11 Demons participated in Northwestern State's Pro Day Tuesday in Natchitoches and 18 NFL teams were represented to witness those players work out.

Check out photos on the NSU Demons facebook page.

NSU SID News Release/Doug Ireland:

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State’s football program has produced eight Pro Bowl players and sent nearly 100 players to the next level, including six recent NFL Draft picks.

So much for that “off the beaten path” tag. Scouts from 18 NFL teams converged on Turpin Stadium Tuesday morning for NSU’s annual Pro Day showcasing seniors from the 2014 squad, and the 11 Demons in action made their marks.

Most of the buzz during and after the three hours of workouts centered around obvious NFL Draft prospects Imoan Claiborne, Deon Simon and Corey Simmons. But the other eight seniors going through their last official event as Demons opened some eyes, too.

“I thought all of them came in looking good, and had some good performances today,” said third-year NSU head coach Jay Thomas. “It was fun to get them out there in front of all these NFL teams.

“We had 19 guys go through fall commencement, and just about every one of the guys out here today have finished their degrees or are wrapping it up this semester. It’s great for those like Imoan, Deon and Corey who have their degrees already and could focus on getting ready for today and the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft.”

Claiborne, who played in January’s Senior Bowl after winning All-America honors at cornerback last fall, was pleased with his performance Tuesday, although he was nervous coming in.

““Very much so. I didn’t sleep much last night,” he said. “I thought it went great. I put it all on the line and I can’t complain.”

The Alexandria native said he’s sought a little advice from his former NSU teammate, the last Demon drafted, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane, who has played in two Super Bowls since his 2011 senior season at NSU.

“I talked to him through the whole process. He sent me a good luck text,” said Claiborne, who said he’s been respectful of Lane’s rehabilitation from arm and knee injuries sustained in the Super Bowl after a first-quarter interception of Brady. “He’s got his own work to do but his support means a lot.”

Lane went in the sixth round of the 2012 Draft.

“It’s one of the things you dream about as a little kid, so to get my name called would be a dream come true,” said Claiborne, who had several family members watching Pro Day from the stands, something he believes works in his favor.

“Today in the NFL you see these off the field issues, and I really don’t have that. I’m a family man. My on-the-field speaks for itself, and I believe I have good leadership qualities,” he said. “I believe those things matter.”

Pro Day was a relief for Simmons, who returned to NSU after training at home, and getting advice from his father, former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl defensive end Clyde Simmons.

“All these weeks of training, I’ve been ready to get through it, and I’m excited to get on to the next step. There’s a month before the draft and you want to be in the best shape possible if and when you get the opportunity to go into a camp,” said the three-year NSU letterman at tight end.

“My dad’s been one of the greatest helps I’ve had. He’s given me tips and it’s been very important. He said just come out here and compete. His experience helps.”

Like Claiborne and Simon, who participated in last month’s NFL Scouting Combine, Simmons had postseason experience, playing in the NFLPA All-Star Game.
“It really helped the nerves, because there we had a lot of scouts and NFL personnel, and players from big-name schools. So I’ve been through that and now I’m back here with my teammates, and we all got together and said, let’s do our work and show them how good players are at NSU.”

For Simmons, being a pro prospect has been a remarkable two-year journey from a devastating ankle fracture late in his sophomore season.

“The moment it happened, I was looking at my leg and I was thinking, it’s over. I’m very proud of being able to come back from that and be in this position,” he said.

His selling point to NFL scouts: “I work hard, and try to be as perfect as possible. I try to do everything the way they teach it so hopefully I can go out there and play on a Sunday.”

Simon, a 6-foot-4, 330-pound defensive tackle, didn’t go through the timed drills or the weightlifting Tuesday since he had done those tests well at the combine. He showed his skills at position-specific drills.

“It went pretty good. I was the only defensive lineman out here so things went quickly,” said the soft-spoken Baton Rouge native. “The combine was a real good experience and I was blessed to get that invitation. I had a real sense of comfort today being back in Turpin Stadium, alongside my teammates and Coach T.”

Some NFL Draft analysts have Simon as a potential second-day (rounds 2-3) draft pick. He just wants to get into a pro camp and has no expectations.

“I don’t listen to that. It isn’t good to get caught in the hype. I’m just grateful to be at this stage with an opportunity and now I am working to make the most out of it,” he said.

Receiver Bryant Mitchell and his NSU roommate, quarterback Zach Adkins, are regarded as possible NFL free agent signees who may also have Canadian Football League potential. Mitchell’s 37-inch vertical jump was bettered only by Claiborne’s 39-inch effort, and Mitchell led in four other categories: standing long jump (10 feet, 9 inches), the 20-yard shuttle (4.25), the 60-yard shuttle (11.67) and the three-cone drill (7.05 seconds).

“I’m finishing up nine tough hours on my degree this spring, and that’s stressful enough,” said Mitchell. “Trying to balance school with this is tough but this is a once in a lifetime chance. Today I tried to show what I could do and it went well, and I’m thankful for the opportunity.”

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