OSU football notebook: Woods projected as weakside LB; Van Zant still rehabbing ankle
OSU football notebook: Woods projected as weakside LB; Van Zant still rehabbing ankle

Bowman ran a 4.76 in the 40-yard dash Wednesday at OSU's Pro Day in front of scouts from 22 NFL teams. That time was similar to the 4.74 he ran at the NFL Combine last month in Indianapolis.

"I feel at the combine, I didn't get to perform,” Bowman said. "Catching the ball is most of my performance. I didn't really get to do that. Today, I got to show what I'm better at, running routes, catching the ball, getting up the field.

"I still feel like my biggest quality are the games. I really can't show it until we get out there on game day. But I feel like I had a great day today.”

Scouts downgraded Bowman for too many dropped balls during practices at the Senior Bowl. Bowman said his vision was an issue, so he had a second go-round with Lasik eye surgery in January.

"We looked at every single ball thrown to him, and we think he dropped only two passes all year,” said Brian Overstreet, Bowman's agent. "When they put game film on, they'll see he's one of the most complete receivers in this draft.

"Some of the great receivers didn't have great speed. On film, you see he can catch the ball, run good routes, blocks well and makes plays after the catch, which is why I think he's the most complete receiver in the draft.”

•Woods update: NFL scouts project Donovan Woods as a weakside linebacker after playing three different positions during his five seasons.

"I'm pretty sure they take all that into consideration,” Woods said. "They've done their homework. They're fully aware of my situation. Whether you're a late-round pick or free agent, all you can ever ask for is an opportunity.”

His older brother, D'Juan Woods, faced a similar situation last year. D'Juan, who attended Pro Day as an observer, signed a free-agent deal with Jacksonville, was cut in late August but was re-signed to the practice squad in December.

D'Juan Woods, who is third on OSU's career receiving charts, recently signed a one-year deal with the Jaguars. He will report to mini-camp later this month.

•Fullback combo: Some scouts believe fullback Julius Crosslin will be drafted in the late rounds. Crosslin ranked high in several Pro Day categories. ... Reserve fullback Zach Carter also compiled some solid numbers.

•Van Zant watches: Still rehabilitating a torn ankle ligament injury, cornerback Martel Van Zant didn't participate in agility drills. Through his interpreter, Allie Lee, the deaf OSU player said his ankle is only "50 to 60 percent.”

Van Zant bench-pressed 225 pounds 25 times, the third-best outing of the 12 OSU players who worked out. Van Zant said he hopes to be ready for an individual workout in early to mid-April. Van Zant is optimistic he can land a free-agent deal and will be invited to an NFL summer camp.

"That's what I'm shooting for,” Van Zant said. "If things don't work out in the NFL, I may have some options in the CFL or the Arena League.”

By Mike Baldwin

Leave a Comment

Sports Photo Galleriesview all

Adrian Peterson football camp

Adrian Peterson talks with young football players on the second day of his camp in Norman.

11 photos

Volleyball camp: June 23, 2009

Photos from the volleyball camp in Norman on Tuesday, June 23, 2009.

4 photos

Sunbelt Classic: June 23, 2009

Photos from the Sunbelt Classic in Norman on Tuesday, June 23, 2009.

4 photos

Endeavor Games: Saturday, June 13, 2009

Photos from the Endeavor Games Saturday, June 13, 2009

19 photos

Page 1 of 5

Prev 1 2 3 4 5 Next