March 9, 2010 was a day certain Auburn men have been preparing for their entire lives. The Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons were just some of the NFL teams represented at the Auburn Athletic Complex on the rainy Tuesday.

The parking lot was so packed in it looked like game day on the plains. The coaches were on the field giving the last prep talks as the strength and condition coaches lined up the water and weights. The first whistle was blown at 1:00 p.m. for the participants to line up and compete for their chance to play in the National Football League.

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For some such as Walter McFadden, Gabe McKenzie and Chris Todd today was there only change to show the scouts what their made of for others such Brad Lester, Montez Billings and Robert Dunn this was their second chance. Pro Day is a try out for former Auburn Tigers.

Lester came out to Pro Day grateful he can walk better yet play football after a neck injury kept him back from the 2009 draft. During a rival game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs left him immobilized and taken off the field by a motorized cart. Lester a running back fell to the ground after a six-yard run and landed awkwardly on his neck.

“This is my chance to get back into the NFL,” Lester says. “Coach Chizik and those guys are giving me this chance and I am so grateful for that.”

Lester tied with Gabe McKenzie for the most repetitions on the bench press with 22 at 225 lbs.

The seniors from the 2009- 2010 season who participated are defensive back Walter McFadden, defensive end/tight end Gabe McKenzie, defensive lineman Jake Ricks and quarterback Chris Todd. Antonio Coleman and Ben Tate are back from the combine and will also be a part of Pro Day.

Ben Tate and Antonio Coleman flew in Tuesday morning from Indianapolis where they participated in the 2010 Combine.
Tate turned in the third-fastest 40 time among running backs and was second-best on the bench press.

These players have played in the most successful division in college football, the SEC. They were the best high school football players in their home towns, they were college football stand outs, and now they are fighting for their chance to make their NFL dreams come true.

War Eagle Guys and Good Luck!


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