PAGE 2B THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN Kansas Pro Day Notebook: wide receivers impress CHRISTIAN HARDY @HardyNFL "Prove it" is a phrase that some of the Jayhawk football players who have declared for the NFL draft have heard so many times. And while Kansas pro day won't be the last time, it will be until late April when the NFL draft rolls around. Wednesday served as the final time many Jayhawks will display their talents in front of a wide array of scouts. Over 30 scouts from 25 teams were present at the Jayhawks' pro day, and many of them talked with potential draft picks who sported the Jayhawk blue and crimson this past season. There were plenty of notes from almost every player after going through drills, but here's a rundown of some of the most notable. LINEBACKER BEN HEENEY Heeney didn't go through a whole lot of drills on Wednesday simply because he didn't feel like he needed to. He matched his NFL Combine number of 19 bench press reps (at 225 lbs.), and participated in position drills, which were run by the Cowboys, a linebacker-needy team. "That was disappointing. I thought I was going to get to 21 or 22 at least," Heeney said of his bench reps. "I'll stand by my combine numbers. I think they were good enough." Despite not participating in pro day, Heeney is still making waves among NFL scouts after his huge combine. After meeting with several teams at the combine, the Eagles contacted him and chatted for about 30 minutes, expressing interest. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots are scheduled to visit Lawrence to privately workout Heeney, as well as cornerback JaCorey Shepherd before the end of the month. As for the hometown Kansas City Chiefs — also the home of Heeney's draft part — it's a bit of a less expressed interest—but the interest is there, Heeney says. NICK HARWELL Senior wide receiver "I tested better than I expected. I tested better than scouts would expect." "I just talked to one of the coaches up here today and he just told me that they've seen everything they need to see about me," Heeney said. "My game tape speaks for itself... they don't have any concerns with me." Heeney will take a few days off to rest his body before staying in Lawrence to train with Andrea Hudy, the Jayhawks' sports performance coach, up until the NFL Draft. SAFETY CASSIUS SENDISH Sendish made a big step to improve his stock at Kansas' pro day. Though he tabbed a team-low eight bench reps, his vertical came in at a solid 37 inches, and his 40-time was much higher than most scouts expectations. The safety was expected between a 4.6 and a mid-4.5-second 40-yard dash. Instead, scouts clocked him between 4.44 and 4.48, although Kansas officially had him a 4.5. There are about four teams who could draft Sendish, according to a scout, but that could change come draft day. But whether he's drafted in the late rounds or signed as a preferred undrafted free agent, one scout predicted that he'll be on a 53-man roster. WIDE RECEIVER NIGEL KING WIDE RECEIVER NIGEL KING Most notably for the early-declared King is his height and bench reps, measuring in at 6-foot-2.2 and tabbed 15 reps on the bench, which is ideal for an outside receiver in today's NFL. Fifteen reps would have placed him at 14 among 30 wide receivers at the NFL Combine. A Browns scout talked to King for about five minutes in between individual and position drills and seemed to express interest. However, his route running wasn't sharp in position drills and he dropped two passes, though one was a questionable throw from former quarterback Jake Heaps, who made an appearance at the pro day. TIGHT END/H-BACK JIMMY MUNDINE Mundine tabbed 20 bench reps, which would have tied him for fifth among tight ends at the NFL Combine, but his 4.60 40-yard dash time is what impressed most. Turning in that time was huge for Mundine, as it would have been the second fastest at the NFL combine. Mundine dropped one pass, but looked very sharp and comfortable in his routes. He was in discussions with the Lions during Wednesday's pro day and the Eagles. It would be shocking if a versatile, quick team like the Eagles didn't take a chance on Mundine after the draft. WIDE RECEIVER HORN HANDLE Harwell's biggest question mark according to one scout, was his speed coming in, and Harwell echoed the same sentiment. At 5'11", it's something he's going to have to rely on if he's going to land on an NFL team, and on Wednesday, he proved it's not an issue. WIDE RECIEVER NICK HARWELL TOP 5 PERFORMERS FROM PRO DAY
40 yardVerticalBench Press
1. Dexter McDonald (CB)4.3740.510
2. Nick Harwell (WR)4.4034.59
3. Nigel King (WR)4.4639.515
4. Jimmy Mundine (TE)4.603820
5. Michael Reynolds (DE)4.533115
McDonald Harwell "I tested better than I expected. I tested better than scouts would expect," Harwell said. "Everybody said I was slow coming in, then I ran out and ran a 4.40." According to Harwell, he didn't talk to many teams on Wednesday because he did most of that at the NFLPA Bowl, in which he participated in January. Harwell dropped one, and had another overthrown by Heaps in individual drills. Although he has talked to teams, he's not sure what to expect come draft time. "I'm just gonna wait and see," Harwell said. "I'm very excited. I can't wait for it to happen." King Mundine LINEBACKER VICTOR SIMMONS He played as a stand-up linebacker in the Jayhawks' 3-4 last season, and it's likely the role he'll have to play if he lands in the NFL. Without a doubt, he improved his stock on Wednesday. It's highly unlikely he doesn't at least get a chance on an NFL squad, and push for the 53-man roster. LINEBACKER VICTOR SIMMONS Simmons is a little under-side at 6'0.2", 218 lbs., but his athleticism makes up for it. He came up with a 41-inch vertical, which would have been the highest among linebackers at the NFL combine. He had an 11' 0" broad jump, and a 4.56 40-yard dash, which would have scored second and tied for third, respectively, at the combine. Reynolds CORNERBACK JACOREY SHEPHERD Shepherd was the lone Jay- hawk who may have hurt himself on Wednesday, but it doesn't mean he won't get drafted. Shepherd ran a 4.62, according to a Seahawks scout, with a hamstring that is still a bit gimpy. That wasn't what anyone was expecting, and Shepherd probably wouldn't have run it at all if he wasn't coerced into it. Nevertheless, Shepherd was courted by a hoist of scouts. He was seen talking to the Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers on Wednesday, so there are multiple teams interested in Shepherd. He will likely end up being strictly a slot cornerback after he measured in at 5'10.5" on Wednesday, though. Edited by Lane Cofas Get easier banking for your world. As a student, you have a lot to figure out, including your finances. Commerce Bank can help! - Over 360 ATM and branch locations - Mobile Banking - Make deposits from your mobile device* - Instant issue debit, credit and pre-paid cards** - Online Banking & Online Bill Pay Open an account with us today! Call, click or come by. 785.865.4799 | commercebank.com Commerce Bank *Fees apply. Subject to restrictions and limitations. **Available at participating locations, restrictions may apply. One Bedroom, Washer & Dryer Ammentities - garage available ($95/month) - small pet accessible - ($35/month under 15 lbs) - energy efficient - refridgerator, - disbwasher and range included - ceiling fan in living room - full sized washer and dryer - vaulted ceiling in upper - appartments - private entryway - close to shopping, - dining and entertainment - Public/KU Transport (6th and Wakarusa) 5100 West Sixth Lawrence,KS 66049 (West of Walmart) 785.856.3322 www.appartmentonsixth.com +