Michigan State LB Ben VanSumeren wows on-lookers at Spartans’ Pro Day
The NFL draft process is long and intense for teams and for players, as potential professional prospects go through rigorous testing of measurables, knowledge, instincts and skills to see who may be fit to get an opportunity to play at the next level.
Last Wednesday, Michigan State’s football program hosted it’s 2023 “Pro Day”, allowing each of their draft eligible players to put their talent on display for NFL scouts.
For some, this is another workout. Wide receiver Jayden Reed has already been to the NFL Combine and the Senior Bowl, gaining much attention. But for others, this may be the only time an NFL team will watch them showcase their strength, athleticism and skills. With many scouts in East Lansing, the Spartans' Pro Day was considered a success.
Here were some standouts from the event:
The biggest winner of the Spartans’ Pro Day was easily linebacker Ben VanSumeren. Last season, the redshirt senior battled with injury throughout the year. Now fully healthy, he put on a show for the pro scouts.
Had VanSumeren been invited to the NFL Combine, his 42.5-inch vertical would have been the highest and his 10-foot, 11-inch broad would have been the longest among participating linebackers. Additionally, his 29 bench press reps would have tied for the most and his 4.40-second 40-yard dash time would have been the second-fastest among linebackers at the Combine.
VanSumeren’s performance at Michigan State’s Pro Day showed his strength, athleticism and speed for all NFL scouts to see. In the evolving professional game, linebackers need to be quick to cover space and be able to run with running backs and tight ends in pass coverage. Was VanSumeren’s Pro Day success enough to get him drafted? Maybe late in Day 3 (Rounds 4-7), as game film is still the biggest factor for NFL franchises. However, VanSumeren’s performance caught NFL teams’ attention, and could make him a priority undrafted free agent with multiple offers to join an NFL training camp if he goes unselected.
Safety Kendall Brooks also had a strong Pro Day. After not being invited to any bowls for college seniors, he put his talent on display last week in East Lansing. Brooks stepped up and played a huge role in the Spartans’ secondary in 2022 after MSU was plagued with injuries. He showed his ability and potential as a senior after having spent the majority of his prior career playing only on special teams for Michigan State.
A great run defender and heavy hitter, Brooks finished the 2022 season with 100 tackles. He clocked a 40-yard dash time of 4.44 seconds, which could help boost his stock. It was slightly faster than Reed’s NFL Combine time of 4.45 seconds. Similar to VanSumeren, Brooks won’t likely be drafted but his testing numbers could help him earn an NFL camp invite.
Players now have more opportunities to continue playing professtional football besides the NFL, as the USFL and XFL leagues have recently come back into existence and draft players who aren’t able to compete at an NFL level. While those league will never rival the NFL in popularity, they still give players a chance to display their talents and develop.
Offensive tackle Jarrett Horst also worked out at MSU’s Pro Day after he was drafted first overall by the Michigan Panthers of the USFL. By being drafted in the USFL, he is not eligible for the NFL Draft. However, the USFL season ends before the NFL season starts, so he’ll still have an opportunity to sign as a free agent in the NFL.
While Michigan State went 5-7 last season and was an underwhelming football team, the Spartans’ Pro Day showed there was still talent on the team. Several players helped themselves with their performances and could get an NFL mini-camp invite with the potential of earning a roster spot.
