Weddle and his 'boys' audition
Ute standouts run through variety of drills for NFL scouts
The All-American defensive back has pretty much solidified his position as a first-day selection in next month's National Football League draft.
Even so, Weddle isn't taking any chances. He was more than willing to let potential suitors get another look. Unlike the NFL Scouting Combine, where 25 defensive backs were run through the same drills, Monday's gathering allowed one-on-one interaction with pro scouts.
"The people that came to see me are interested," Weddle said. "I just wanted to show them and do everything possible so they don't have any doubts."
Weddle limited his participation to the broad jump, vertical jump and defensive back drills.
"Now it's just interviews and wait until draft day," he said. "Whatever happens, happens. But I want to put myself in the best position possible."
The decision to join nine of his former teammates, who were also tested by representatives of 20 NFL teams, followed two months of extensive workouts with pro coaches and players in Florida. Weddle said his body fat was reduced from 14 to 10 percent and his quickness and agility improved.
"It's fun now. The combine was stressful because you want to do so well. All the work you put in you want to pay off," he explained. "Now it's just having fun being out with my boys. It was just like practice going through DB drills and stuff.
"I was having fun cheering them on," continued Weddle, who felt his Utah teammates did well. "Everyone did what they are supposed to do."
The other Utes included safety Casey Evans, quarterback Brett Ratliff, wide receiver Fano Tagovailoa, nose guard Paul Soliai, cornerback Shaun Harper, defensive back Eric Shyne, defensive end Soli Lefiti, offensive lineman Tavo Tupola and defensive tackle Kelly Talavou.
"I think we've got some guys who have a chance to play at the next level," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who added that as many as six players have the potential to do so. " ... It's going to be interesting on draft day to see what happens."
Assistant coach Derrick Odum organized the "Pro Day" and felt things went well.
"Guys were prepared. We had a good turnout of scouts and I think (the players) did a nice job. They really did," Odum said. "They all really trained hard, really getting prepared for this day."
Talavou said all of the Utes were a bit nervous in their auditions for a lucrative NFL career. It was countered, however, by the fact that only Weddle and Soliai were invited to last month's combine.
"That just more motivation into me," said Talavou, who felt he gave a good showing.
Recent comments
Where did Eric Shyne go after Utah?
Ray | April 22, 2008 at 3:15 p.m.
- Trial begins in Hilton contract 12:57 p.m.
- Clippers sign No. 1 pick Griffin 12:50 p.m.
- MLB fans feel priced out at ballpark 12:48 p.m.
- GM sale cleared 12:47 p.m.
- House passes food stamps bill 12:33 p.m.
- Utah man to serve 4 years for fraud 12:26 p.m.
- U.S. to launch $15B food initiative 12:06 p.m.
- Violence hits Iraq 12:04 p.m.
- What's it worth? 11:53 a.m.
- Pistons pick Kuester as new coach 11:26 a.m.
- Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
- Utah's top 10: Wealth of recreation
- MWC, WAC rushed into BCS
- O'Connor unhappy Fes not with team
- Teen injured in fall from waterfall
- River flow marks birth of sanctuary
- Keeping golf light on the wallet
- Fatigued Jazz no match for Pacers
- Murder charge filed in shooting
- Jazz payroll is $3.1 million over tax
- Letters: Palin mistreated
134 - Teachers struggle with district cuts
133 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
132 - 'Tea party' protesters unhappy
107 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Stadium of Fire lights up the 4th
78 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
76 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
72 - Millsap not franchise player
70 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
Real Salt Lake striker Yura Movsisyan travelled to Europe over last...
The Utah basketball team has received a commitment for the 2010-11...
The recent Poly camp in Bountiful opened the eyes of recruiters to at...
Seems to me that the economy, health care, etc have gotten plenty of notice....
WOW!! Seeing the lack of diplomacy and maturity in these blogs, as well as...
Oh, I'm sorry, I guess I should have been more specific. I was not talking...
Oh my. Government destroys our health care system and now people want them to...
As a Democrat, I hope that Chaffetz challenges Bennett so that all of Utah...
The Taliban are very bad and clearly training terrorists. That's why we...
It was Woodland when my grandfather was born there, and that was a long time...
The only explanation needed will be the empty green seats and the dramatic...
I'd rather look at wind turbines than breathe polluted air caused by the...
Conservatives oppose Food Stamps, is that what they mean by "family values"...


