More than 20 former UNLV football players took the field Monday at the program’s annual Pro Timing Day, hoping to earn a shot at the NFL. The event, held in Las Vegas, drew a handful of scouts who watched the hopefuls run the 40-yard dash, bench press 225 pounds, and participate in vertical jump, broad jump, agility, and position drills.
UNLV coach Dan Mullen emphasized the importance of the day as a job interview. “You want that opportunity to get invited to a camp, and if you do, it doesn’t matter how you got invited,” Mullen said. “It’s on you to stay there. Make sure when you’re given that opportunity, you really take advantage of it.”
Linebacker Marsel McDuffie, one of the program’s most decorated players in recent years, called the day meaningful. “This means everything to me, coming back where I started and one last time on this field with these guys,” McDuffie said. “Not much else I can ask for. Just want to play football as long as I can. This is something I’ve been thinking about since I was 6 years old.”
Wide receiver Jaden Bradley, who led the Rebels with 58 catches for 931 yards and four touchdowns last season, also worked out. “It’s a blessing to be out here,” Bradley said. “I’m looking to show off my attitude, my athleticism, how good a teammate I am. Just all the things that come with football.”
Offensive lineman Alani Makihele drew cheers from teammates after bench pressing 225 pounds 32 times, though he had hoped for at least 40. His personal best is 45. Makihele had been sick all last week and was feeling dehydrated but still pushed through. “It has been a little hard, but we’ve been working since January,” he said. “Not everybody gets to be in front of NFL scouts. Show you care enough to show up and give it everything you have.”
Center Reid Williams echoed the sentiment. “The toughest thing about this was waiting for it,” Williams said. “It’s not about being nervous. It’s more about your adrenaline pumping. All our dreams are to play at the next level and perform and just give it a shot.”
UNLV runs pro-style schemes offensively and defensively, which Mullen believes gives players an edge if they land in a camp. The Rebels won 10 games last season, and Mullen noted, “You have to have some pretty good players to win 10 games. I love seeing them come out here and live their dream.”
