Penn State Football Pro Day: Media Availability Roundup

By Andre Monroe

Jayson Oweh:

Jayson Oweh played defensive end during his tenure with Penn State. Oweh measured in at 6’5, 257lbs. He’s been known for having untapped, raw talent. He showed that today, running a 4.36 in his 40-yard dash. For a guy his size, that’s unheard of. He benched 225×21, two more reps than Micah Parsons. Oweh said in his presser that he and Parsons were competing against each other during the pro day.

In his presser, Parsons said Oweh was “a freak” and “I knew I could bring that out of him.”

Oweh clocked a 39.5 vertical as well, the highest among Penn State players today. Oweh admitted his production wasn’t as great as he’d liked it to be in 2020. However, his raw talent is undeniable. NFL GMs will notice that and convince themselves they can mold him into a star player at the next level.  Players of Oweh’s size, with his athleticism and intangibles, don’t come around often in the draft.

Shaka Toney:

Shaka Toney played defensive end during his tenure with Penn State as well. He’s a fan favorite
for his work on and off the field. He was a bad sight for tackles across the Big Ten during his time with Penn State. What he lacks in athleticism, he makes up for in hard work. Toney ran a good 40-yard dash, clocking in at 4.51. He benched 225×24, along with a 10-8 broad jump. 

Shaka Toney is a great player, but an even better man off the field. In his presser, he explained that his 24 bench reps helped raise $4,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America so far. Toney has prided himself on charitable work and giving back to his community.

While Toney might not be a top prospect like his counterpart, Micah Parsons, Toney’s productive career at Penn State will land him a spot on an NFL roster in the later rounds of the draft.

Micah Parsons

Micah Parsons is one of the best prospects in the draft. Many have titled him the best non-QB in the draft. He’s projected to be gone in the first few picks of the NFL Draft. Parsons played linebacker during his tenure at Penn State and, despite discussions of him switching positions, he plans to continue at the next level. Micah Parsons measured in at 6’3 and 246lbs. He didn’t need the pro day to display his freakish-nature, but he did anyway. Parsons ran a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash, along with a 10-8 broad jump and a 34.0 vertical.

As one of the best prospects in his class, Parsons has been included in many popular Mock Drafts. I asked Parsons his thoughts on them and if he pays attention:

“I see them, but I don’t pay attention to them,” Parsons says. “The only peoples’ opinion that matters is the scouts, GMs, and owners.”
Parsons is right about that. Wherever he goes, he’ll be a successful player. That’s just how good he is.

Pat Friermuth

Pat Friermuth had an abrupt ending to his Penn State career. He suffered a shoulder injury early on last season that would require surgery, keeping him sidelined for the rest of the career. Friermuth measured in at 6’5, 251lbs. However, aside from a few drills, he didn’t participate in pro-day workouts. It was likely just a precaution, even though Friermuth said in his presser that he’s fully healed and “ready to go”. During his tenure, Friermuth was arguably the best TE in all of college football. I asked Friermuth what he can bring to an NFL team:

“I think I can bring consistency and be a leader in the locker room,” Friermuth says.

Friermuth is projected to go late first, or early second round. Friermuth can be a starting TE in the league, he has all the intangibles and capabilities.


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Week of 3/29 – Coach Availabilities