I had the privilege to attend a workout session for several NFL hopefuls last week. It was supposed to have been the Northeast Pro Day for 30-35 aspiring athletes, but due to several coaching and scout conflicts it was delayed. Regardless (well I was halfway there anyway) I trekked on up I-95 and met several of the players and also Brian Martin who co-owns Test Sports and sat down with him and several for an interview.
In addition to talking with these guys I also saw them running some drills and working out in preparation for their Pro Day. Some of them have fantastic numbers and for one reason or another just fell a little off of the beaten path or did not quite get the attention that they may have deserved. Allow me to acquaint you with a few of them.
Anthony Garguilo – DE/LB, Dartmouth (6’3”, 260lbs., Class of 2006)
. Anthony graduated last year after having a good career in the Ivy League, racking up stats and becoming an All-Ivy League player in 2004 when he led the league with 12 sacks. There were concerns about his size when he graduated as he was rather slight at 235 lbs, but since then he has worked out for nearly a year at Test Sports and is up to 260. Despite adding over 10% to his weight, his measurables and quickness are still unreal. I personally witnessed him running a 3-cone at 6.48 seconds, which is scary quick. Brian Martin told me that he ran a 6.42 recently, and I’m not surprised at all. He also logged a 37.5” vertical, 10-foot broad jump, and did 30 reps of 225lbs. His 40 time is outstanding for a linebacker at 4.58 and he recorded a 3.96 short shuttle at a workout for a CFL team, but the question really is where would he play? I liken him to a Javon Kearse type player who can put his hand down or stand up and play like a linebacker in coverage, able to run with TEs or RBs stride for stride. Another current player comparison – again, this is potential – would be Jason Taylor. Yes, Garguilo has that kind of athleticism.
Now, the questions are all about the level of competition that he faced in the Ivy League, so what will Anthony do to further his career? Rumor has it that he has a standing offer from a CFL team, but we shall see what scouts and NFL teams have to say about inviting him to a camp this summer. Stay tuned and watch out for this name to resurface in the next 12-18 months in the NFL.
Derrick Roberson (CB – Rutgers)
. Unfortunately Derrick wasn’t working out on Friday, but the numbers (and watching RU play) tell me what I needed to know – he can play. His vertical leap is an astounding 42.5”, which more than compensates for his average height (5’10”). He has solid speed and his leaping ability is out of this world, so playing corner at the next level is a distinct possibility. Late word from Tuesday’s workouts have him running a 4.33 forty, which definitely aligns well with his Rutgers Pro Day time of 4.28. I would not be surprised at all to hear his name called on April 29th (Day 2) of the draft.
Isaac Morales (OL – Wyoming / Texas Abilene-Christian)
. – Isaac transferred from Wyoming after issues with academic eligibility, but he regained focus and excelled enough in his final season to partake in the Texas. Vs. The Nation inaugural bowl game. Isaac has put up solid numbers, including 35 reps on the bench. Unfortunately he is not able to officially be monitored and recorded as a participant in the Northeast Pro Day because neither his school or his hometown are in that area, but scouts and coaches will have a chance to both talk to him and unofficially watch his performances. Morales is also eligible for the NFL Draft, so listen closely for his name when you watch the draft (or if you are lucky enough to be in attendance).
Aki Jones (DL – Washington Redskins (Fordham 2006)
. Aki Jones was working out at Test Sports in preparation for showing his skills to get back into a pro camp for 2007. Jones was invited to Redskins camp thinking he was more of a “camp body” for 2006, but through hard work and efforts he made the squad and got to play on Sunday Night Football against the Eagles. Jones was slated to go to NFLE with the Frankfurt Galaxy, but was released just before the season and now finds himself a free agent. Aki is looking to show everyone attending the Pro Day that he’s 100% ready to go and deserving of another camp invite for this season.
Rob McMackin (C – Towson University (2006). –Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Arena Football 2)
Rob is a very interesting character, and I can see why he was almost a part of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Pro Wrestling Circuit. He almost hung up his cleats after 2006 and then he hit a Pro Day and after his workouts and meeting Brian Martin from Test Sports Club he decided to stick with football and go to AF2 for a year. After racking up some more pro film, he’s leaning heavily on going up to Canada for a year and then trying his hand at the NFL. McMackin’s numbers are extremely good, both in quickness and especially on the bench, where he is good for 35+ reps on any given day.
Video of Rob running a 3 cone drill
Two other players that were working out at Test while I was there were two underclassmen, namely Joe Pinion from Colgate and Shane Kelly from Columbia (formerly from Temple University). Pinion is making the switch from RB to CB, a position that he is more comfortable with, and is training at Test to improve his athletic talents. Kelley is working in a similar fashion, as he lives close to the facility and is taking it upon himself to improve and get ready to work in the pro style offense on his new team at Columbia.
Video of Shane running a 40
Video of Joe running a 3 cone drill
If the rest of the athletes at Test are a testament to the program, both players stand to benefit greatly from the time and effort spent working with Brian Martin and his assistant coaches, many of which are former NFL players. Former New York Giant CB Perry Williams was on hand while I was observing and meeting the players, and both he and Brian graciously spoke with me about the athletes and the Test Sports programs.
Overall it was a fantastic experience to meet some of the lesser-known athletes along with some of the names that you may not know but quite possibly should know. There are so many quality athletes in collegiate athletics but all of the scouting cannot be everywhere at once, so opportunities like a Pro Day at Test Sports Club could be huge moments for these players. Best of luck to each and every one of them.
