LEX18.com - Lexington, KY

Posted: Mar 10, 2010 1:33 PM

The 2009 and 2010 Kentucky football seniors put their physical abilities on display Wednesday morning at the annual "Pro Day" workouts for professional scouts.

Representatives of 15 National Football League teams, along with the combine scouts for the entire NFL and United Football League, put the Wildcats through their paces.  The 2009 seniors, the first UK class to go to four-straight bowl games, were tested in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, agility drills, various position-specific drills and the 225-pound bench press.  The upcoming seniors for the 2010 season were tested in the 40-yard dash.

Five of the '09 seniors, fullback John Conner, linebacker Micah Johnson, cornerback Trevard Lindley, linebacker Sam Maxwell and defensive tackle Corey Peters, had been worked out in February at the official NFL Combine.  Those players were on hand today for additional evaluation.

"One of the things that has changed over the years is the (increased) number of scouts that have attended in recent years," Coach Joker Phillips said.  "This is a day that helps our program.  The current players observe and it helps them understand the level of training they need to succeed."

Phillips noted that this is an area that Rock Oliver, the team's new strength and conditioning coach, has made an impact.

"This game is so much mental and he helps a lot with their attitude," Phillips said.  "Having been with the Cincinnati Bengals the last six years, any time he talks about the NFL, they listen."

The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 22-24.  Phillips believes that the '09 seniors will add to the success of the two previous UK senior classes.  A total of 16 Wildcats have been drafted or signed as free agents over the last two years.