BYU Football: 3 Players with the Most to Prove at Pro Day
Pro Day provides the opportunity for both lesser-known prospects and potential first-rounders to shine in front of NFL scouts. With several former Cougars looking to play on Sundays, Friday will be their chance to get attention from pro teams.
There are quite a few players from BYU that have the potential to sign free-agent deals or sneak into the latter rounds of the draft. Here are three players to keep an eye on, and with a strong performance at pro day, they could have futures as NFL players.
Cody Hoffman
Position: WR
2013 Stats: 57 receptions, 894 yards, 5 TDs
With his name all over BYU record books, Hoffman left Provo as perhaps the greatest receiver in Cougars history. His performances at the NFL combine and the Senior Bowl did nothing to prove that.
His combine numbers showed a lack of elite jumping ability, downgrading his 6'4" size. BYU's pro day will give him a chance for redemption, and if he can prove that he has pro talent, Hoffman could sneak into the latter rounds of the draft.
Kaneakua Friel
Position: TE
2013 Stats: 11 receptions, 128 yards, 1 TD
Robert Anae's new offensive scheme did no favors for Friel, who experienced a steep drop off in production numbers from 2012 to '13. Coming off of a 30-reception, five touchdown year in 2012, Friel was expected to be one of the top receiving targets for BYU, but was rarely thrown to the following year.
Pro day will give him the chance to work out in front of NFL scouts nationwide, and if he takes advantage of that, he could have a future in the league. He definitely has the talent of an elite college tight end, and that could translate well to the NFL.
Spencer Hadley
Position: LB
2013 Stats: 36 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 1 sack
Spencer Hadley's season was cut short by injuries and a suspension, so he never quite got the chance to shine. Had he played all 13 games, instead of only six, he would likely be on the radar of many draft analysts.
If he is back to full health and participates at pro day, he will have the opportunity to chase his NFL ambitions. He definitely has the talent to play either outside or inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, and now is his chance to prove it.