'This is a special place': Former Crusaders Jalen Coker, C.J. Hanson relish testing at Holy Cross Pro Day

WORCESTER — The last two years, Jalen Coker and C.J. Hanson were on the sideline watching Holy Cross teammates Benton Whitley, Liam Anderson and others work out for professional scouts on HC Pro Day.

On Thursday, it was their turn.

Coker and Hanson, who both were coming off strong showings last month at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, were among 21 prospects who tested in front of 30 NFL and two CFL teams at HC’s indoor practice facility at the Luth Athletic Complex.

“It was like my last game day here,” said Hanson, a guard who was part of five Patriot League championship teams at Holy Cross and, last season, captained one of the top offensive lines in the country. “Waking up this morning, you start thinking about all those game days you had in the past, and you feel that adrenaline, that energy. This is a special place.”

HC Pro Day was another step in the demanding, but promising, pre-NFL Draft process for Coker and Hanson.

Various scouting services project Coker as a fifth- or sixth-round pick, and Hanson as a sixth-rounder.

The NFL Draft is April 25-27.

“Growing up I’ve always wanted to be in this position, and that’s where I’m at,” Coker said. “I’m just trying to be where my feet are at and enjoy it and soak it in.”

Coker and Hanson were just the third and fourth Holy Cross players to receive invites to the Combine. Peter Muldoon attended in 1985 and Gordie Lockbaum in 1988.

The 6-foot-1, 208-pound Coker, who led all wide receivers with a 42-foot, 5-inch vertical jump at the Combine and ran a 4.57 40, did not participate in any on-field drills Thursday, but he did do the bench press (12 reps).

“I’m happy that I’m here,” Coker said. “It just a huge opportunity for us. and we’re glad to represent here at Holy Cross.”

The 6-foot-6, 305-pound Hanson, who ran a 5-second 40 at the Combine, had a 33-foot, 5-inch vertical, and 9-foot, 7-inch broad jump, took part in the 5-10-5 shuttle run drill Thursday, as well as the L-cone drill. Hanson set a bench press personal record with 25 reps. He did position drills with New England Patriots assistant offensive line coach Robert Kugler.

“I’m very happy with my results,” Hanson said. “I’m very satisfied. Between this and the Combine, I think I helped myself a lot.”

In preparation for the Combine and NFL Draft, Coker and Hanson trained at the same facility, X3 Performance and Physical Therapy in Fort Myers, Florida.

At the Hula Bowl in January, Coker made an incredible, one-handed touchdown catch in the back of the end zone. The replay went viral. He joined Hanson at the East-West Shrine Bowl in early February.

Coker’s Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.46 at the Combine ranked 167^th of more than 3,000 wide receivers since 1987. RAS is a metric that takes a players NFL Combine measurables and boils them down into one number, on a scale of 0 to 10, while also taking position into account.

“It was really fun being at the Combine with all the top prospects,” Coker said. “It was really awesome to compete with them and stand out, like C.J. and I did. It just elevates us even more.”

Coker and Hanson were among 15 players from FCS schools at this year’s Combine.

Coker and Hanson proved they can compete with the top prospects.

“My ability to catch the ball, go up and make big plays, and my knack to get into the end zone are good tangibles that will work in the league,” said Coker, HC’s all-time leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

In 2023, Hanson helped the Crusaders rank in the top 10 nationally in rushing offense, total offense and scoring offense.

“I’m going to be a team guy (at the next level),” Hanson said, “I’m going to work hard for my teammates, be in the right position for my teammates and be the best person I can be. Attention to detail, positive attitude and urgency with everything you do, I think that can carry you a long way.”

Coker (Sterling, Virginia) and Hanson (Wyckoff, New Jersey) have returned home. The next month will include continued training and possible workouts and meetings with NFL teams.

Whitley (Giants) and Anderson (Colts) have been very helpful to Coker and Hanson throughout the process.

Holy Cross held its first Pro Day in 2018, and it drew 13 NFL scouts. The event has grown each year, and Thursday’s scout attendance was the highest. In addition to Holy Cross, there were players from 10 other schools, including New Hampshire, Merrimack, Stonehill and Brown.

“The exposure that Holy Cross is gaining throughout the country is noticeable,” Holy Cross director of sport performance and pro liaison Chris Grautski said, “and when the scouts come in here, and they’re treated like they are with a ton of respect, and we try to be as efficient as possible, they know what they’re going to get is something special when they come through these doors.

“We’re all about helping out other schools when we can because we have the facilities to do it,” Grautski said, “so we allow other schools’ prospects to come up, which helps out the scouts, and it helps those kids out.”

—Contact Jennifer Toland at jennifer.toland@telegram.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @JenTolandTG.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Former Crusaders Jalen Coker, C.J. Hanson keep showing 'em at Holy Cross Pro Day