Anna 
Seven former Abilene Christian University (ACU) football players showcased their skills in front of professional scouts during the school’s Pro Day on Monday afternoon. Representatives from both the NFL and the Canadian Football League (CFL) attended the workout at Wildcat Stadium.
Eight scouts were present, doubling the number from ACU’s 2024 Pro Day, according to head coach Keith Patterson. Scouts from the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Green Bay Packers, along with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders, evaluated the athletes.
Running back Sam Hicks, receivers Nehemiah Martinez I, Blayne Taylor, and Trey Cleveland, along with defensive back Izaiah Kelley, participated in key drills. They were tested in the bench press, vertical and broad jumps, 40-yard dash, and position-specific exercises.
Kicker Ritse Vaes performed field goal attempts for the scouts. ACU defensive lineman Kayode Oladele, a 2023 graduate, also took part in the workout. Additionally, two receivers from Hardin-Simmons University joined the event.
Coach Patterson noted the increasing interest from professional teams. When he first arrived at ACU, only two scouts attended the 2023 Pro Day. That number grew to four in 2024 and doubled again this year. He attributes this rise in attention to the Wildcats’ recent success on the field.
ACU finished last season with a 9-4 record, won the United Athletic Conference Championship, and reached the second round of the FCS Playoffs.
The Wildcats begin spring practice on Tuesday and will hold sessions every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for the next five weeks. Unlike previous years, the team will not host a spring game.
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