Cody Barton, Specialists Had Great Pro Day For Utes
Mar 29, 2019, 1:00 PM
Quarterback Manny Wilkins #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils scrambles with the football against linebacker Cody Barton #30 of the Utah Utes during the second half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Thirteen former Ute’s took part in Utah Football’s annual pro day at the Eccles Football Center. Offensive players included Jordan Agasiva, Aaron Amaama, Anthony Armstrong, Jackson Barton, Lo Falemaka, Jameson Field, Alani-Havili-Katoa and Matt Gay. Defensive players included Corrian Ballard, Cody Barton, Chase Hansen and Mitch Wishnowsky.
All 32 NFL teams were in attendance, scouting and preparing for the upcoming NFL Draft scheduled for April 25th-27th.
Who Impressed
Cody Barton looked spectacular. Barton only competed in the linebacker specific drills and maneuvered very smoothly throughout, his hips were sharp and his agility was on full display. Barton also showcased his hand eye coordination with his ball hawking ability, snatching footballs out of the air at its highest point.
Cody Barton made himself some money today. Scouts were very impressed with the linebacker.
Unfortunately, Chase Hansen was unable to compete as he is still recovering from back surgery in January. https://t.co/4kU961CZ7h pic.twitter.com/aV7bKJSSpt
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 28, 2019
Mitch Wishnowsky and Matt Gay boomed punts and kicks in front of the Chicago Bears and New York Jets special teams coaches. Wishnowsky went first and hit about 20 punts, a range of long, high booming spirals, cross kick drop punts and short, high midfield punts. Gay then had roughly 12 field goals in which he missed four, however his last two misses came from 60 yards.
.@mitchwish had a very nice pro day. After speaking with special teams coaches and scouts, @TomCantHackett believes Wishnowsky will be the first punter taken off the board. https://t.co/4kU961CZ7h pic.twitter.com/hxFZXxcGVN
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 28, 2019
Disappointing
The safety group in Corrion Ballard and Marquise Blair had high expectations entering the day, but did not impress. Ballard could not keep his feet in the safety specific drills, he was also unable to complete many catches, dropping balls he should have caught.
Blair on the other hand ran out of energy. Three quarters through his workout, he had to tell scouts that his workout is over. Players are told to sprint through the end of every drill and show bursts of acceleration yet, Blair found himself slowly jogging through the end of them.
After not being able to compete in the NFL Combine, former linebacker and safety Chase Hansen was unable to participate in Utah’s pro day due to injury. In January, Hansen underwent back surgery and still looks ginger walking. For Hansen, the inability to partake in both the combine and pro day could have a detrimental effect on the future of Hansen’s NFL dream.
What’s Next?
Now that pro day is all but said and done, NFL prospects will undergo private workouts before the NFL Draft on April 25.
According to NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, Utah does not have a top 50 NFL prospect in this years draft.
