10 Great Danes partake in UAlbany football Pro Day
COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Not only did UAlbany football's first-ever run to the semifinals of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs garner the program some national attention this past season, it put some players on the radars of NFL scouts.
10 Great Danes put their skills on display Tuesday morning at the UAlbany football Pro Day held at Afrim's Sports Park in Colonie.
Scouts representing seven NFL teams were in attendance, including the New York Giants, Jets and New England Patriots.
All-American (according to Sports Illustrated) defensive lineman Amitral Simon Jr., more commonly referred to as AJ Simon, and Buck Buchanan Award (FCS Defensive Player of the Year) finalist Dylan Kelly, a former walk-on at linebacker, are likely the most sought-after prospects.
While both players believe they helped their potential draft stock Tuesday, they also know their game tape from this past season speaks volumes as well.
"[Scouts] seeing...how I can move around, drop back into coverage; I actually did some fullback stuff at a different pro day," said Simon. "[I'm] showing that I'm versatile, and just…can do more than play defensive line. [I] like to watch film. [I'm] very physical; very versatile. Whatever you need - wanna put me at special teams, running back, fullback, defensive end - wherever you want me. Outside linebacker; I can do whatever.
"Coming in [as] a walk-on, people have low expectations," said Kelly. "And then coming from FCS, you don't have the…looks that an FBS college would have. So, [I] just…keep proving myself...each day I'm out there. If you see [me] on the film, I'm a very sideline-to-sideline player. I'm fast in the box, and I'm quick, so…I feel like that will show."
UAlbany head coach Greg Gattuso believed all 10 of his players performed well at the pro day, and for many of them - at this point - it's just about getting that one break.
"The bottom line is, and I've talked to a couple of 'em about it, it's all about getting into [training] camp," said Gattuso. "You gotta catch someone's eye. You gotta get into camp, and then you gotta play football. And that's what I think this group is best at. You can tell by the length of the pro day when the scouts stay and spend the time like this that they're (the scouts) really…really drilling them to see…who they are, and what they can do. They look like they belong; they've done well today. Physically we look great. [There's a] reason why you win games, and I think that we were able to develop this group, and they're…they're very talented."
The full group of participants included Simon, fellow defensive lineman Billy Martin, Kelly, defensive backs Larry Walker Jr. and Bill Hackett, linebackers Ori Jean-Charles and Brian Abraham, running back Nate Larkins and wide receivers Brevin Easton and Julian Hicks.
The 2024 NFL Draft begins on April 25 and will run through the 27th.