NFL scouts eye prospects at UCF Pro Day

Thirteen former Knights took the field at Nicholson Fieldhouse for the 2012 UCF Pro Day Wednesday afternoon. Scouts from approximately 20 NFL teams attended the workout, which was headlined by standout cornerback Josh Robinson.

After Robinson announced in January that he would leave UCF during his junior year to pursue the NFL draft, he posted a time of 4.33 in the 40-yard dash at last month’s NFL Combine, the fastest of any player. At Pro Day, Robinson focused on position specific drills.

“It went well; it was kind of pressure, you know a little pressure being the only guy and all those guys looking at you and trying to get you at a nice tempo,” Robinson said.

Robinson went through various drills, different from the ones he performed at the Combine. Prior to the Combine, Robinson was projected to be drafted in the fourth-to-sixth round range, but now his stock has boosted. NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said that Robinson could potentially be drafted in the first round.

“I want to prove to them that I can get the job done, that I am capable and that UCF has prepared me well for anything,” Robinson said. “Anything they want to throw at me, I am willing to do it.”

UCF head coach George O’Leary was also present, and he has tried to give advice to Robinson on the draft process.

“He always has told me to keep working, there is always something I can improve on,” Robinson said.

Former Knights Bruce Miller, Jah Reid and Torell Troup were all present. 

All three UCF alumni are currently on NFL rosters, Miller with San Francisco, Reid with Baltimore and Troup with Buffalo.

“He’ll [Robinson] will fit right in with the speed aspect of the game – he has every bit of it,” Miller said. “He’s a very talented player, and I’m sure he’ll do just fine.”

The next step in the draft process for Robinson will be to take visits to various interested teams, as well as workout for teams.

“I have a few visits that I have to go on, just to see the different teams and get a feel for their coaching staff and things like that,” Robinson said.

Tight end Adam Nissley, offensive lineman Nick Pieschel, linebacker Josh Linam, defensive lineman Darius Nall and wide receiver A.J. Guyton also took part in UCF’s Pro Day workout.

Nissley impressed scouts during the weight-room portion of the day when he repped 225 pounds 40 times.

Nissley earned All-Conference USA Honorable Mention for his senior season after catching 21 passes for 235 yards.

Linam played in all 12 of UCF’s game in 2011, starting 11 of them at middle linebacker. The Tavares native had 66 tackles and two sacks this past season.

Guyton appeared in 11 games for the Knights in 2011, racking up 404 receiving yards on 27 catches. Guyton had one touchdown on the year.

Nall started 10 games for UCF this past season, recording 24 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Pieschel, who started 11 games at right tackle, was voted onto the All-C-USA Second Team. 

All of the work the former Knights have put in over the last few months culminates April 26 through April 28 in New York City at the NFL Draft.

Robinson will take in the festivities from his hometown church in Sunrise.

“I have a lot of family there, not just intermediate family but also church family, and I want to be there with them just to share that experience with them,” Robinson said.

The likely calling of his name will mark the second major football career moment Robinson has had at his family’s church; Robinson originally committed to the Knights at that same church.