It's 'Pro Day' for Ute gridders on the hill

It's "Pro Day" at the University of Utah. Scouts from every team in the National Football League have been invited to get a closer look at last season's seniors.

The Utes will be tested in the weight room before getting timed in running drills, which include the 40-yard sprint, shuttle and "L" drill. Position specific drills will also take place.

"It's a big deal for all of them," said Utah defensive coordinator Gary Andersen, whose squad was represented by safety Eric Weddle and tackle Paul Soliai at the recent NFL Scouting Combine.

Both players are expected to participate in today's drills, though Weddle may pick and choose what he'll do. He's projected by many sources to be taken on the first day of next month's draft.

Other Utah hopefuls gearing up for today's "Pro Day" include offensive lineman Tavo Tupola, defensive end Soli Lefiti, safety Casey Evans, cornerback Eric Shyne and defensive tackle Kelly Talavou. Andersen noted it's an especially big day for Talavou, a projected draftee not invited to last month's combine, to showcase his abilities to NFL scouts.

On Tuesday, the Utes open spring drills with a practice from 3-5 p.m. The session, tentatively scheduled for the McCarthey Practice Fields, is open to the public.

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com