UND football players take part in Pro Day
Mar. 26—GRAND FORKS — Many of the UND football players testing Tuesday at the Pollard Center in front of professional scouts had already undergone pro days at other universities.
Testing at UND's Pro Day, though, provided an opportunity to perform in front of former teammates and coaches.
"You have a lot of your teammates watching you in the stands cheering you on," UND offensive lineman Donny Ventrelli said. "Seeing the pro teams watching you perform is a dream into a reality. I also did Minnesota's Pro Day, but I liked the numbers I put up (at UND).
"I put up numbers better here than at Minnesota. It meant the world to have old teammates and coaches cheering me on. I'm happy to be here for the opportunity."
Ventrelli had 21 reps on the bench press and ran a 5.04-second 40-yard dash.
Ventrelli was one of the headliners of UND's eight players taking part in the pro day. Ventrelli was one of three all-Missouri Valley Football Conference honorees to take part including cornerback C.J. Siegel and running back Luke Skokna.
Eleven pro organizations were represented at UND's Pro Day between the NFL and CFL.
The CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers were in Grand Forks with the potential to add to the UND flavor in Winnipeg. The Blue Bombers already have running back Brady Oliveira and defensive back Evan Holm as regulars in the lineup.
Siegel had participated in a pro day in Wisconsin, while Skokna had participated in a pro day at Northwestern.
At UND, Skokna ran a 4.44 40-yard dash. Skokna's was UND's fastest performer on Tuesday, while wide receiver Red Wilson ran a 4.53 and 4.47. Siegel ran a 4.58 and 4.60.
Siegel had UND's best vertical jump at 36.5 inches.
Safety Malachi Buckner, wide receiver Wesley Eliodor, defensive end Jaelen Johnson and defensive end Bartholomew Ogbu also took part in the pro day in Grand Forks.
Safety Kadon Kauppinen was in Grand Forks at pro day but kept his results from Monday's testing in Vermillion.
A number of UND players tested in Vermillion due to recent winter weather in the area.
Kauppinen turned heads with his performance as he did 25 reps on the bench and ran a 4.47 40-yard dash.
"I put in a lot of hard work, and it was sprung on me to go to Vermillion to get in front of more eyes," Kauppinen said. "I trusted all the work I had put in and gave it my best. I was happy with the numbers I came out with."
Kauppinen's 40-yard dash attracted the attention of pro scouts.
"I wanted to get that number out there to show I can run like that," Kauppinen said.
Kauppinen has been training near his home in Wisconsin.
"I really enjoyed focusing on training and nutrition," Kauppinen said. "It's good to show people you can move and have power in your legs. I think I did a good job of that."
Like many, Kauppinen now waits to hear on pro opportunities.
"It's a waiting game now, and I'm hoping someone reaches out and gives me an opportunity," Kauppinen said.