By: Stephen Featherston, Director of Communications
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee State football team held its annual Pro Day on Monday afternoon at the Indoor Facility in front of scouts and representatives from different National Football League organizations. Seven former Tigers from the 2023 squad showed off their skill-sets and abilities along with one former player from the class of 2022.
Deveon Bryant and
Aarion Harvey showcased their skills on the offensive side of the ball. At the same time,
Darius Harper,
Josh Green,
James Green,
Mack Guice III, and
Joey McNeely represented the defense. Former TSU safety Gleson Sprewell was also in attendance going through drills.
Bryant showcased his abilities both as a quarterback and at tight end. The former QB logged a 32.5" vertical, had a broad jump of 8'11", and ran a 4.91 40. He played in 30 games over five seasons for TSU while passing for 1,162 yards and five scores. He also logged 794 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. After completing passing drills, the former QB then showcased his talents as a TE.
Aarion Harvey played in eight games for the Tigers on the offensive line last season after spending two years at Central Michigan and one year at Austin Peay. The Chicago native put up 18 reps in the bench press and had a vertical of 28".
Darius Harper saw action in 27 games for the Tigers over four years after transferring in from NAIA Campbellsville. The son of former NFL player Nick Harper, Darius saw time at corner during his TSU tenure while accumulating 47 tackles, eight pass breakups, and two interceptions. He impressed during his pro day as he posted a 4.62 40 and put up 16 reps on the bench press. He clocked a 3.38 pro shuttle while posting a 34.5" vertical jump, and a 10'9" broad jump.
Mack Guice III showed his talent as a defensive back after playing in 11 games for the Tigers over two seasons. Guice, who transferred to TSU from DII Kentucky Wesleyan saw time at corner and on special teams during his tenure as a Tiger. The Alabama native clocked a 4.69 in the 40, and a 4.50 in the pro shuttle, while recording a broad jump of 9'10".
Josh Green had a solid afternoon in front of scouts after playing in 53 career games over five years for the Tigers. The Florida native finished with 276 career tackles and 11 career interceptions which ranks inside the TSU top 10 for career picks. Green cranked out 15 reps on the bench, clocked a 4.69 40, and had a broad jump of 9'9" and a 4.19 pro shuttle.
James Green, who played in 50 career games over six seasons at linebacker for the Tigers was seen working out as a defensive back at yesterday's Pro Day. The elder Green brother played safety in high school and believes he will be better suited as a DB at the next level. He finished his TSU career with 182 spots from his inside LB spot but performed well in DB drills in front of scouts. The Florida native ran a 4.68 40, had a 9'8" broad jump, and finished with a 4.45 in the pro shuttle.
Joey McNeely played in 10 games in his lone season as a Tiger and finished with a career-high 17 stops as an interior defensive lineman. The former Northwestern State and McNeese State player played in 29 career games for three teams. During yesterday's Pro Day, he posted 23 reps in the bench press and an 8'1" broad jump. McNeely was able to show his lateral speed after clocking a 4.69 pro shuttle.
The NFL draft will be held April 25-27 in Detroit, Michigan.
The Tennessee State football program has a proud history of draft picks dating back to 1952. The Tigers have had 121 players drafted into the NFL, with Hal Turner being the first Tiger to be drafted in 1952. Lachavious Simmons became the 121
st draftee after being selected by the Chicago Bears in the 2020 NFL Draft.
