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Boise State running back D.J. Harper isn't a high-profile NFL draft prospect, but he is becoming harder to ignore. After finishing sixth among running backs at the NFL Combine in the 40-yard dash at 4.52 seconds, Harper improved to a 4.45 at the Boise State pro day on Thursday. That number would have placed him third at the combine.
Harper, a sixth-year senior, ran for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns during his final year for the Broncos. The 5'9, 211-pound tailback should move up draft boards with his impressive speed and could find his way onto an NFL roster next season.
Broncos cornerback Jamar Taylor may have seen his draft stock go up a tiny bit. Though he only ran the 60-yard shuttle, his 10.91 seconds would have been the fastest among defensive backs at the combine. He could be seen as a late first- or second-round pick.
Scouts from 16 NFL teams and one CFL team came to Boise State's pro day to see Harper, Taylor, and a host of other former Broncos. Defensive tackle Mike Atkinson, who tore his ACL last season, did 32 reps on the bench, which would have been the fourth-best total at the combine.
Over at the Kentucky pro day, scouts from 25 NFL teams and one CFL team were in attendance to see the Wildcats go through drills at the Nutter Field House. There were 15 former Kentucky football players on display.
The best prospect of the bunch was guard Larry Warford. Without much left to prove, Warford only performed in positional drills and not in any of the other events. Center Matt Smith was also hoping to impress scouts at the pro day.
Smith did 28 reps on the bench and is proving to be capable at both center and guard. That kind of versatility would definitely help him, and any other prospect on a pro day, improve their stock.
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