Pitt announced that 13 players are likely to take place in the program’s Pro Day next Wednesday, March 29 at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side.
Offensive linemen in Owen Drexel, Marcus Minor, Gabe Houy and Carter Warren, defensive linemen in Habakkuk Baldonado, Calijah Kancey and Deslin Alexandre, linebackers in SirVocea Dennis and Tylar Wiltz, defensive backs in Erick Hallett II and Brandon Hill, running back Israel Abanikanda and wide receiver Jared Wayne round out the 13 players that the program expects to participate in the Pro Day.
Pitt’s Pro Day will start in the weight room with the 225-pound bench press and then the individual measurements of the players.
Then, the players will partake in a variety of drills that are similar to the NFL Combine. like the vertical jump, broad jump, 40-yard dash, three-cone drill and pro shuttle. There will also be position work for the individual players, showing off their strengths at their respective roles on the field.
There already were a few Pitt players that participated in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis from Feb. 28 to March 6.
Kancey made National headlines when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.67 seconds, the fastest for a defensive lineman since 2000, breaking the previous record held by Panthers legend Aaron Donald. Kancey is projected by many draft analysts as a First Round draft pick in April.
Hill also drew attention to himself from NFL scouts as he ran the fastest 40-yard dash of any safety at the NFL Combine at 4.43 seconds.
One of the most important viewings for Pitt Pro Day will be Abanikanda’s 40-yard dash. Abanikanda chose not to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and to instead do it at his Pro Day.
Warren will also return to participate in the Pitt Pro Day as well. Warren suffered a torn meniscus last season, which forced him out of the latter part of his final season with the program. He said at the NFL Combine three weeks ago that he is healthier post surgery than he was prior.
Dennis and Baldonado also competed at the NFL Combine and will have another opportunity to impress scouts next Wednesday.
