it.

In the combine, we weren’t able to get a good feel for both Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams. At the Pro Day, it was the same situation, just flipped around. Due to Williams’ injury that left him out of the complete 2015 football season, he did not fully participate in the combine. On Wednesday, however, we finally saw J-Will running drills.

Overall, Williams was as impressive as he could be. Although he was most likely disappointed in his 4.55 40 time, it showed that he was back for business. Other running back Alex Collins helped himself out after having a poor showing at the combine. Collins increased his vertical jump from 28 1/2″ to 32″. But his 40 time still stands at 4.59 so boo.

The other stud of the day was quarterback Brandon Allen. Not only did we find out at the combine that he has a big heart, but that he also has big hands. I mean that in the most hetero sense.

But seriously, BA has a lot to prove. Going into the draft, he’s still listed at around the fourth or fifth best QB in the draft (which is bull). All the momentum and eyes that he can get going his way will only push him further. And thankfully, he did fantastic at Arkansas’ pro day. So far all the tests have gone smooth sailing for the former Hog QB.

It was reported beforehand that Pittsburgh Steelers QB coach Randy Fichtner was attending the pro day to watch Brandon. Really, the Steelers at this point are the most likely team to choose Allen. They won’t be drafting a QB until later in the draft, and if the projections go as planned, BA could very well be their top choice. Keep an eye out for Pittsburgh’s late round picks, Hog fans.

More razorbacks: Razorback Fans Guide to the NCAA Tournament

This year’s pro day was a very successful one for all of the former Hogs competing. With it getting this close to the draft, I have a lot of confidence for the four men that will be heading off onto the next level.

Luckily for them, this year’s pro day didn’t give me a reason to gripe and give poor grades like the NFL Combine did. Today, Barrett Pfeiffer gives no F’s, and that is the sentence I am choosing to end on.

Below are more highlights and tweets for other players that participated in the pro day.