Cougars put on show for NFL scouts at Pro Day

On a day where most eyes were fixated upon Joe Dahl, Washington State's most highly decorated NFL draft prospect, it may have been Dom Williams who stole the show.

The outside receiver ran an unofficial 40-yard time of 4.33, based on some of the whispers at Tuesday's Pro Day. According to Stephanie Loh of The Seattle Times, his agent said the official time was 4.4, but everyone inside WSU's indoor practice facility was giving even lower times.

"I heard I did really well," Williams said. "Once I saw all my teammates jumping, I knew that I had a good time."

He also helped his draft stock with a 40.5 inch vertical jump, which would have been the third-highest mark for receivers at the NFL combine in Indianapolis (behind only TCU's Josh Doctson and Oklahoma's Sterling Shepard). Williams, who had 75 catches for 1,040 yards last season, recorded 11 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press.

"I came out here very relaxed," said Williams, who has been working out in Seattle for the last few months. "That's the thing that we work on, tapping into your full potential - don't come out here too anxious or excited. Just relax and have fun."

Dahl, the only WSU player who was invited to the combine in February, didn't need to thrill the scouts at Pro Day with a 40-yard dash or a bench press. All of his measurements were already taken care of at the combine, and instead Dahl spent his time working on what he will actually be doing on the field - blocking. Dahl worked with former NFL offensive lineman David Diaz-Infante in a variety of drills that tested his lateral movement, technique and even his ability to snap.

"I thought it was definitely a grind but that's kind of what I expected going in. I talked to a few people that have had their pro days in the past couple of years and they all told me, especially if you're the only o-lineman there, they're going to try to work you," Dahl said. "I think they just more want to see if you're in shape or not because you should be in shape at this time of your career."

Linebacker Jeremiah Allison, meanwhile, had a solid day. He had 20 repetitions on the bench press and recorded a vertical jump of 35.5 inches. His 40 time and shuttle time are unknown, but he was pleased with how his Pro Day turned out.

"Today exceeded all my expectations. It was a blessing to come out here and compete at my highest capability and have fun with it," Allison said. "These guys are guys who I have played with this season and over my last four years here and to come out and compete with them and have fun with them was just a blessing."

Allison is not expected to be drafted, but the senior had no shortage of followers throughout the day. The NFL Network is producing a show called "Undrafted," which gives an inside perspective of players trying to earn an NFL roster spot through the unconventional route.

Other participants at Pro Day included receiver Daniel Lillienthal, linebackers Ivan McLennan and Kache Palacio, as well as defensive lineman Destiny Vaeao and Darryl Paulo.

Tom Hager can be reached at (208) 883-4633 or by email to thager@dnews.com.