Running back Darrell Henderson sprints with the ball towards the end zone. Henderson rushed for 210 yards and three rushing touchdowns on 16 carries in the AAC Championship game against UCF.
The University of Memphis will be one of the many schools in the nation hosting the annual Pro Days on March 27. These Pro Days bring NFL scouts, coaches and executives to college campuses to get a more intimate view of NFL draft prospects workouts.
The Pro days workouts will include the 40-yard dash, bench press, broad jump, vertical jump and other drills similar to what one might see at the NFL Scouting Combine held every March. The Scouting Combine hosts some of the top prospects in the country and allows them to participate in drills, media interviews and team interviews as they prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Tigers had three players invited to participate in the event: running backs Darrell Henderson and Tony Pollard and offensive tackle Trevon Tate. There will be 31 NFL teams there scouting these former Tigers.
In Henderson’s junior season, he was one of the country’s leading running backs, rushing for 1,909 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns. He was second in the country in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. Pollard was a versatile piece in Memphis’ offense and had 1,010 yards from scrimmage in his junior season and tied the NCAA record for kickoff return touchdowns in a career with seven. Tate played in 53 games and was the team’s starting left tackle and leader along the offensive line.
Henderson showcased his speed, running a 40 time of 4.49 seconds, which was sixth best among the 23 other running backs who participated in the popular event. Pollard ran a respectable 4.52 in the same event and was deemed as one of the better player interviews that were conducted throughout the busy weekend.
Darrell Henderson rushes pass UCF defenders. Henderson has rushed for over 1,100 yards and has 13 touchdowns this season.
Tate, who was unable to participate in on-field drills because of medical limitations, spoke to the media about having the chance to redeem himself at Wednesday’s showcase calling it a very special moment and opportunity.
The trio is not the only group of players who will be participating in Memphis’ Pro Day. They’ll be joined by fellow Tigers who weren’t invited to the Combine such as cornerback Tito Windham and offensive tackle Roger Joseph.
In Windham’s two seasons at Memphis, he played in 24 games, accumulated 87 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 19 pass deflections and three interceptions. The Northwest Mississippi Community College transfer was a mainstay in the Tigers’ secondary and started every game during his senior season.
Despite not receiving an invite to the Combine or any of the other post-season draft events, Windham told the media he’s still confident that he’ll have an opportunity to pursue his NFL dream by having a strong showing Wednesday.
“I’ve dreamed of this moment my entire life,†Windham said. “I have family counting on me and I can’t let them down. It’s a major experience that I know can change my life in just a matter of hours, so it’s only right that I go out and use my God-given ability and perform at my highest capabilities.â€
Joseph played in 27 games with the Tigers and primarily started at right tackle. He was a key piece in Memphis having the fourth ranked rushing offense in the country.
He told the media he sees the Pro Day as a job interview and hopes to leave an impression on everyone in attendance.
“As of right now it’s the most important interview of my life,†Joseph said. “I’m just looking forward to doing my absolute best to turn heads. I want to leave a great impression on every single coach that comes out to watch.â€
