March 14, 2013
WVU's pro day not all about Geno
NFL scouts evaluated Mountaineers at practice facility
AP Photo
Geno Smith worked out for pro scouts Thursday in Morgantown.
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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - With 29 NFL teams sending scouts, coaches and other representatives to West Virginia University for Wednesday's pro day, it would be easy for Geno Smith to feel like the day was all about him.

After all, he was the reason ESPN and NFL Network crews were set up inside the Caperton Indoor Practice Facility capturing footage and breaking down his every move.

However, in the quarterback's eyes, pro day wasn't about him at all.

It was instead about Pat White, J.D. Woods, Jeff Braun and several other former Mountaineer players fighting to earn attention and, ideally, an NFL roster spot.

"I always said it was more for them than for me," Smith said. "Everyone is going to watch the tape and evaluate me and do their homework, but there's guys like Ryan Nehlen who didn't play as much, but tests as well as the best of them.

"To have a bunch of coaches and scouts out here to get a feel for those guys as well and see what they bring to the table is extremely promising for me, because I really appreciate what they did for me."

Jacksonville Jaguars coach Gus Bradley and Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin were in attendance and watched the proceedings from the field.

Bradley and other Jaguars representatives met with Smith following the workout for a meeting Smith said involved watching game film and getting to know him.

Smith said his meeting schedule isn't set in stone yet; he has a meeting with the Buffalo Bills March 22 and expects about a dozen more visits before the NFL draft, which starts on April 25.

"As of right now, I would expect between 10, 12, and maybe even more," Smith said. "They have to contact my agents and get dates set up, because I'm pretty sure they all will be calling soon."

The pro day consisted of two separate workouts: one with players from last season's team and another with players from previous years, both containing various combine exercises and other position-specific drills.

Smith participated in a passing workout, which consisted of throwing to former Mountaineer teammates Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, Nehlen, Woods, Shawne Alston and Ryan Clarke as they ran routes ranging from 5 to 40 yards in front of scouts.

The combination of returning to Morgantown and having the opportunity to catch passes from Smith made the event an enjoyable one for Bailey.

"It was a lot of fun," he said. "Like I said, just being back in the building with those guys, catching balls, running routes [and] doing what we do - it was a good feeling."

Bailey and Austin, who participated in the passing workout, both have a private workout with the Carolina Panthers here today.

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