The Rice Football Pro Day was held on Monday, March 25 in front of scouts and NFL onlookers who flocked to Houston to see four Owls work out.
A 2019 roster laden with freshman and sophomores still produced a few players with professional football aspirations. Four of those now former Owls put their abilities to the test on Rice Football’s 2019 Pro Day. Punter Jack Fox, fullback Gio Gentosi, edge rusher Graysen Schantz and all-purpose back Austin Walter will participate in NFL Combine-style drills as well as on-field workouts
From my count, seven different NFL teams were in attendance: Jets, Panthers, Colts, Browns, Raiders, 49ers and Texans.
Consistency (and a big leg) have @MrJackFox smiling after his workouts at #RiceProDay. #GoOwls pic.twitter.com/b341U77ueS
— The Roost (@AtTheRoost) March 25, 2019
Jack Fox, Punter — 6-2 5/8, 213
Coming off a season in which he was nominated for Ray Guy Award, Fox attended the NFL Combine and the NFL Shrine Game this spring. Monday will mark his third opportunity to kick in front of NFL personnel in hopes of being selected in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Workout notes
Fox did a full array of drills: directional punting, distance punting and backed up in the endzone. He drilled some nice balls with a few hang times in the area of 4.8 seconds.
Highlights
A well traveled man, @GioGentosi hopes to pursue a lifetime dream of playing pro football. #RiceProDay #GoOwls pic.twitter.com/HSiTTAywr2
— The Roost (@AtTheRoost) March 25, 2019
Gio Gentosi, Fullback — 6-0 1/8, 239
Gentosi came to Rice in the fall of 2019 after graduating from UCLA. He saw sparse playing time for the Bruins before earning the starting fullback job with the Owls. He scored his first collegiate touchdown in his final game against Old Dominion. Gentosi did not participate in any on-field workouts.
After a long college career, @Schantz_94 is ready for the next challenge. #RiceProDay #GoOwls pic.twitter.com/WiCZITzgfU
— The Roost (@AtTheRoost) March 25, 2019
Grayson Schantz, Defensive End — 6-2 5/8, 247
Schantz battled injuries throughout a lengthy college career which comes to an end following the 2019 season. He registered a season-high nine tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery against UTEP.
Vertical 33
Broad 95
Workout notes
Schantz participated in just about every drill including a few as a pass catcher. He exhibited his power and burst well on the bag drills toward the later portion of the day.
Highlights
Do-it-all offensive weapon @groovyyybabyyy says he feels good about his workout at #RiceProDay. #GoOwls pic.twitter.com/ZtZvynTAmE
— The Roost (@AtTheRoost) March 25, 2019
Austin Walter, Running back — 5-6 7/8, 194
At one point the national leader in All-Purpose yardage, Walter became one of the Owls’ most versatile weapons on offense in 2019. He raised some eyebrows with a 4.49 40-yard dash time at the NFL Regional Combine in mid-March.
Vertical 31
Broad 89
Bench 15
Workout notes
Walter had a few hiccups on his starts in the 40-yard dash and shuttle drills. Once he settled in he posted times of 4.54 in the 40 and 6.75 in the three cone drill. The pass catching drills are where he shined the brightest, including a nice acrobatic catch on a ball throw with a bit too much juice over the middle. He hauled in everything and moved quickly in the agility drills.
Highlights
What’s next?
The NFL Draft runs from April 25 to April 27. It goes without saying the NFL is the primary goal for all college football players, but there are only so many roster spots to go around. There will be opportunities in the newly formed Alliance of American Football as well as the coming XFL reboot. Those who don’t stick in the NFL or don’t receive a camp invite could have further opportunities.