Oklahoma State University Athletics
Eleven Cowboys Participate in Oklahoma State Pro Day
March 29, 2023 | Cowboy Football
Some of the top marks from the day included 22 reps on the bench press from long snapper Matt Hembrough, a 32" vertical jump from defensive tackle Brendon Evers and a 26 bench press reps from defensive tackle Sione Asi.
Hembrough's bench press mark would've been a top-five number for multiple positions such as running back and tight end at the combine, and also tied for the eighth most of any defensive tackle at the 2023 NFL Combine. The long snapping prospect also posted a 36'5" vertical jump, which would've been the ninth-best mark among running backs.
"I'm not surprised, this freaking guy playing long snapper," Evers said. "He should've been an outside linebacker; he might've been All Big-12. I'm proud of him. I was down in Florida telling every pro that would listen to me that he's the best long snapper in the nation and that he's going to play for 10 years. It's another guy that we've been roommates for five years and I'm so happy that he's doing so well."
The defensive tackles participating in OSU's pro day had a solid showing in the weight room. Evers' 32-inch vertical jump would have ranked third at the combine among defensive tackles, while his 8'7" broad jump would be ninth at the position. Asi's 26 reps on bench press would be the fifth most of defensive tackles at the combine.
Other notable marks that would have ranked in the top 15 of their position groups at the 2023 NFL Combine included a 27'5" vertical from Asi, 16 bench press reps from wide receiver Braydon Johnson and a 38'5" vertical jump from receiver CJ Tate.
Defensive end Tyler Lacy tallied a 31-inch vertical jump, which improved from his mark of 28'5" at the combine. Outside of his vertical jump, Lacy and safety Jason Taylor II elected to not record measurements in the weight room portion of OSU's pro day after working out at the NFL Combine in February.
Following the conclusion of Pro Day, several Cowboys met with media to discuss the day's events. Some of their comments are below:
Defensive End Tyler Lacy
On what he wanted to get out of the Pro Day after attending the NFL Combine:
"Just show my movement a little bit better, especially on the individual parts like the 3-cone drill."
On the NFL Draft process:
"It's been a dream come true, especially in Indianapolis. I dreamed of that as a kid. I remember in elementary school, I'm sitting there watching it, and in middle school I'm watching it on my phone. Now I get to live it out in reality, it's a dream. The pro day was a dream, too. Coming here as a freshman and seeing the older guys run and compete, it just really hypes you up and makes you want to do it as a senior."
On getting to participate with Sione Asi and Brendon Evers and Brock Martin:
"It was great, it was our last hoorah. Especially coming in here, I'm motivating the guys, they're trying to do the best they can do and I'm trying to do the best I can do and I'm just out here cheering them on."
Wide Receiver Braydon Johnson
On what it will feel like to receive a call from an NFL team to be a part of their organization:
"Man, it's a dream. I've been dreaming about this since I was 6 years old. Just to live out that dream is going to be surreal. I'm super blessed just to be here and for any opportunities that do come my way, I'm super blessed and I won't take it for granted. I'm just grateful and I'm going to do all I can."
On if there is more pressure in the 40-yard dash because he's known for his speed:
"I've been training for 12 weeks so there isn't really pressure. I don't believe in luck, I put in all the work for this day and I felt like I was ready. Wasn't much pressure, just take a deep breath and get it done."
On his ability to move inside and outside as a wide receiver:
"I'm not limited to anywhere. I can return punts, return kicks, inside-outside (receiver), special teams gunner, wherever they need me, I'll be happy to fill that position."
Defensive Back Jason Taylor III
On what goes into the decision to participate in certain drills:
"I talked with my agent. We figured out these are the things we need to improve on, that's a good time, that's a good amount of reps. If it's not, then we did it at the Pro Day."
On participating in the NFL Combine:
"It's a little weird, everyone is quiet, everybody is looking at you. But, it was a great experience and I've been dreaming about the combine since I was a little kid so to be one of those guys that I was looking at on the TV is surreal."
On what he has learned about himself since the season ended:
"I learned that there are some things that got me here and some things that I do that has allowed me to get to this position. I want to keep those things in line: leadership, hard work, dedication. Don't lose your hunger. Those things that I already knew about me, I wanted to make sure I kept that."
Defensive Tackle Brendon Evers
On his shoulder:
"I feel great. The only reason I didn't bench today was because I wanted to show out on this field, ultimately this isn't a weightlifting competition. I'll show any team how healthy my shoulder is, and I think going through position drills, hitting the bags running full speed, I think that showed that my shoulder is healthy."
On Matt Hembrough's performance:
"I'm not surprised, this freaking guy playing long snapper. He should've been an outside linebacker; he might've been All Big-12. But no, I'm proud of him, I was down in Florida telling every pro that would listen to me that he's the best long snapper in the nation and that he's going to play for 10 years. It's another guy that we've been roommates for five years and I'm so happy that he's doing so well."
On his emotions today:
"I didn't think I'd make it back here. The way that I had to exit last year was hard, especially with the backlash and everything that I went through. It feels good to come here one last time."
On what it would mean to see his name and Oklahoma State on Draft Day:
"It means I get to be solidified with guys that I've looked up to for years, guys that I got to train with in Miami, it means I get to be with them. Even if I'm not on draft night, you're still going to see me. I didn't come this far to come this far."
Linebacker Lamont Bishop
On his performance today:
"I feel like my drills and my 40 (yard dash) was really good. It could've been better, what I put out there, but I feel like for the most part it was good."
On what he was trying to showcase today:
"I was really just trying to showcase my speed and my mobility, how I can move in and out of the cuts."
On what it would mean for 4-5 guys get drafted from the defense:
"That would be a big thing, so that we can show the young guys you can get drafted no matter what. You can just put in the work and get to where you want to go. That would be good for us defensive guys to put on for us."
Defensive End Brock Martin
On how it felt to be in the moment, doing the drills:
"I'm glad it's over. It's very stressful, there's a lot of eyes on you, there's a lot of stuff you have to do, but also stay out of. There's still a lot of stuff I need to do now, get ready for rookie camp, you know if I get drafted or picked up as a free agent, you got to be ready to go. The work's not over, but I get some confidence that I can rest my mind and not have to think about what I'm going to run in the 40, what am I going to jump, stuff like that. Now it's just about playing football and not mimicking football in the drills."
On what it's going to be like when he gets a chance with an NFL team:
"It's not going to change anything about me. I've worked my butt off from the start, ever since I got to Oklahoma State. I've made a career out of being the 'tough guy' and I'm proud to be the 'tough guy.' So, if I can just continue to practice and play to the best of my ability and be the tough guy on the field, then I'll be just fine. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out but I'm going to do everything in my power to make it work out."
