The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
WR Camp hoping to impress at pro day
Former Georgia Tech punter Pressley Harvin will be the most notable participant at the team’s annual pro day this morning.
The one who may have the most to gain, though, could be wide receiver Jalen Camp. While he is likely not high on the radar of NFL teams, a strong showing in testing and drills could help Camp move up in the eyes of the scouts and coaches who will be in attendance.
“He’ s feeling great ,” Camp’ s father, Richard Camp, told the AJC on Monday. “We’re set up and ready to do what we do.”
Besides Camp and Harvin, the other participants will be linebacker/ defensive back Jay tl in Askew, wide receiver Josh Blancato and linebacker David Curry.
Richard Camp, a personal trainer who has long overseen his son’s training, said that his son has gained about eight pounds since the end of the season, up to 225, and is in tiptop shape.
“He’s added some serious muscle and power,” Richard Camp said.
As a senior, Jalen Camp caught 29 passes for 439 yards and four touchdowns. It was solid production, though not overwhelming; there were 32 ACC players with more catches. However, a strong audition will likely lead teams to investigate further and put his production into more context. One reason he didn’t have more catches was that the Jackets threw 283 times, second- fewest in the ACC.
Tech’s pro day last March could attest to the value of a strong pro- day workout. Tight end Tyler Davis ran the 40- yard dash in 4.65, a good time for his position, and performed well in position drills. Despite catching 17 passes as a senior, he was selected in the sixth round by Jacksonville.
Likewise, special- teams ace Nathan Cottrell flflew through the 40- yard dash in 4.38 seconds. It undoubtedly helped get the attention of scouts, and he was signed as an undrafted free agent by Jacksonville, kept on the practice squad and was ultimately signed to the roster, contributing on special teams.
Camp’s father has said that his son can run the 40- yard dash in under 4.5 seconds and hit 40.5 inches in the vertical jump. If he can approach those numbers, he’ll turn heads. At last year’s NFL combine, only three wide receivers did better t han 40.5 inches in the vertical, according to sports- reference. com.
“If everything goes the way it’s planned, I think that we’ll be pleased,” Camp said. “I don’t want to make any bold predictions.”
Harv in is Te ch’ s most recognized draft prospect. After winning the Ray Guy Award as college football’s top punter, Harvin was one of four punters recognized as an invitee to the combine, which was not held this year.