Adams, Carney Jr., Joseph, Kramer and more show out during the Illinois football Pro Day

Cameron Krasucki

Defensive back Kerby Joseph tackles a Wisconsin opponent during the Homecoming game on Oct. 9. Joseph and many other Illini football players partook the Illinois Pro day with NFL scouts in attendance.

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor
March 12, 2022

Illinois hosted NFL scouts for the 2022 Illinois Pro Day. Scouts from a total of 31 different NFL teams attended to watch the Illini in workouts.

15 Illinois pro prospects participated in the workouts, hoping to get a chance to fulfill their NFL dreams.

Four of the Illini already had a chance to show their skills in front of NFL coaches and scouts after being invited to the 2022 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“If they didn’t like the number they got at the combine, they get to retest here,” said head coach Bret Bielema. “But today is for players like Owen Carney, Tony Adams, Khalan Tolson, Doug Kramer.”

The NFL hopefuls grabbed their shot and ran with it, many putting up impressive numbers across multiple strength, speed, agility and position workouts.

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OL Doug Kramer started the event off strong, posting a 4.83 in the 40-yard dash. If invited to the Combine, he would’ve been the fastest offensive lineman at the event.

Kramer also posted 26 reps in the bench press, which would’ve been the most by an offensive lineman at the Combine.

DB Tony Adams also performed well at the event, posting a 4.34 in the 40-yard dash and a 41.5” vertical.

His defensive teammates, OLB Owen Carney Jr. and Kerby Joseph, also caught the eyes of many NFL scouts showing natural talent during the position workouts.

“As good as you think (DB Kerby Joseph) is now, his best football by far is ahead of him,” said Bielema. “To be able to showcase their skills in front of a crowd like that and put up the numbers that they have been putting up has been a really positive thing.”

QB Brandon Peters also showcased his skills throughout the day, with great metrics in a majority of the workouts. However, his inconsistencies showed during the passing drills, potentially hurting his draft prospects.

P Blake Hayes and K James McCourt also had a successful day, kicking and punting outdoors to show their abilities to handle rough weather and wind.

Both were also seen talking to numerous scouts, with high interest among the scouts for the decorated special team duo.

Players who participated in the Illinois Pro Day this Friday are listed below:

DB Tony Adams

OL Jack Badovinac

DB Christian Bobak

OLB Owen Carney Jr.

OLB Isaiah Gay

LB Jake Hansen *

P Blake Hayes *

DB Kerby Joseph *

OL Doug Kramer