On Location at Penn State Pro Day
Former NFLDraftScout.com analyst and friend Ric Serritella ventured to the Penn State Pro Day and shared this report. See it, and more coverage at All Access Football <allaccessfootball@substack.com>/
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All 32 Teams were represented for the Penn State Pro Day which began before sunrise in State College, Pennsylvania, featuring three potential first round prospects.
Field Conditions/Notes: Conducted indoors at Holuba Hall indoor training facility on campus in State College, Pennsylvania. Outdoor temperature was 55-degrees. All 32 NFL teams were in attendance. Former Penn State alumni were on hand for support such as Saquan Barkley (Eagles), Trace McSorley (free agent) and Mitchell Tinsley (Commanders). NFL Draft Class of 2018 wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton also participated in positional drills, which were cut short due to what appeared to be a torn ACL. The former fourth round pick of the Denver Broncos, last played for the Miami Dolphins in 2022. His NFL comeback is likely over. Of the 13 draft-eligible participants, 10 were invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. Penn State head coach James Franklin, pro liaison Andy Frank and his staff were extremely accessible, as the head coach especially enjoyed interacting with the scouts. For more information, contact: ric@nfldraftbible.com – [03.15.24]
FASHANU, OLU | PSU | OT | #74 | Jr | 6060 | 312 | 1018 | 3318 | 8068 | 5.11 (1.77) | 32” | 9-1 | Waldorf, MD
“A polished left tackle prospect with premier size, mechanics, experience and leadership.”
Overview: Sustained a quad injury during his first forty run at the combine. Did not test at pro day; did positional drills, was somewhat limited but strain is not considered to be serious. Projects as top-15 overall pick. Team captain; allowed zero sacks in 2023 (12 games) at LT (365 pass blocking snaps). Allowed zero sacks in eight games as a junior (281 pass blocking snaps); missed end of season due to injury. Rimington-Pace Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year (2023); two-time All-Big Ten selection. A four-star recruit from Gonzaga College High School (HC Randy Trivers); also played basketball as a freshman. Son of Paige and Anthony Fashanu, has one sister, Angie; majored in supply chain and information systems.
Fashanu on injury: “It wasn’t significant. I went really hard in my rehab, and earlier this week, I had a little dry run of this, and I felt good enough to the point where I could do some drills.”
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ROBINSON, 'CHOP' DEMEIOUN | PSU | DE | #44 | Jr | 6027 | 255 | 0918 | 3248 | 7628 | 4.48 (1.54) | 34.5” | 4.25 | 6.97 | Gaithersburg, MD
“Incredibly rare athlete with nice frame; considered to be one of best edge rushers in the draft.”
Overview: Did not bench press or do positional drills. All-American and two-year starter at Penn State; previously played at Maryland (2021). In two years at Penn State; 22 games, 41 tackles (17.5 tackles for loss), nine and a half sacks, three passes defended, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries. A four-star recruit from Quince Orchard HS (HC John Kelley). Son of Tracey and John Robinson; has seven siblings, John Robinson, Dejon Robinson, Demarr Robinson, Jaliyah Robinson, Arthur Johnson, Artese Johnson and Lucy Johnson. Majored in telecommunications.
Robinson on his strengths: “I'm a guy who shows up every single day, gives everything I got and I'm consistent with everything I do. I got the best get off and you can't teach that, it’s very natural.”
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ISAAC, ADISSA | PSU | DE | #20 | rSr | 6043 | 253 | 0968 | 3378 | 8100 | 4.74 (1.64) | 20 | 34.5” | 10-3 | 4.27 | 7.01 | Brooklyn, NY
“An ascending prospect with great size, high motor, burst and bend to get after the quarterback.”
Overview: Came in six pounds heavier than he weighed in at combine. Stood on combine numbers; participated in bench press, short shuttle and three-cone drills. Demonstrated excellent agility and owns a solid frame; could sneak into the late first round. A two-year starter with 46 games played; 92 tackles (31.5 tackles for loss), 14.5 sacks (career-best seven and a half sacks in 2023), two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery. A four-star recruit from Canarsie High School (HC Brian Ellis). Son of Lisa and Alex Isaac, has two brothers, Kyle Wiltshire and Y’ashua Isaac and one sister, Tadj Isaac. Majored in rehabilitation and human services.
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WALLACE, CAEDEN | PSU | OT | #73 | rSr | 6047 | 314 | 1068 | 3400 | 8258 | 5.15 (1.74) | 31” | 9-8 | 4.78 | 7.72 | Robbinsville, NJ
“A combination of massive size, sound technique and great experience with starter potential.”
Overview: Did not bench press. A four-year starter; started all 13 games at right tackle in 2023, allowing one sack in 359 pass blocking snaps. Attended The Hun School (HC Todd Smith) and Robbinsville HS; four-star recruit, was state champion shot put and discus thrower for the track & field team. Son of Paryn and Charles Wallace; as two brothers, Charles and Carson. Majored in communication arts and sciences. Solid mid-round selection.
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KING, KALEN | PSU | CB | #4 | Jr | 5112 | 190 | 0858 | 3018 | 7428 | 4.52 (1.54/2.67) | 37” | 10-2 | 4.14 | Detroit, MI
“A high-pedigree cover corner who has flashed great potential but struggles with consistency.”
Overview: Improved his 4.61 forty time from combine; did not participate in short shuttle or three-cone drills. Once considered to be a first round prospect, he may fall to Day 3 due to streaky performance and questionable speed. A two-year starter; 38 games played, 82 tackles (five and a half tackles for loss), 28 passes defended, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery. Attended Cass Technical High School (HC Thomas Welch); also played basketball and ran track. Son of TaDarrell and Felicia King; has twin brother, Kobe, who is also a member of the Penn State football team. Majored in recreation, park and tourism management.
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JACOBS, CURTIS | PSU | IB | #23 | Jr | 6013 | 243 | 1028 | 3148 | 7768 | 4.58 (1.59) | 18 | 35” | 10-9 | 4.40 | 7.15 | Glen Burnie, MD
“A big-bodied MIKE who runs well and has earned a reputation for making clutch plays.”
Overview: A three-year starter with 45 games played; 171 tackles (24 tackles for loss), nine and a half sacks, five passes defended, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble. A four-star recruit and two-time team captain from McDonogh School (HC Hakeem Sule). Son of Michele and Curtis Jacobs Sr, has three sisters, Morgan, Brianna and Destiny; cousin, Andre Levrone, played football at Virginia and Carolina Panthers. Majored in telecommunications. Projects as an early Day 3 prospect.
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JOHNSON, THEO | PSU | TE | #84 | Jr | 6061 | 261 | 1028 | 3300 | 8068 | 4.57 (1.55) | 19 | 10-5 | 4.19 | 7.15 | Windsor, Ontario
“A raw, developing pass-catcher with top-notch size/athleticism and red zone mismatch traits.”
Overview: Stood on combine times; participated in bench press, did not do vertical jump. Played 44 games (29 starts); 77 career receptions, for 938 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. A four-star recruit and team captain from Holy Names High School (HC Rob McIntyre). Son of Amy Johnson, as are five brothers, Dominic (played at Buffalo), Nathan, Levi, Michael and Keon. Majored in psychology. Born in Canada; CFL Draft-eligible. Projects as Day 3 selection.
Johnson on what he hoped to prove: "I think I’ve helped myself a ton, I was a guy that people had a lot of questions about. Throughout this process, I think I’ve shown people I can move well. I am not your typical big wide tight end, I can do anything you need at tight end."
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NOURZAD, HUNTER | PSU | C | #64 | rSr+ | 6031 | 319 | 1068 | 3318 | 7938 | 27 | Marietta, GA
Overview: Did not participate in pro day or combine due to minor stress reaction in his fibula, which is thought to have occurred during the season and worsened during combine training. Had a strong East-West Shrine Bowl showing and projects as a late round prospect. Started 20 consecutive games at right tackle during three seasons at Cornell; has started at center and guard the past two years at Penn State. Attended The Walker School (HC Matt Casper), where he was a team captain; played lacrosse, plus track and field (shot out). Son of John and Jamie Nourzad, has one sister. Earned a degree in engineering at Cornell.
Nourzad on his medical status: “From what I was told, one of the most important things about the combine is the medical. They get all the medical stuff done and send it to all 32 teams. My medical was really good, obviously besides my fibula. Besides that, the interviews I had I thought went really well.”
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DIXON, JOHNNY | PSU | DC | #3 | Sr | 5106 | 188 | 0858 | 2948 | 7200 | Tampa, FL
“A projected Day 3 slot corner with strong cover skills and average speed/hip fluidity.”
Overview: Did not test/workout at combine or pro day due to a hip injury he sustained at the Senior Bowl; expected to be medically cleared come April. A transfer from South Carolina; played 59 career games (34 starts); 96 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, seven and a half sacks, 20 pass breakups, four interceptions. Led FBS cornerbacks with four and a half sacks in 2023. Attended Chamberlain HS (HC Jason Lane); missed most of junior year with injury. Son of Roger and Daphney Dixon; majored in recreation, park and tourism management.
Dixon on injury: “It was tough originally finding out I wouldn’t be able to go through all this. There’s a process you look forward to all your life when you play a sport. It was tough at first, but I understood my situation. I understood what I had to do to get back.”
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HARDY, DAEQUON | PSU | DC | #25 | rSr | 5093 | 182 | 0818 | 3000 | 7018 | 4.38 (1.50) | 15 | 10-6 | 4.17 | 7.17 | 42.5” | Pittsburgh, PA
“An undersized cornerback with track speed, exceptional athleticism and return ability.”
Overview: Weighed in three pounds heavier than he was at the combine. Participated in bench press, short shuttle and three-cone; stood on all other combine times. Nickelback with 48 games played; 60 tackles (seven and a half tackles for loss), three and a half sacks, 25 passes defended, five interceptions, one forced fumble. Averaged 14.6 yards per punt return for career, with two touchdowns (both versus UMass in 2023). A three-star recruit from Penn Hills High School (Jon LeDonne); also ran track and field. Son of Courtney Wilson and Darren Hardy. Majored in psychology. Projects as an undrafted, high-priority free agent.
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ELLIS, KEATON | PSU | DS | #2 | Sr | 5112 | 185 | 0848 | 3000 | 7348 | 4.43 (1.64/2.70) | 13 | 39” | 10-9 | 4.35 | 7.11 | State College, PA
“Overachiever who can play either safety spot but will need to earn his way on special teams.”
Overview: Was a full-go participant at pro day (non-combine invite). Played 56 games (backup); 89 tackles, three tackles for loss, 14 passes defended, two interceptions, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery. A four-star recruit from State College Area High School (HC Matt Lintal). Also played point guard in basketball and ran one year of track. Son of Deb and Bruce Ellis (father played at PSU 1973-76); uncle Gary played at Maryland (1975-79); Majored in recreation, park and tourism management. Projects as priority free agent.
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FELKINS, ALEX | PSU | PK | #91 | Sr | 6030 | 198 | 0928 | 3168 | 7558 | Tulsa, OK
“A proven, high-level performer with deep kicking range and international eligibility.”
Overview: No testing. Connected on 10-of-13 field goals, including a long of 57-yards from the right hasmark. Was accurate from long range, even in warmups. Projected training camp invite. Had four career field goals of 50-plus yards, 19 field goals of 40-plus yards and was 123-of-127 on extra points during his career at Penn State and Columbia. Closed his collegiate career with 287 career points. Was named second team All-Big Ten in 2023 and All-Ivy League selection in 2022. Attended Holland Hall High School (HC Tag Gross); also played soccer and was a four-year honor roll student. Son of Inna and Kent Felkins, has a sister, Anna Bezhan; mother is from the Soviet Union and sister was born in Ukraine. Earned his degree in psychology at Columbia; was working on obtaining a graduation certificate in business management foundations at Penn State. International prospect.
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POTTS, TREY | PSU | OH | #23 | rSr | 5090 | 202 | 0968 | 2918 | 7000 | 4.59 (1.60/2.76) | 21 | 35” | 9-4 | 4.60 | 7.19 | Williamsport, PA
Overview: A full-go participant. Alternate football league candidate. A special team contributor who appeared in nine games during the 2023 season; 21 carries, for 132 rushing yards, three catches for 27 receiving yards. Had 1,195 rushing yards in four seasons at Minnesota. Finished with 5.1 career rushing average and 14 touchdowns for his collegiate career. A three-star recruit from Williamsport High School (HC Chuck Crews). Son of Georgia and Jerome Potts.