BYU football: Cougs hope to impress at Pro Day

PROVO — Several players from the 2009 BYU football team that posted an 11-2 record and finished No. 12 in the nation will participate in BYU's annual Pro Day today on campus.

Quarterback Max Hall, tight end Dennis Pitta, defensive lineman Jan Jorgensen, fullback Manase Tonga, tight end Andrew George, linebacker Shawn Doman and defensive lineman Tevita Hola are among those scheduled to work out for NFL scouts and other team representatives.

And, apparently, former BYU stars Jonny Harline and Curtis Brown haven't relinquished their dreams of playing in the National Football League.

Harline and Brown, who helped lead the Cougars to an outright Mountain West Conference championship in 2006, are also expected to attend Pro Day, according to BYU football media relations director Brett Pyne. Harline, a two-time first-team All-MWC selection, is best remembered for catching the game-winning touchdown pass on his knees on the final play of the game against Utah in 2006. Brown was the Cougars' all-time leading rusher until he was dethroned by Harvey Unga last fall. Harline and Brown went undrafted in 2007. They did sign free agent contracts, but they didn't last long in the NFL.

Hall, Pitta and Tonga traveled to Indianapolis last month to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine. Pitta, a consensus All-America selection, made a strong impression, running a 4.63 in the 40-yard dash, a time that placed him No. 3 among the 20 tight ends in attendance. He also finished No. 1 among tight ends in the 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle and 60-yard shuttle. He was No. 2 in bench press (27 reps) and No. 8 in vertical jump (34.0 inches)... With that performance, Pitta likely boosted his stock leading up to the 2010 NFL draft, which will be held April 22-24. He has been projected to be picked as high as late first round to mid-third round.

Today, after a brief orientation, the host of NFL hopefuls will meet in the weight room in the Student Athlete Building for height and weight measurements. They will be tested in the broad jump, vertical jump and bench press. Later, the players will adjourn to the Indoor Practice Facility for a series of timed tests, like the 40-yard dash and the shuttle run.

Pro Day is closed to the public.

BYU kicks off spring practice on March 15.

e-mail: jeffc@desnews.com