With the NFL draft less than a month away, ten Howard football players gathered at Burr Gymnasium and William H. Greene Stadium last week to showcase their skills to NFL scouts during Howard’s Pro Day.
Scouts from the Washington Commanders and Indianapolis Colts were in attendance on March 27 to evaluate the chosen talent.
The Pro Day schedule included official height and weight measurements, followed by physical tests such as the bench press, vertical jump, 40-yard dash and other agility-based drills before breaking into position groups for individual workouts.
One of the standout players was defensive back Kenny Gallop Jr., who is considered one of the top class of 2025 HBCU prospects after leading the Bison in tackles last season.
Gallop Jr., listed at 5 feet 10 inches tall and 216 pounds, posted impressive numbers in the vertical jump and 40-yard dash before participating in position-specific drills.
Another Bison who drew attention was Robert Jones III, a senior defensive back who improved upon his showing at the HBCU Combine on Feb. 17. He ran the 40-yard dash and showed progress in the key testing areas.
After his performance, Jones III reflected on his strong showing.
“It was a good day, man. Came out here, left it all on the line, and had a very productive, solid day. I’ve been grinding the past couple of months, and it was all for this moment,” Jones III said.
As the workouts concluded, several Howard players reflected on their experience and looked ahead to the next step in their football journeys.
“In this experience I gained confidence in myself and abilities, especially when it comes to fieldwork. It’s just in God’s hands,” senior wide receiver Wayne Dennis Jr. said on his pro-day performance and next steps. “Whatever opportunity comes my way, I’ll be grateful, I know I put my all on the field today.”
Jamal Stewart, a senior defensive end who earned All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Second-Team honors in 2024, expressed similar sentiments.
“I’m just waiting on the call. My dream has always been to make it to the NFL, I’m just waiting,” Dennis Jr. said.
As the Bison look for their shot at the NFL, alumnus Antoine Bethea, a three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the Indianapolis Colts was among the spectators at Pro Day, offering advice and guidance to Howard players.
“It’s about working hard and making the most of an opportunity,” Bethea said. “If you get a chance to go to a camp or a tryout, you have to showcase your skills because you might only get one shot.”
Bethea’s message about seizing opportunities resonates with Howard players, including Jones, who is embracing the next stage of his career.
“Getting invited to the Legacy Bowl or the HBCU Combine is always a blessing,” Jones said. “You never know where this profession will take you. Whatever comes next, I’m going to attack it with the same mindset and effort that I always have.”
Copy edited by Aniyah Genama
