Two distinct groups emerged at Tuesday’s Pro Day at the Auburn University practice fields.

In one corner, you had the trio of Tigers who already went through a thorough evaluation in front of hundreds of scouts and rubbed elbows with college football’s elite at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis in February.

“We was like naked everywhere we went,” cornerback Jerraud Powers said of the national combine. “It’s just a different environment (at Auburn). It was more relaxing. That’s why I was just out there having fun, trying to do my best.”

In the other corner, though, were the newbies.

“I actually threw up like two or three times before I got here,” tailback Brad Lester said.

But once the festivities were under way, it was gameday for the 15 former players.

“Coming from Jordan-Hare and seeing so many fans, you’re used to the eyes,” linebacker Chris Evans said of the 100 or so onlookers and scouts from all 32 NFL teams. “You’re just not used to the clock.”

Some players, such as Powers, Sen’Derrick Marks and Tyronne Green, came into the day knowing they will be drafted at some point the
weekend of April 25 and 26. Others, such as Tez Doolittle and Lester, have reason to believe they’ll get a call, but still need every
opportunity to impress.

And then there were players who weren’t even on the team in 2008, such as Cooper Wallace and Steve Gandy, out to give it one last shot.

“Sometimes, your body gets to a point where it needs a break,” said former linebacker Steve Gandy, who retired in 2007 after multiple concussions. “I feel like the same Steve Gandy who came here in 2004 ready to go. Hopefully, I can get some pads on soon and see where I’m really at.”

No pads were worn Wednesday, as the bulk of the three-hour workout focused on agility drills and tests of strength. Players spent the first two hours in the John H. Watson Fieldhouse before they ran positional drills.

Those who chose to participate were timed and measured in the 40-yard dash, standing long jump, vertical jump, shuttle run and 225-pound bench press.

Running back/kick returner Tristan Davis had the best 40 time (4.38), Doolittle did the most reps on the bench (22), Charles Olatunji had the best broad jump (11 feet, 1.5 inches) and wide receiver James Swinton had the best vertical leap (42 inches).

“I wasn’t really happy with my bench press,” Doolittle said. “I was doing about 30 during training.”

Doolittle, an Opelika product, has spent the past few months training alongside current NFL players Takeo Spikes and Jamal Lewis at a fitness center in Roswell, Ga.

It definitely showed.

Doolittle appeared much slimmer, but had actually gained 5 pounds. Before he spoke with reporters, Doolittle posed with his shirt off for a scout with the Oakland Raiders, who snapped shots of the defensive tackle from the front and behind.

“They just told me to take my shirt off and took two pictures, ” Doolittle said. “No questions. Just do it.”

Doolittle, a six-year senior who missed all of 2007 with a torn Achilles tendon, said he’s heard he could get drafted anywhere in the fourth or fifth rounds.

“I never thought I’d be here,” Doolittle said. “Coming back and getting this sixth season, and playing like I played, it’s a blessing.”

Lester also had a strong showing Wednesday, as he shook off the butterflies and put up 18 repetitions in the bench press and ran a 4.48 40-yard dash.

“That’s why it was so important and I guess it’s why I was so nervous,” Lester said. “I knew how much today could help me potentially get drafted.”

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Name Ht. Wt. 40-yd Vert. Broad Jump Bench
Tristan Davis 5-9 212 4.38 31.0 9-9 18
Tez Doolittle 6-2 285 4.92 29.5 8-8 22
Chris Evans 5-11 222 4.95 29.5 9-2 14
Steve Gandy 6-0 218 4.65 31.5 9-6 14
Tyronne Green 6-2 308 N/A 28.5 8-6 N/A
Ryan Hastie 5-11 239 4.85 34.5 9-5 17
Merrill Johnson 5-11 206 4.60 40.0 10-5.5 17
Brad Lester 5-9 190 4.48 38.5 10-4 18
Sen’Derrick Marks 6-1 301 N/A N/A 9-6 16
Charles Olatunji 6-1 194 4.62 37.5 11-1.5 14
Jerraud Powers 5-9 187 4.44 35.0 10-3 N/A
Robert Shiver 6-1 233 4.74 30.5 9-9 13
Rodgeriqus Smith 6-0 200 4.63 33.0 10-3 6
James Swinton 5-11 174 4.39 42.0 10-11 8
Cooper Wallace 6-3 254 N/A N/A N/A N/A