Written by Evan Orris

After a breakout season for the Indiana Hoosiers, seven former players will look to fulfill their dreams of playing in the NFL. Due to the combine, which is normally held in Indianapolis, being canceled, these players will have to rely on their pro day to improve their draft stock.

Indiana’s pro day will be held on April 2 at the practice facility. Players will run a series of drills in front of NFL scouts and executives.

Harry Crider, Offensive Line, 6’4” 311 pounds

One of Crider’s biggest strengths heading into the draft is perhaps his experience at multiple positions. Crider started all of last season at center, but in 2019 Crider started 12 games at left guard. This could be appealing to many teams as he can attempt to solve multiple needs.

“I have experience at an any of the interior three. This past season, I played center. All through high school I played center. So, center’s been home for me. But, I’m comfortable at left guard, right guard, any of the interior positions.” Said Crider.

Crider needs to improve his footwork, but his power is unmatched. The Pro Day offers Crider the perfect opportunity to scouts that he could be a late-round steal.

Jamar Johnson, Safety, 6’1” 197 pounds

Johnson has the potential to be drafted the highest out of the crop of players. What separates Johnson from most safeties is his versatility. NFL scouts salivate at the chance to kill two birds with one stone and draft for multiple positions. Johnson can line up as a safety and nickel-corner. He displays the instincts needed at the safety position. Johnson was able to record four interceptions and pass deflections last season as the anchor of the Hoosiers defense.

The only issue that bothers teams is his play speed. However, Johnson can prove scouts wrong with a solid Pro Day showing. Johnson is confident in his ability to shatter his 40-yard dash expectation.

“I believe my 40’s gonna surprise people.” Said Johnson. “They expect me to run, I think, a 4.6 or whatever. I'm definitely going to be running lower than that."

Jerome Johnson, Defensive Tackle, 6’3” 304 pounds

Johnson was the glue that held the Hoosiers defensive line together. The stout run defender was able to end his career with 111 tackles and 21 tackles for losses. For an interior defender, Johnson has some pass-rushing ability. He was able to get to the quarterback 13.5 times.

Most scouts aren’t worried about Johnson’s physicality; however, they are worried about his athleticism and ability to disengage blockers. However, Johnson is eager for the chance to show off his skills.

“Just showing my explosives and my ability to move around a lot.” Said Johnson

Whop Philyor, Wide Receiver, 5’11” 185 pounds

Whop leaves Bloomington as ranked ninth in receiving yards with 2,067 yards, and fourth in receptions with 180 catches. Philyor is the prototypical slot receiver. He showcases solid route running abilities and has the speed and to stretch the field. But, Philyor believes that he can keep improving on his route running.

“I’ve been working on my route running for about a month. So, it should be better, and I know it can get better.” Said Philyor.

The knack against Whop is his size. At only 5’11 and a lean 185 pounds, he will be going up against stronger defenders which may cause issues such as fumbles or drops. If he can put on some muscle, Whop could be a late-round steal for a team in need of a receiver.

Stevie Scott III, Running Back, 6,2” 231 pounds

Much like Philyor, Stevie Scott also cemented himself in IU’s history books. Scott ends his career as ranked fourth in program history with 30 rushing touchdowns and ninth in rushing yards with 2,543 yards. Scott is the old-school power back that every team needs in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

The problem is Scott doesn’t offer much after that. He is a pedestrian pass catcher and does not have game-breaking speed. Scott thinks his speed won’t be an issue, and he can put question marks about his speed to rest.

“There's a lot of doubt on my speed, my breakaway speed. That's something I've been working on throughout this process. I'm looking forward to showing it." Said Scott.

Jovan Swann, Defensive Line, 6’2” 280 pounds

Swann only spent one season in Bloomington after transferring from Stanford. Swann finished his lone season with only four tackles in six games. However, he had a solid career before joining the Hoosiers. With Stanford, Swann racked up 8.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for losses in three seasons.

Swann is a very similar player to Jerome Johnson. Both have the strength to play on the interior but lack the necessary pass rush moves to entice teams. Swann needs a solid display for his Pro Day to impress teams.

“I’m trying to go out there and showcase that I am a versatile defensive lineman.” Said Swann. “At 290 (pounds), I know that I can do a lot of things for a lot of organizations. And, I’m just looking to prove myself to all 32 teams.”

Haydon Whitehead, Punter, 6’2” 219 pounds

Punters always have a tough time being drafted, but Whitehead looks to be one of the few selected. He ranks third in IU’s history with a 41.4 punt average. This past season, Whitehead was selected to the third-team All-Big Ten. He’ll look to show off his leg strength and accuracy in front of scouts.

“I’m hoping scouts can see my consistency and my ability to place the ball where I want to.” Said Whitehead

This year’s Pro Day should be very important to the long-run success of the program. Every prestigious college football program sends players to the NFL. If IU wants to make their program more enticing for recruits, having highly drafted players certainly makes Bloomington even more appealing.

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