Nine Furman Paladins Take Part In Monday Pro Day

March 13, 2006

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Nine former Furman football players took park in Furman's Pro Day Monday as representatives from five National Football League (NFL) teams were on hand to evaluate the latest crops of Paladin prospects.

Taking part in Monday's workouts in Timmons Arena and in Paladin Stadium linebacker William Freeman (6-1 3/4, 235), tailbacks Daric Carter (6-0 3/4, 212) and Brandon Mays (5-9 5/8, 203), tight end John Rust (6-2 1/2, 237), defensive backs Maurice Duncan (5-7 1/2, 178) and Tristian Owusu-Yaw (5-11 1/4, 191), and former Paladin linebacker Cedrick Ritter (6-1 1/4, 247) and defensive back T.J. Wilson (5-9 5/8, 181).

Former Paladin quarterback/punter Ingle Martin (6-2 1/4, 222), who recently participated in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, did not take part in individual tests but did participate in passing and punting drills.

Scouts from Atlanta, Carolina, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and the New York Giants were present for the workouts, which included the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, and 225-pound bench press repetition test, among others.

Cedrick Ritter led the way in the vertical jump with a leap of 39.5 inches, just ahead of William Freeman at 39 inches. Daric Carter ranked third with a jump of 37 inches.

In the broad jump, Freeman topped the contingent by covering 10'3", and Brandon Mays was second at 9'10".

Ritter bench pressed 225 pounds 25 times, while Freeman managed 20 lifts and Rust 19 repetitions.

On the field Freeman and Carter tied for top honors in the 40-yard dash with a clocking of 4.61 while Mays ran a 4.65 and Ritter at 4.67. In the pro agility drill Duncan clocked the best time with a 4.24 followed closely by Freeman at 4.25 and Carter with a 4.28.

The 2005 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 29 and 30.