By outreach@cw.ua.edu (Cody Estremera)
Seventeen players suited up in the Alabama crimson and white once again for their Pro Day.
Players like O.J. Howard, Jonathan Allen and Dalvin Tomlinson ran only position drills, since they were at the NFL combine less than two days ago. Other hopefuls, such as Gehrig Dieter, Brandon Greene and Korren Kirven, competed in all of the combine events.
“These players have done a fantastic job for us over the last three or four years,” head coach Nick Saban said. “It benefits them and our program that they do extremely well. We are hopeful that each one of those guys will be able to represent themselves in a way to that [play at the next level.]”
Dieter finished the highest out of all competitors in the broad jump with a 9-foot-11 jump. Kirven injured his hamstring, while running the 40-yard dash, and didn’t return to work any of the other events. He said that Pro Day went well for him.
Dieter worked mainly as a slot receiver for the Crimson Tide, but he mostly played as an outside receiver at Bowling Green. He showed that he was willing to play both positions as well as special teams.
“I wanted to show that I was comfortable at any position,” Dieter said.
Howard surprised everyone at the combine. He finished with 22 reps on the bench, for tied for third among his position and put up a 4.51 40-yard dash, which was second among tight-ends.
“Tight ends are a unique position now of days,” Saban said. “To find a guy that can play split out, in the see area and can play off the ball, is really difficult. You are going to get a complete guy.”
Marlon Humphrey and Tim Williams sat out. Humphrey ran a 4.41 at the combine which was sixth in the defensive back group.
Representatives from most NFL teams were present to watch the former Alabama players. Head coaches Bill Belichick and Pete Carrol were present as well.
Alabama will host another Pro Day on March 29, so injured players can participate and help their draft stock.
Source:: The Crimson White Sports
