Players Improve at a Soggy Florida Gators Pro Day

Oct 5, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Solomon Patton (83) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida defeated Arkansas 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

It was a terrible day for a Pro Day, but all 32 NFL teams and 12 Florida Gators showed up to make the best of the weather. The 40-yard dash portion was held inside the O’Connell Center, while drills were held outside in the wet and cool weather. That didn’t matter to the Gators who participated, however. They just wanted an opportunity to show what they’ve got.

Florida’s pro day was a chance for the Gators highly touted defensive backs to improve upon their Combine scores. Marcus Roberson and Loucheiz Purifoy both underwhelmingly ran a 4.61 40 in Indianapolis. They were able to improve those scores, but not with a time that will change scouts opinions about them. Roberson ran an unofficial time of 4.59 and Purifoy clocked in at 4.53. Jaylen Watkins, who ran a 4.41 40 at the Combine, did not run due to a sprained achilles. All three performed in the other drills and everything went as planned.

Jon Halapio, Solomon Patton, and Ronald Powell all improved and impressed at the pro day. Halapio bench pressed 225 pounds 32 times, which would put him in the top-10 best for offensive lineman at the NFL Combine. He missed the first two games of last season with a torn pectoral and showed no ill effects.

Ronald Powell, the former No. 1 recruit in the nation, impressed on the bench as well. The linebacker increased his production from 21 to 25 reps of 225 lbs. Powell also participated in drills outside in the wet weather, even though he pulled his hamstring three weeks ago. The effort certainly impressed the scouts in attendance.

The biggest winner of the day may have been wide receiver Solomon Patton. Patton was not invited to the NFL Combine, but put on a show at the Gators pro day. Patton ran a lighting fast 4.31 40-yard dash, the best of any Florida football player this year and a time that would have been in the top-10 for wide receivers in Indy. Patton also had a solid day on the field, catching all sorts of passes in the rain and cold.

Dominique Easley did not take part in any drills despite showing up for the day. The defensive tackle could be Florida’s highest draft pick in this year’s draft. Easley tore his ACL early last season and continues to rehab. Head coach Will Muschamp said Easley will likely have a private workout April 18 to show off what he can do.

Other participants include center Jonotthan Harrison, tight end/running back Trey Burton, defensive lineman Damien Jacobs, offensive lineman Kyle Koehne and linebacker Darrin Kitchens. The soggy conditions didn’t damper the attitude for the dozen Gators taking part, putting a whole new meaning to “In All Kinds of Weather”.

Here are some highlights from today’s pro day:

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