A large number of NFL teams participate in FAMU football’s Pro Day as players pursue dreams and showcase talent

For the second year in a row, Bragg Memorial Stadium was filled with National Football League and Canadian Football League scouts looking for talent for next season's rosters.

Florida A&M hosted its 2023 Pro Day Thursday as players with professional aspirations performed with hopes of being selected in next month's NFL draft.

Twenty-two NFL teams and two CFL (Edmonton Elks and Winnipeg Blue Bombers) were represented.

“It's a great day for FAMU and it feels great to let these young men realize their dream,” FAMU head coach Willie Simmons said. “Everybody who starts playing football dreams of playing in the NFL.

“You get what you deserve and these guys have earned it. Hopefully we can continue this trend.”

The Rattlers had seven players participate in drills: wide receiver Xavier Smithoffensive lineman Dariyon Weeden Sr., linebacker Land of Isaiahdefensive backs BJ Bohler and Courtney Coxkicker Jose Romo-Martinezand punters Chris Faddoul.

“Because of their hard work, dedication to the game and their craft, they allowed this day to happen,” Simmons said. “I'm glad our returning players got to see this and hopefully it gives them some motivation to keep doing the little things right.”

FAMU also welcomed other Historically Black College and University (HBCU) players. running back Tyler King from Edward Waters and Albany State linebacker Stephan Pierrea Lincoln High School alumnus and Tallahassee native.

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Isaiah Land and Xavier Smith continue their impressive pre-draft showings

Land headlined FAMU's seven players looking to take the next step into the NFL.

The 2021 Buck Buchanan Award Winner played in January Reese's Senior Bowl and participated in February NFL Scouting Combinebut still returned to his alma mater to train in front of interested teams.

The story continues

Land weighed in at 235 pounds, 10 more than his playing weight last season. He participated in the shuttle drill among other combine training sessions.

“It was special to have a full house today because we would only get one or two scouts in my first few years at FAMU,” Land said. “From day one we changed the culture to winning. I remember being 18 and the scouts not knowing who I am and it feels good that that day finally came.

“I'm glad I was able to show that I could put on weight and still have the same athleticism and increase my explosiveness.”

Smith, a former walk-on, returned to FAMU after a dazzling performance in February HBCU NFL Combine followed by his Offensive MVP performance in the Legacy Bowl.

With his mother, Angenetta, in the crowd cheering him on, the All-American caught passes, his vertical jump measured at 36 inches to complement his blazing 4.38 40-yard dash.

“The feedback I've gotten from the scouts confirmed everything I knew I could do on a consistent basis,” Smith said. “It means the world because when I went on five years ago I was hoping I could get to this position.

“Working with my coaches at Trench Academy and having the love and support of my family, my agent and my team has meant the most to me through this process.”

The Dark Cloud Defense defensive back duo, Bohler and Cox represent the unit

Bohler was the Rattlers' leading cornerback since his arrival in 2021.

His 5-foot-9 height turned out to be just a number. The All-American bench pressed 225 pounds 16 times and also had the highest vertical of the day at 38 inches. His younger brother, current FAMU defensive back Kendall Bohlerwatched and offered their support.

“I feel blessed that I was able to come out here and put up some crazy numbers in front of NFL scouts after being undersized and looked down on my whole life,” BJ Bohler said. “As long as you give it your all, that's all that matters and I'm putting up some real solid numbers. I'm excited to see what comes of it.

“I'm happy [Kendall] could see me going out here to perform to the best of my ability, so he knows what to look forward to in his coming years.”

Cox has been a constant on the Dark Cloud defense since his arrival in 2018. The soft-spoken defensive back produced 64 tackles, eight pass breakups, an interception and punt return each during his career with the Rattlers.

“We've evolved a lot over the last few years,” Cox said. “There were a lot of people out here supporting us and it was a good atmosphere all around. I've had positive feedback and will keep my head down and keep working.”

Kicking specialists Faddoul and Romo Martinez retain the connection to the pros

Faddoul and Romo-Martinez are inseparable.

Faddoul, an American punter, was the placeholder for American kicker Romo-Martinez's field goals and points after attempts (PATs) just four months ago.

That connection translates into today.

Even to the point where they became roommates almost a year ago and even did their interview after Pro Day side by side.

Faddoul's highlight Thursday was leaping 59 yards while showing off his leg strength to scouts.

“Thanks to Xavier Smith and Isaiah Land for bringing these scouts out for us,” Faddoul joked. “I have been working on my hang time and my main goal was to get my confidence back after my ACL surgery.

“[Romo-Martinez] motivates me a lot and it's friendly competition all the time. We eat the same diet and exercise at the same time. Everything we do reciprocates through both of us.”

Romo-Martinez was nearly automatic during his field goal attempts at Thursday's Pro Day.

“I had a pretty solid day adding to my stats and what I could do. I had a much better day with my kickoffs showing my strength and accuracy,” he said. “We had a great crowd today and that pushed us to give our best.

“[Faddoul and I] had an opportunity to go to the HBCU NFL Combine, so today was another opportunity to show off in front of the scouts and share the field with our teammates again.

“We've formed a really good bond between us and always check up on each other – especially when we both go into the draft. It's really good to be able to stick together.”

Did your favorite NFL team attend the 2023 FAMU Football Pro Day? Full list of current teams.

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texas

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Washington's commander

Edmonton Elks – CFL

Winnipeg Blue Bombers— CFL

Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him by email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.

Follow the Tallahassee Democrat on social media at Tallahassee Democrat (Facebook), Tallahassee Democrat (Instagram) and @TDOnline (Twitter)

This article was originally published on the Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU Football: 22 NFL teams participating when Rattlers hold 2023 Pro Day