March 07, 2001
Texas A&M Head Coach R.C. Slocum and his staff hosted more than 60 NFL personnel representing every NFL ballclub on Wednesday at the Aggies' annual Pro Day.
"We've done this for a number of years and it gives our guys (seniors) a chance to display their athletic ability," Slocum said. "When you see position coaches here, you know there is some interest in some of our players. This is also good motivation for our younger players."
"The A&M staff has worked hard and does a good job of being organized and the NFL people respect our opinion," Slocum added. "They know they are going to get straight answers here. They want an honest appraisal, and regardless if it is the NFL, or a prospective employer in the business world, we are going to be honest. The character traits of our guys, and we had 36 players on the NFL rosters last fall, are honest, they are on time and loyal. The players have done a good job of working as a group. Some of the players have been to the combine, and are high draft pick guys. And yet, they are looking out for some of their teammates by working out and giving everyone a chance to be looked at."
One of the NFL representatives was none other than Green Bay Packer General Manager and Head Coach Mike Sherman. Sherman came to Aggieland in 1989 from Holy Cross as part of R.C. Slocum's first staff as the offensive line coach. He would later be named offensive coordinator before the Packers came calling in the spring of 1997.
"One of the main reasons I came today was Texas A&M puts on the very best Pro Day in all of football," Sherman said. "I want to get a first-hand look and information on these players. I know I am going to get straight answers from R.C. (Slocum) and his staff. You know what you are getting when you take an Aggie football player. Character is a big part of this business. It doesn't make sense to invest a lot of money in someone if they can not handle their business. We talk to (Billy) Pickard (Sr. Associate Athletic Director for Facilities), Karl Kapchinski (Asst. Athletic Director for Athletic Therapy/Head Trainer) and some of the academic folks who interact with these players on a day-to-day basis."
A total of 15 Aggie players participated: linebacker Cornelius Anthony, linebacker Roylin Bradley, tight end RoDerrick Broughton, defensive lineman Ron Edwards, wide receiver Robert Ferguson, defensive lineman Ronald Flemons, linebacker Jason Glenn, defensive back Michael Jameson, placekicker Terence Kitchens, wide receiver Chris Taylor, running back Ja'Mar Toombs, offensive lineman Chris Valletta and defensive lineman Stephen Young. Also in the group was former running back Eric Bernard and senior walkon wide receiver Brian Wesley.
Also on hand were several NFL players who had played at Texas A&M such as linebacker Quentin Coryatt, offensive lineman Chris Ruhman, running back Clif Groce and defensive back Jason Webster.
On the practice fields, the 2001 Aggie football team put on the pads for the first time and Coach Slocum was impressed with the effort.
"I thought the players gave good effort," Slocum stated. "It was a good start. There's just something about football, it doesn't look the same without the pads. There is a physical nature about the game of football, we are not playing touch."
The Aggies have three new assistant coaches on the staff, assistant head coach and wide receivers coach Kevin Sumlin, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Dino Babers and running backs coach Ken Rucker.
"I'm pleased with the transition of the new coaches with the players," Slocum added. "These new coaches have been working around the clock to get ready and they deserve the credit for the smooth transition."
The Aggies will wrap up the first week of spring drills on Thursday with another practice in full pads beginning at 4:30 p.m. The players will have off next week with spring break. The squad will return to the practice field on Tuesday, Mar. 20.
Practices are open to the public, but fans are asked to stay behind the yellow restraining line for safety reasons.