San Jose, Calif. ----- Disregarding a brief midday rain shower, nine seniors from the 2018 San Jose State University football team stated their case to continue playing the game at the Spartans' annual Pro Day activities.
Representatives from 22 National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League teams examined, measured and tested defensive linemen Bryson Bridges and Boogie Roberts; quarterback Michael Carrillo; kicker Bryce Crawford; wide receiver Justin Holmes; defensive backs Dakari Monroe and John Toussaint; tight end Josh Oliver and running back Malike Roberson.
Bridges, Holmes, Monroe and Toussaint participated in all the activities similar to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis – the vertical jump, bench press of 225 pounds,, standing long jump, 40-yard dash, and three shuttle runs of various lengths.
Tight end Josh Oliver, the one Spartan invited to the 2019 NFL Combine and was one of the best overall performers at his position, was measured for height and weight and participated in pass catching drills at the end of the testing session.
Monroe's marks in the vertical leap of 35.5 inches and 11.70 in the "long shuttle" were among the best by a San Jose State senior in recent years. In 2017, current Chicago Bears linebacker Isaiah Irving had a 36.0-inch leap and former New York Giants fullback Shane Smith was even better at 37-inches. In 2016, Cleveland Wallace, III's 11.43 in the long shuttle is the best time by the Spartan prior to Monroe's time this year.
San Jose State continues its third week of spring practice Thursday, March 21, with a 10:00 a.m. practice. The week concludes with a weekend scrimmage beginning at noon. There is no admission charge to watch the scrimmage.