CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears hosted their annual Pro Day on Wednesday, with six former players working out for six National Football League teams at the Pepsi Center and new strength and conditioning facility on campus.
Quarterback Nathan Dick, an FCS All-American last fall, led a group of former Bears that included wide receiver/kick returner Isaiah Jackson, receivers Derrick Steele and Kenneth Robey, linebacker Frank Newsome and offensive lineman Austin Emerson.
The athletes went through testing in the weight room, which included bench press and vertical leap, and did shuttle drills, the standing broad jump and the 40-yard dash in the Pepsi Center. The three receivers then ran routes and caught passes with Dick on the practice field under the watchful eye of the scouts.
Jackson, a Conway native and UCA’s career leader in kickoff returns, turned heads with a blistering 4.31 in the 40. Dick met with an assistant coach from the New England Patriots for an extended film session on Tuesday prior to the Pro Day workout.
Dick finished his UCA career second in passing attempts (808), second in completions (514), third in passing yards (5,943) and fourth in touchdown passes (44).
Steele finished the 2011 season with 25 receptions for 311 yards and 3 touchdowns last fall. Jackson had 32 for 460 yards and 1 touchdown and also returned 39 kickoffs for 848 yards, a 21.8 yard average.
Robey was UCA’s leading receiver in 2010 with 71 catches for 809 yards and 6 touchdowns before finishing his career at Arkansas-Monticello last fall. Emerson was an All-Southland Conference lineman for the Bears in 2010.
