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Former BYU running back Deion Smith runs a drill at the inaugural Big 12 Pro Day in Frisco, Texas, on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Courtesy BYU Photo

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Former BYU tight end Isaac Rex runs a drill at the inaugural Big 12 Pro Day in Frisco, Texas, on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Courtesy BYU Photo

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Former BYU running back Aiden Robbins runs a drill at the inaugural Big 12 Pro Day in Frisco, Texas, on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Courtesy BYU Photo

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Former BYU defensive back Eddie Heckard does the bench press at the inaugural Big 12 Pro Day in Frisco, Texas, on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Courtesy BYU Photo

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Former BYU defensive back Kamden Garrett runs a drill at the inaugural Big 12 Pro Day in Frisco, Texas, on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Courtesy BYU Photo

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Pro day was a much different experience for the latest group for former BYU football players hoping to achieve their dreams of making it to the NFL.

There were no crowds of past and present teammates or family members and friends cheering them on like their predecessors had when the Cougars hosted their own event in Provo.

Instead, they joined a large contingent (137 total players) gathered from the entire conference in front of representatives from all 32 NFL teams at the inaugural Big 12 pro day in Frisco, Texas.

On the first day of workouts, five former BYU football players participated as they went through the standard drills at the Ford Center at The Star, a 12,000-seat stadium that serves as the practice facility for the Dallas Cowboys.

Ex-Cougars Isaac Rex, Aidan Robbins, Deion Smith, Eddie Heckard and Kamden Garrett were the first to take the field for the Cougars as the opening session included workouts for tight ends, running backs, receivers, quarterbacks and defensive backs.

Rex, one of 13 tight ends at pro day, demonstrated both his strength and pass-catching abilities. After bench pressing 225 pounds 24 times, he showed off his smooth route-running abilities and outstanding ball skills catching passes in the position workouts.

“I got to meet some cool dudes, got to meet some scouts and hang out,” Rex said. “It was a good day to compete. I played here at the Shrine Bowl, so it was good to be back. Overall I think it was good. I could’ve done better in some aspects but I’m on par with the rest of the guys and it was a good time.”

He said he felt like playing at BYU prepared him to make the jump to pro football and it’s just a matter of getting an opportunity.

“BYU has a tradition of putting out great tight ends,” Rex said. “I’ve obviously got to thank BYU for my career. I loved every second of it.”

Robbins and Smith each delivered consistent results in the running backs group.

Robbins completed 21 reps on the bench press, a 30-inch vertical leap, 9.9 feet on the broad jump, and a 4.60 in the 40-yard dash with his 6-foot-3, 240-pound frame.

“I’ve been grinding,” Robbins said. “I’ve been preparing for this moment mentally and physically. I’ve been dissecting film of every NFL team and how I fit in different schemes. I’ve been working on my craft and just trying to be a better back.”

Smith jumped 10.5 feet in the broad jump with a 30-inch vertical and turned in a 4.58 run in the 40-yard dash before both backers showed their pass-catching and running skills in the position drills.

“I felt like it was a great opportunity to be in the same building with all of these scouts,” Smith said. “It was different dynamic here, so I feel like the level of competition and the expectations were higher here. I feel like I was prepared and did well enough to get an opportunity at the next level.”

The defensive backs completed the workouts on Thursday with 27 cornerbacks and safeties taking the field.

Heckard, who participated in meetings but was unable to do drills due to a foot injury that is not fully recovered, was joined by Garrett to represent BYU.

“I was training in Denver and it was going great, but then I had a little mishap with breaking my foot,” Heckard said. “I’m going to be back and ready to go by the NFL season for sure, for whatever team wants to come and get me.”

Garrett had a solid performance, with a 4.47 time in the 40-yard dash while jumping 9.8 feet in the broad jump and rising 31.5 inches in the vertical.

“I think my best thing to day was my 40,” Garrett said. “I think my drills and change of direction were good. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

He said he feels like the main thing he can bring to an NFL team is consistency.

“You know what you are going to get from me every week,” Garrett said. “I’m a competitor. I love to win and I love the game.”

BYU fans can follow the results of pro day on BYU’s social platforms and on “BYU Sports Nation” on BYUtv.

The NFL Network provides coverage of the inaugural event with hour-long shows on Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m. MT and will feature additional coverage of Saturday’s sessions as part of the NFL Network’s Path to the Draft weekly coverage leading up to the 2024 NFL draft.

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