Former Colorado State Rams Participate In Pro Day, Some Could Make NFL

By Rich Kurtzman
Troy Babbitt – USA Today Sports

Pro Day, a chance for former college athletes to prove their worth to NFL scouts.

On Wednesday, the Colorado State Rams hosted their annual Pro Day, inviting scouts to scope their talent and possibly open the door on a new chapter of their lives.

In all, there were 10 former CSU players along with six others from local, smaller colleges around the state working out in front of 20 NFL scouts.

The former Rams working out were: long snapper Scott Albritton, running back Raymond Carter, offensive lineman Joe Caprioglio, punter Pete Kontodiakos, wide receiver Marquise Law, linebacker Mychal Sisson, linebacker James Skelton, defensive lineman Lanston Tanyi, cornerback Momo Thomas and receiver Dominique Vinson; some have a real opportunity to make the league.

Carter is a 6′ back and told me Thursday he put on a few extra pounds of muscle, up to 223, in an effort to play in the NFL. He ended his career in 2011, but was invited back to demonstrate his skills after not landing on a team in 2012.

“This year was pretty different,” Carter said via email. “We had three times as many scouts this year than last year and I added a couple pounds, weighing [in] at 223. I just really wanted to show that I can move fast with me carrying a heavier weight and I think I showed that yesterday. I was more relaxed this year because I’ve done it already and I been training hard for it so it was like another day in the office.”

While he wasn’t given 40-yard dash times, he did put up 25 reps on the bench at 225 pounds and his vertical leap is 34 inches; both very good numbers for a running back.

Caprioglio blocked for Carter, along with many other running backs. In 2012, he was one of the most reliable o-lineman on a team that rushed for 1,500 yards combined. At 6’6” and 315 pounds, “Cap” has the size to play at the next level, as well as the strength; he put up 27 reps on the bench Wednesday.

“We train for the same thing every day, so it was nice to go out there and put to use what I’ve been working on,” the lineman said after the workout.

Tanyi was a physical defensive lineman that was undoubtedly the best player in the front seven in 2012. He racked up 77 total tackles with three sacks, constantly putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and runners. Still, at only 250 pounds, he’ll have to really bulk up to fit in at the next level.

Wide receiver Law has the size, at 6’3”, but does he have the speed teams need?

And lastly, “Punter Pete” Kontodiakos possessed one of the biggest legs in college football over his career, averaging 46.5 yards per punt. His booming leg that kicked three footballs 72-plus yards, is exactly what teams are looking for.

Any of the five could make the NFL, though Carter, Cap and Kontodiakos have the best chances to go pro and represent Colorado State.

 

 

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