For a moment all was still in the Towson University athletics weight room. Scouts and coaches from 14 NFL teams, present and former Towson football players and coaches, a former Division I-AA standout turned NFL star, and various others anxiously surrounded Jermon Bushrod.
The four-year starting Towson left tackle was about to take the most important test of his college career.
After 22 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press, Bushrod was well on his way to raising his stock in this Aprilís 2007 NFL Draft.
"It definitely went well," Bushrod said. "I think everyone was pleased. So if they're pleased, I'm pleased."
Bushrod was one of eight players to take part in Towsonís pro day Wednesday morning at Johnny Unitas Stadium, alongside Andrae Brown, Eric Yancey, Kerry Miles, Rocky Brown, Davon Telp, Adjete Wilson, and Byron Westbrook of Salisbury University, the brother of Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook.
Each player was tested for their bench press, vertical leap, 40-yard time, and flexibility along with other similar measurables. It was no secret that the numbers posted by Bushrod were the focus of the scouts' attention.
"Whenever you find a guy almost [6-foot-5-inches], 315 pounds, that moves the way he does [you take notice]. He's smart with the athleticism. That's why you got four [offensive line] coaches here," Bushrod's agent Rich Rosa said.
The offensive lineman's workout continued well beyond the usual battery of tests. After showing off his 30.5-inch vertical leap and 4.97-second 40-yard time, coaches watched as he took part in a variety of drills similar to those done in team practices.
"Theyíre working the pee out of him," said Towson offensive coordinator Phil Albert, who also spent seven years as a scout for the San Diego Chargers. "They're just trying to see his quickness, his ability to change directions, his ability to set and reset, those types of things."
After spending significant time in Atlanta and Philadelphia the past few months preparing for his showcase, Bushrod was pleased with his performance.
"I just tried to focus on what I had to do. Not get too sidetracked on stuff that really didn't involve anything dealing with today," Bushrod said. "They said I did alright with it, so I'm happy with how I did."
Five years ago, Brian Westbrook was in a similar position to Bushrod after finishing an impressive career at Atlantic 10 program Villanova. A strong pro day workout led to his selection by the Eagles in the third round of the 2002 draft.
"If you can show the people a lot and show them what you can do, you'll be fine. It's tough coming out of a [Division] I-AA school because they're always going to compare you to I-A schools," Westbrook said. "Some of the NFL greats are I-AA players. You look at guys like Walter Payton and Jerry Rice. Those are guys that came out of I-AA and theyíre two of arguably the best players to ever play the game."
Before he can worry about making his mark as an NFL great Bushrod has to first make a roster, and hopefully do so as the first Towson player drafted since Tony Vinson in 1994. Those in Bushrod's corner are confident his name will be called. When? Rosa says it's, "too early to tell."
One thing is for sure: Wednesday helped.
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