Virginia Tech offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw goes through drills Friday in front of a group of NFL scouts.
All 32 NFL teams weren’t represented at Virginia Tech’s Pro Day on Friday because the LA Rams aren’t sending scouts to in-person workouts. But the more than 50 NFL executives, coaches and scouts who were on Tech’s campus Friday witnessed impressive performances from several Hokies.
Safety Divine Deablo was arguably the day’s biggest winner after posting a 34&-inch vertical jump and an official 4.46 time in the 40-yard dash. Deablo, who originally came to Tech as a wide receiver, put his chiseled physique and athleticism on display.
During his post-workout media session, the Winston-Salem, N.C., native indicated that multiple teams have told him that they’d move him to linebacker. Other teams have said that they’d play him at strong safety.
Long snapper Austin Rosa surely made Tech strength and conditioning coach Ben Hilgart proud when he topped all Tech players with 27 reps on the bench press. Rosa is currently assisting in Tech’s weight room.
Running back Khalil Herbert registered the day’s best time in the 40-yard dash at an official 4.44 seconds. The Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., native also put up 22 reps at 225 pounds in the bench press. While not comparing himself to LaDainian Tomlinson, Herbert did cite the longtime Chargers great as an example of a back of a similar stature who enjoyed a long and very productive NFL career.
The main attraction for many of the NFL decision makers and evaluators in attendance Friday was the presence of cornerback Caleb Farley and tackle Christian Darrisaw. Farley didn’t participate in testing or position drills due to a recent back surgery, but he did address the assembled NFL personnel on his health, his opt-out in 2020, and his desire to become one of the league’s top corners. Farley also confirmed that he’s accepted an invitation to attend the 2020 NFL draft in Cleveland in person.
Projected to become the first Tech offensive lineman to go in the first round of the NFL draft since tackle Duane Brown in 2008, Darrisaw went through position drills with multiple NFL offensive line coaches.
