Former Wisconsin Badger and WIAC football players will have a chance to participate in UW’s annual pro day on Wednesday March 9th at the McClain Center.
Following the NFL Combine, which took place in Indianapolis from February 23rd to 29th, senior college football players receive the opportunity to perform for NFL scouts at designated D1 college pro days across the country. Pro days give players who didn’t receive a combine invitation or performed poorly at the combine a second chance to perform for NFL scouts.
Pro Day gives NFL teams the opportunity to get another look at prospective draft choices and see how they perform at a variety of examinations and drills. Pro Day consists of player workouts, medical exams, and interviews with the players
17 former Badger and WIAC football players are scheduled to work out for NFL scouts at Wisconsin’s Pro Day. The complete list of the players and their positions is listed below.
Some key players to pay attention to are Badger fullback Derek Watt, Badger safety Mike Caputo, and former Badger safety from 2009-2012, Shelton Johnson.
Derek Watt, younger brother of Houston Texan former Badger J.J. Watt did not receive an invitation to the NFL Combine but has high prospects to play in the NFL with his older brother. In 2015, Watt rushed for 45 yards and made 15 receptions for 139 yards.
Badger safety Mike Caputo excelled in the East-West Shrine Game on January 9th, 2016, winning defensive MVP. Quarterback Joel Stave, fullback Derek Watt, and offensive tackle Tyler Marz also were selected for the East team.
Former Badger safety Shelton Johnson played four years with the Badgers before pursuing a career with the NFL. The Oakland Raiders signed Johnson as an undrafted free agent in in 2013. He remained with the team for the 2013-2014 season, signed first on the practice squad on in December 2013 to the active roster. In 2014, he was cut by the Raiders and signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In May 2015 Johnson was cut by the Buccaneers.
Three Badger seniors will be getting a second look by NFL scouts after being invited to the NFL Combine. Quarterback Joel Stave, offensive tackle Tyler Marz, and outside linebacker Joe Schobert participated in the 2016 NFL Combine in February.
Players from four WIAC colleges, UW Oshkosh, UW Stevens Point, UW Platteville, and UW Eau Claire, will also have a chance to work out on Wednesday.
Wisconsin’s Pro Day will be held on Wednesday March 9th at the McClain Center, with on-field drills scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Players attending Wisconsin’s Pro Day
Mike Caputo (Safety)
Alex Erickson (Wide receiver)
Jesse Hayes (Outside linebacker)
Darius Hillary (Cornerback)
Shelton Johnson (safety)
Tyler Marz (Offensive tackle)
Drew Meyer (Punter)
Tanner McEvoy (Safety and wide receiver)
Joe Schobert (Outside linebacker)
Joel Stave (Quarterback)
Austin Traylor (Tight end)
Derek Watt (Fullback)
Isiah Cage- UW-Eau Claire (Offensive tackle)
Aaron Karlen- UW-Stevens Point (Defensive lineman)
Zach Kasuboski- UW-Oshkosh (Wide receiver)
Andrew Robinson- UW-Platteville (Defensive lineman)
Joe Sommers- UW-Oshkosh (Tight end)