April 11, 2003

Duquesne and the NFL (.pdf)

Recent I-AA Draft History (.pdf)
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With nearly 35 National Football League scouts and coaches on hand, the Duquesne University football team held its annual Pro Day on Monday March 24, 2003 at the A.J Palumbo Athletics Complex. Among those in attendance included: Carolina Panthers Director of Player Personnel Jack Bushosky; Steelers Director of Pro Personnel Doug Whaley; Jim Anderson, running backs coach of the Cincinnati Bengals; Mike Coyle, defensive backs coach for the Bengals; Jerry Holmes, defensive back coach for the San Diego Chargers and scouts from the Bills, Packers, Patriots, Falcons, Vikings, Lions, Colts, Jets, Raiders, Rams, Redskins, Browns, Dolphins, Broncos, Bears, Jaguars, Chiefs, Saints, Eagles, and Seahawks.

Duquesne seniors Jeremy Conley, Josh Rue, and Leigh Bodden and eight local college players were put through a series of tests and drills that covered nearly four hours. The players were evaluated in a number of areas including the 40-yard dash, shuttle and cone runs, vertical jump, standing broad jump, bench press and also underwent personal assessment tests. The players were also put through a series of position specific drills by the coaches.

L. Bodden Career Update (.pdf)

J. Conley Career Update (.pdf)

J. Rue Career Update (.pdf)

"I was really proud that today's pro timing day was such a success," Duquesne head coach Greg Gattuso said. "Leigh, Jeremy and Josh have meant so much to Duquesne University. They have helped raise the profile of this program with four great years."

"The NFL scouting combine only invites a few players every year and we don't have any control over who they choose," said assistant coach Frantzy Jourdain. "This day gives us an opportunity to show the NFL coaches and scouts our seniors. They have a chance to work out, interview, and get to know those players. We were really proud of all the comments that came from the pro people as they were leaving campus."

The former Dukes turned heads and helped their cause by posting some outstanding performances. The workout began at 8:30 a.m. with the verification of height and weight. Steelers scout Mark Gosak and Panthers player personnel head Jack Bushosky were in charge of getting the players height, weight, wingspan and hand span that was recorded by everyone in attendance.

From there, the players ran the 40-yard dash and then did the vertical and broad jump. Bodden, a two-time I-AA Consensus First Team All-American and the 2003 AP All-American first team defensive back, was listed at 6'0" and weighed in at 195 pounds. His 40-yard time ranged from 4.38 to 4.46. He also had a 10'9" broad jump to go along with his 38 inch vertical jump.

"I am really happy with how I performed today in all the drills, especially the 40-yard dash," Bodden said. "There are a lot of eyes on you, and everything you do is important. You want to do your best in this high pressure situation because being from a mid-major I-AA school, you don't get a lot of chances like the big time program players do. So you have to be on top of your game." Bodden, who holds every Duquesne interception record and who finished his career with 28 interceptions, good for a tie for second on the NCAA all-time list, caught the attention of the scouts.

"We already knew he had the ability to play on the next level," said Detroit Lions scout Chad Henry. "What impressed us was his 40-yard time. In fact, when you watch him on tape he doesn't look very fast at all. But today he definitely helped himself by running well and putting away all the criticism about his lack of speed."

Jermey Conley

Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference 2003 Offensive Player of the Year and Duquesne all-time career receiving yardage leader Jeremy Conley also caught the attention of the scouts. Conley, who checked in at 6'2", 215, was clocked at 4.53 and 4.59 in the 40-yard dash. He posted a 31" vertical jump and a 9'10" broad jump. The Pittsburgh native only dropped one pass during his individual drill with Steelers scout Phil Kreidler.

"For a wide receiver his size I was pleased with his overall performance," said Miami Dolphins scout Anthony Hunt. "He displayed good hands and ran great routes."

"It's pretty nerve-racking," said Conley, who along with Bodden and Rue worked out extensively with coach Jourdain and strength coach Bret Geishauser to prepare for the Pro Day. "I've been working on a lot of drills," he continued. "I feel like I have improved since I started training several months ago. I'm just trying to open one more set of eyes."

Josh Rue

The multi-talented Rue, who ran for 25 career touchdowns as a running back and finished with seven career sacks as a defensive end, also opened some eyes with his athletic ability. Rue, who stands 6'3" and weighs 247 pounds, was timed anywhere from 4.65 to 4.71 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

"For a player his size, he catches the ball well and does some good things with it in the open field." said Cincinnati Bengals running backs coach Jim Anderson.

The Duquesne University single-game career rushing yardage leader felt that he did okay. "Personally, I was pleased with my workout, but I know I can always do better," said Rue. "All I'm looking for is to get my foot in the door and to have a chance to prove to someone that I can play in the league. Hopefully I helped myself in that regard today." The scouts were also surprised at the number of current players who were on hand watching and cheering for their former teammates. They were also impressed with the way the event was organized.

"The coaches here at Duquesne did a great job of organizing this event," said Minnesota Vikings scout Jamaal Stephenson. "I give this a high mark for the way it was structured. Heck it was a beautiful day here."