'Living my dreams': Former Tigers impress at Auburn's Pro Day

'Living my dreams': Former Tigers impress at Auburn's Pro Day'Living my dreams': Former Tigers impress at Auburn's Pro Day
Wade Rackley

AUBURN, Ala. – As they have done so many times before, Jarrett Stidham threw strikes to Darius Slayton and Ryan Davis, hitting his receivers in stride in Auburn's indoor practice facility.

This time, NFL scouts and general managers were taking notes, documenting the attributes of 11 former Tigers during Auburn Football's Pro Day presented by BBVA Compass.

"I thought it went well," said Stidham, who estimated that 48 of his 50 throws were on target. "It was good to get back out here, familiar territory, throw it around with the guys one last time. It was a lot of fun. I know I had a good time and I'm sure they did, too."

Stidham and Davis set Auburn's all-time passing tandem record during their two seasons together, teaming up for 154 completions.

"The league is going more pass happy with slots getting more respect now," said Davis of the NFL's trend toward increased passing. "Which is obviously going to put a smile on my face."

Jamel Dean was smiling, too. The former Auburn cornerback, who overcame three knee surgeries, wowed scouts at the NFL Combine by running a 4.3 40-yard dash.

"I knew I had it in me," Dean said. "I was just upset that I didn't go 4.2. At one point, I thought I was never going to play football again. Now I'm out there living my dreams, and I'm getting closer to the NFL. I feel like everything is falling in place now."

A trio of former Auburn linebackers, Darrell Williams, Montavious Atkinson and All-SEC standout Deshaun Davis, participated in Pro Day.

"I feel like I have that 'It factor,'" said Davis, who measured 5-foot-11.5. "There are going to be plenty of linebackers bigger than me. There are going to be plenty of linebackers faster than me, but I play with passion. I play with pride. I feel like I'm a great leader. I pride myself on making 10 other guys around me better."

Fullback Chandler Cox plans to make his mark playing special teams in professional football.

"A guy who can do different things," Cox said. "I'm just thankful for [tight ends/H-back/special teams coordinator Larry Porter] because without him, I probably wouldn't be in this position. He changed the way I played here, and he did a phenomenal job with me."

Defensive lineman Dontavius Russell worked out on Pro Day after taking part in last month's NFL Combine.

"That's all I wanted to do was show that I would compete," said Russell. "There was a sign that said, 'You are what you put on film.' I felt like I've got a lot of tape and you can draw a lot from that. I've been consistent over the years."

Also taking part in Pro Day were Tucker Brown and Andrew Williams.

"We have some real quality young men, high character," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "They've done a super job for Auburn. Going to be very successful in life. It was fun to see them out there doing their thing. A lot of really good football players."

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer