Cyclones Have A Productive Pro Day

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State's 2022 NFL Pro Day had a unique feel this morning.

A total of 11 former Cyclones, including several All-Americans and All-Big 12 performers, tested out in front of the NFL Scouts to further enhance their professional stock.

This year's crop of potential draftees included RB Breece Hall (two-time consensus All-American), QB Brock Purdy (All-Big 12 First Team in 2020), LB Mike Rose (2020 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year), DL Eyioma Uwazurike (All-Big 12 First Team in 2021), TE Charlie Kolar (three-time All-American), TE Chase Allen (four-time All-Big 12 performer), LB Jake Hummel (two-time All-Big 12 performer), DB Greg Eisworth II (three-time All-Big 12 First Team selection), OL Derek Schweiger (All-Big 12 in 2020), PK Andrew Mevis (All-American) and RB Rory Walling (All-Big 12 in 2020).

There were 49 scouts from 31 NFL teams in attendance to observe, test and time the Cyclones in the various drills and competition.

The main reason this Pro Day was different was because six of these Cyclones – Hall, Purdy, Uwazurike, Rose, Kolar, Allen – were at the NFL Combine in March, the most in school history and tying for the 11^th-most nationally.

Iowa State hasn't had more than two players drafted since 2001 and the last time ISU had four players selected was in 1977 when the Draft consisted of 12 rounds instead of the current seven-round format.

That could all change this season. Several Cyclones appear on a plethora of mock draft boards.

Hall has a legitimate chance to be the first running back selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, held April 28-30 in Las Vegas.

The two-time Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and two-time consensus All-American ran a 4.39 40 at the Combine, raising his draft stock considerably. Hall, who broke the all-time FBS record by rushing for a touchdown in 24-straight games, is eager to prove he is the top running back in this year's draft.

"I think I showed everything I can do and brought the same mentality I had at the combine, to prove that I'm the best running back in the draft," Hall said. "It's been a dream come true and I'm having fun with it. In high school, he (Matt Campbell) told me that if you come to Iowa State, you're going to be the best back in the country and potentially the best in the NFL. Iowa State really matured me and got me ready for this moment."

Iowa State hasn't had a quarterback drafted since Seneca Wallace in 2003. Purdy wants to be the next.

The man who holds virtually every Iowa State passing record – 32 to be exact – looked great in his individual workout this morning. Purdy hopes the scouts noticed too.

"I felt I was solid overall. I got to show off the arm a little bit and be on the move. Show my craftiness," Purdy said. "Growing up, it was a dream to play at the NFL level. When you're out here and see all these scouts and coaches with the NFL logos with their teams on their shirts, it's like 'Man, I'm here trying to chase that dream.'"

Purdy and the rest of the Cyclones are proud of the legacy they leave behind.

"The past four years, just the competitive nature and the culture of winning, led us to this moment," said Purdy. "The lights are on and we're all trying to play at the next level. It's the standard that we've built here, and I feel like for us, we're living up to it so far."

The Draft is little over a month away and it's likely going to have multiple Cyclones hear their names called.

Stay tuned.

Players Mentioned

Chase Allen

Greg Eisworth II

Breece Hall

Jake Hummel

Charlie Kolar

Andrew Mevis

Brock Purdy

Mike Rose

Derek Schweiger

Eyioma Uwazurike

Rory Walling

Sponsors

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