Colorado State University Athletics
Grayson holds Pro Day for 14 scouts
3/23/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
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FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Colorado State quarterback Garrett Grayson completed his Pro Day in front of 14 scouts from 12 different NFL teams on Monday morning. He did not participate in the Rams' first Pro Day on March 11 as he was recovering from a hamstring injury.
Grayson began the workout with passing drills, throwing to former teammate Charles Lovett. The native of Vancouver, Wash., completed 70-of-74 passes, while showing he can take snaps under center and in shotgun formation. Grayson also proved he could complete 5- and 7-step drops. In comparison, Oregon's Marcus Mariota, the No. 1-rated QB prospect according to ESPN's Mel Kiper, completed 59-of-66 passes at his Pro Day.
"The biggest thing for me was that I knew I could go under center, with Coach Mac (Jim McElwain) we did it a lot, but this past season we were probably 90-percent gun," Grayson said. "So I wanted to prove to everybody that I could take the 5-step and 7-step drop from under center with accuracy. Then when the QB coaches had me rolling to the right and throwing a comeback back on the far side of the field. That is something I wanted to prove that I had the arm strength to make those throws. I was very happy with my performance."
Grayson told the media after his Pro Day that he'll buy Lovett a pair of "Jordan's" for helping him on Monday.
After the passing drills, Grayson showed off his speed and agility participating in the three-cone drill and the 40-yard dash. According to the Fort Collins Coloradoan's Kelly Lyell and Loveland Reporter-Herald's Mike Brohard, Grayson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.76 and 4.72 seconds.
Grayson will work out in Fort Collins until the NFL Draft, which begins on Thursday, April 30, where he will watch with family and friends at his home.
Grayson quotables
(on whether it felt like Pro Day was a long time coming)
"I've honestly been waiting to just get it over with. I've been training for three months. It has been a long process. I was obviously a little bummed I couldn't do anything at the combine. You always grow up and you hear all these things about the combine and as a kid you want to do your best at the combine, so I was disappointed about that. I was happy with my performance today. I think I missed four throws, and I wish I could have those back but I'll take it. I think I proved I could make all the throws. Again, I was happy with it.
(on whether his hamstring is 100-percent healed)
"Yeah. To be honest I didn't know how it was going to do. I haven't ran, sprint or anything. What you guys just saw was my first sprint in over a month. That gives me some confidence going forward that I can move without something happening. That is why I ran the 40 as the very last thing, because I wasn't too sure about it. I'm happy it held up.
(on whether he proved doubters about his speed wrong)
"I think quite a few people. There was some people out there that said I'd be lucky to run a 5-flat (40). I'm happy with what I ran. Like I said, quarterbacks don't get paid to run 40s. I don't know how many 40s Tom Brady has ran, but he's won four Super Bowls."
(on whether he felt his stock has been hurt by hamstring injury)
"I don't think so. Going to the combine, what I wanted to do was knock the interviews out of the park, and I left the combine feeling really good about myself. I had a lot of good conversations with quarterback coaches around the league after the combine. They called me up, said they were impressed with my IQ, so I was happy to hear that. Obviously, it was a concern going to the combine and not being able to do anything. I was happy with it, and I proved what I can do today. I'm very happy with how it has gone so far."
(on how he feels overall in relation to other quarterbacks)
"I think I'm up there with the best. Obviously, I think everybody knows (Jameis) Winston and (Marcus) Mariota are kind of the one, two. I think as quarterbacks, or any position, you should always be fighting for the No. 1 spot at your position no matter who is out there. Me, Bryce Petty and Brett Hundley are all considered to be fighting for that three spot, but I can guarantee you can ask those guys too, they're not fighting for the three, they're fighting for the No. 1. It is up to us to make that happen, so you have to keep working. I feel very happy. I've watched all those guys throw and compete, and there is not a doubt in my mind that I can compete with those guys."
(on pressure of today's Pro Day)
"Last night I got a little nervous, and I usually don't get nervous until before the game when we're walking down the tunnel, and then it is gone. Last night, I couldn't fall asleep for anything. I think it is just because I've had a solid month to think about this, and just prepare for it and think about it over and over. Now that was finally here, I couldn't fall asleep. I don't know if it was nerves or excitement, but I'm definitely happy to have this day over with and be able to move on."
