The annual Pro Day for Oklahoma football players seeking careers at the next level is in the books.
And in the absence of a full-scale NFL scouting combine, this year’s Pro Day carries more importance than in years past.
Seven Sooner players who showcased their stuff in Pro Day workouts this year included C Creed Humphrey, DB Tre Brown, OL Adrian Ealy, DL Dillon Faamatau, DB Tre Norwood, RB Rhamondre Stevenson, and DE Ronnie Perkins.
Creed Humphrey dominates
It turns out that Creed Humphrey is a freak of nature. Humphrey has a kind of athleticism that’s uncommon for his position. At 6-foot, 5 inches and 320 pounds, Humphrey ran a blazing 5.05 40-yard dash and produced a 33-inch vertical jump. That’s not normal. That kind of athleticism from an offensive lineman is why he’s been so highly regarded at OU and is a probable first- or early second-round NFL Draft pick.
Tre Brown as fast as advertised
Tre Brown has flashed his elite speed in big moments in his time at OU. Against Baylor in the 2019 Big 12 Championship game, Brown made what was likely the game-saving play when he tracked down a Baylor receiver sprinting towards what would’ve been a certain touchdown. He also had two electric kickoff returns against Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship, where he showcased his speed (noticing a pattern here?).
On OU’s Pro Day this month, Brown ran a 4.40 40-yard dash. If you spend enough time following Oklahoma football, you shouldn’t be surprised. He also led his fellow Sooners with a 38-inch vertical jump and a 4.27 in the 20-yard shuttle. Brown may lack elite size, but his athleticism covers a multitude of sins.
Rhamondre Stevenson cuts weight
Rhamondre Stevenson sported a new look on Pro Day. Dropping his weight from 235 to 228 pounds. This was probably an effort to be faster when running through drills and tests. Stevenson ran a 4.63 40-yard dash, which is solid for someone with his size, strength and power running style. After missing so much time in 2020 with a five-game suspension for failing a marijuana test, his fresh legs could be appealing to an NFL franchise in need of some continuity at the running back position.
Ealy and Norwood try to silence the doubters
When Tre Norwood and Adrian Ealy announced they would be declaring for the NFL Draft, Sooner fans were equally as confused as they were distraught about their departure.
Norwood put together a solid 2020 campaign, snagging five interceptions, including a pick-six against Heisman candidate Kyle Trask in OU’s Cotton Bowl win over Florida. Norwood‘s Pro Day numbers don’t exactly jump off the page, so hopefully NFL scouts like what they see from the film and possibly pick him up as an unrestricted free agent.
Ealy’s numbers won’t hurt him, but won’t move his name up any draft boards either. Ealy could’ve really benefited from one more year in Norman as Bill Bedenbaugh’s offensive line looks to pave the way for what could be the best opportunity for OU to play for a national title in quite some time. That extra season could’ve been very beneficial, both for Ealy as well as the Sooners. As of right now, most mock drafts have Ealy as a day two pick.
Ronnie Perkins vying for a first-round spot
Ronnie Perkins’ absence (due to suspension) spoke volumes during the first five weeks of OU’s 2020 season. When he finally returned to OU’s defense against Texas Tech, it was clear that he was a difference maker.
He showed that on OU’s Pro Day. He ended up with 25 reps on the bench press, showing the strength that Sooner fans witnessed when he tossed Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders on that Saturday night OU Bedlam victory in Norman. He also showed great speed and quickness in the 40-yard dash, running it in 4.71 seconds.
Perkins could be the second Oklahoma defender in two years to be taken in the first round of the this spring’s NFL draft. A marked improvement over what this OU defense used to churn out.Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch continues to show that he was the right man for the job, and I’m sure as he notches more impressive pro days in his belt, other schools will be calling.