A group of 10 former University of Maine football players had the chance to showcase their abilities in front of two NFL scouts during the UMaine football program’s annual Pro Day in Orono on Friday.
Scouts from the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens were on hand as the former Black Bears participated in a series of measurements and drills while seeking to garner attention ahead of the NFL draft, which starts on April 24.
The participating players were defensive backs Amir Byrd, Kenneth Cooper and Jayden Curry; defensive linemen John Costanza and Rayshad Wallace; linebacker Kesean Dyson; running back Jaharie Martin; and wide receivers Michael Monios, Montigo Moss and Joe Gillette.
“It was a full circle moment. You dream this as a kid,” Costanza said after the Pro Day action, appreciating the chance to perform in front of the scouts and current members of the UMaine team.
Those other players were on hand at the school’s indoor dome facility on Friday to cheer on their former teammates as they participated in tests such as the bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, 40-yard dash, short shuttle, three-cone drill and various position-specific drills.
“It just shows how much of a family this place really is,” Costanza said about the team support.
Moss led the Black Bears in both receptions (61) and yards (722) last season, along with bringing in a team-best seven touchdown receptions. Moss provided what might have been the largest cheer from the current players on Friday with a diving catch deep during a wide receiver drill.
“Just to come out here and see the guys, see the coaches, see the smiles on their faces after reps and stuff, it just means everything,” Moss said after the wide receiver drills on Friday. “I’m proud of the guys, and everybody’s excited for what’s to come.”
Moss would not be the first member of his family to make his way to the NFL. He is the son of Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss and brother of tight end Thaddeus Moss, who spent time with multiple NFL teams.
Asked about that family experience, Moss said both his father and brother have encouraged him to focus on himself and having his own journey.
Gillette, who was second in receptions and yards behind Moss on the team last season, led the way in many of the Pro Day categories on Friday.
Gillette felt positive about his times in the drills.
“Hopefully they’re pretty good, I haven’t seen them yet,” he said.
Gillette had the highest vertical jump at 40.5 inches and longest broad jump of 10.09 feet. Gillette also ran the fastest 40-yard dash at 4.49 seconds and had the fastest three-cone time with 7.07 seconds.
UMaine head coach Jordan Stevens credited Gillette for how he carries himself and how hard he works.
“His work ethic, his focus, his attitude, his consistency are elite,” Stevens said, also highlighting some of the challenges that Gillette has faced.
Those challenges include battling and overcoming cancer twice.
“I’m more focused on the present, but it is something I think about — something I’m proud to have gotten through,” Gillette said when asked about those challenges.
Martin led the way on the bench press with 26 reps. Monios was fastest in the short shuttle with a time of 4.25 seconds.
“Can’t wait to see what comes next, just excited for an opportunity,” said Monios.
The two scouts on hand were Brian Smith of the Patriots and Andrew Rogan of the Ravens, according to a UMaine Athletics spokesperson.
Stevens called it a “really special day” for the seniors participating who are looking for a chance to play in the NFL.
“I think all of our players have dreams, goals, aspirations to play in the National Football League,” the coach said. “This is a lot of hard work coming together on one day, to show the work you’ve put in and how you’ve developed.”
