Vermillion, S.D -- The South Dakota football program held its annual Junior Pro Day for NFL scouts on Monday on the USD campus. The Coyotes' upcoming seniors were weighed, measured and ran 40-yard dashes before taking the NFL's standard test.
Offensive lineman Tom Compton (Rosemount, Minn.), who will be a senior in 2011, emerged as an NFL prospect during Monday's event. The 6-foot-6 lineman - a PhilSteele.com All-American and a 2010 All-Great West first-team selection - weighed in at 309 pounds and ran a strong 5.08 time in the 40-yard dash.
Wide receiver/kick returner Jeremy Blount (Tampa, Fla.) also shined in front of the scouts, running a blazing 4.38 in the 40. Blount, also a sprinting standout in track, has led the team in kick and punt return averages the past two seasons.
Safety Jim Thompson (Hayward, Wis.) looked sharp as well after missing most of 2010 with an injury, running a 40 time in the low 4.5s. Thompson, who was 10th in the GWC in tackles in 2009, is a 6-foot-1, 212-pound safety.
"This is the first step for these kids in the process of joining other Coyotes like Stefan Logan, Ko Quaye and Byron Bullock who recently have earned positions on professional rosters," South Dakota head coach Ed Meierkort said. "The ultimate test is productivity on the field. We are excited by the players' results. Jevon Bowman is doing a great job with the strength program."
The Coyotes open spring football practice on April 2.
