Cyclones Participate In Pro Day

AMES, Iowa – A total of 11 former Cyclone stars participated in Iowa State's annual Pro Day this morning.

This year's group included recent departures Landen Akers, JaQuan Bailey, Kene Nwangwu, Dylan Soehner and Lawrence White IV. Six Cyclones who were unable to compete in a Pro Day last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic also competed in Jamahl Johnson, Marcel Spears Jr., Amechie Walker, Deshaunte Jones, Braxton Lewis and La'Michael Pettway.

There were 30 scouts from 28 NFL teams in attendance to observe, test and time the Cyclones in various drills and competition.

The NFL announced in January of the cancellation of the 2021 NFL Combine. Soehner, a two-time Honorable Mention All-Big 12 tight end, earned an invitation to the Combine, which were conducted remotely at school's on-campus Pro Days this year.

Soehner had extra focus from the scouts, which included three tight end coaches in attendance, as a Combine invitee and he was pleased with the feedback he received.

"We had some tight end coaches here I had to work with, and as far as the Combine was concerned, I had a zoom call with a bunch of people, which was pretty cool," Soehner said. "They are doing what they can to help out the invitees in a year they are not having it in Indianapolis."

"I've had great conversations with a lot of teams and I think they know they would be getting a guy who does all the little things without much publicity. Now, I get more publicity than I did in college, it's just kind of how it is," said Soehner.

Bailey and Nwangwu had All-America seasons for the Cyclones in 2020. Bailey, who was a First Team All-American defensive end by the FWAA, ended his career as ISU's all-time career leader in sacks (25.5) and TFL (44.5).

Nwangwu was a Fourth Team All-American kick returner by Phil Steele. He ended his brilliant career as the school's greatest kickoff returner, averaging 26.8 yards per return.

He significantly boosted his portfolio by running a 4.29 in the 40.

"I've always fashioned myself as a team guy," Nwangwu said after the workout. "Whether I was starting or not, I was always willing to do anything to help our team. I know the scouts are looking for people like that. I did what they asked me to do today and it was a great experience."

Bailey