Some info on Troy Apke's pro day:
http://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_00bbc52c-2c87-11e8-af69-6f8c6a71e80d.html
It wasn’t until the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl that Troy Apke really began to start drawing attention from NFL scouts.
Apke was named MVP of the game, but his draft stock really started to shoot up in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine.
The Western Pennsylvania native blew everyone away with his 4.34 time in the 40-yard dash, including one of the all-time greats, Deion Sanders.
Apke said Sanders complimented him in person about his time at the combine.
“He came up to me and told me I could ‘run-run’ or whatever he said on TV,” Apke said.
Although many people may have had to look twice when seeing how fast he ran, Apke wasn’t surprised at all.
“I knew I was going to go in there and run fast and do agilities well,” Apke said. “I had been running similar times down in Ft. Lauderdale where I was training.”
His 40 time wasn’t the only impressive stat at the combine, as he had a 41-inch vertical and did the 20-yard shuttle in 4.03 seconds.
After his performance at the combine, Apke said a lot more teams reached out to him for meetings.
“A lot of coaches know who I am now,” Apke said. “So it’s on me to show them what I know about football and what kind of kid I am.”
On Tuesday, Apke took part in the footwork and agility drills for scouts from all 32 teams to see.
“I wanted to show today what I could do in drills and my footwork,” Apke said. “I think I was smooth in my footwork, but I missed two balls.”
Apke was projected as a potential undrafted free agent candidate after the season was over, but now some mock drafts have him going as high as the fifth round.
“I’m an intelligent player and I make the right decisions [on the field],” Apke said. “I’m a rangy guy and I can cover the field well.”
There are many teams that will take a harder look at Apke on the third day of the draft. His experience on special teams, as well as his improved coverage throughout his college career, could earn him a spot as a backup safety.
Perhaps no former Penn State player has improved his draft stock since the season ended more than Apke.
“I think I’ve helped myself a lot,” Apke said. “I’m happy with my performances [at the combine] and at Pro Day.”