Published: March 13, 2008 11:53 pm         

WVU and WVIAC players perform for 20 NFL scouts

MORGANTOWN —The significance of Thursday’s NFL Pro Day at West Virginia University depended upon whom you asked.

For Steve Slaton, the talented junior tailback, it was a chance to improve on the drills he originally performed at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis three weeks ago.

For big Owen Schmitt, the bruising fullback, it was a chance to go through all the drills, something he wasn’t able to do at the combine due to an MCL injury suffered in the Senior Bowl.

For Ryan Mundy, it was a first chance to be seen, since he wasn’t invited to any postseason all-star games or the combine.

For the scouts, it was yet another opportunity to see the nine participating Mountaineer players plus a collection of West Virginia Conference players.

There were scouts from 20 NFL teams at Pro Day at the Caperton Indoor Facility, as well as a contingent of Pittsburgh Steelers brass, including head coach Mike Tomlin, who guided the Steelers to the AFC North title in his first year at the helm.

“This is guys chasing a dream, and you’ve got to respect that,” Tomlin said. “Guys work hard and they understand that all these steps are critical in pursuing that dream. As a fan of the game, you root for them.”

For scouts like Charles Fisher, the former West Virginia and NFL (Cincinnati Bengals) defensive back, it was a chance to get a close look at potential NFL players.

“It’s a chance to come out and look at the guys, get a gauge on their athletic ability and basically see if what you’re looking at on tape is the same as you’re seeing in person,” said Fisher, who had his NFL career sidetracked by a knee injury.

“I thought everybody had a good workout today.”

Perhaps none better than speedy receiver Darius Reynaud, who ran the fastest unofficial time Thursday.

“I thought I performed OK at the NFL Combine,” Reynaud said. “But this is my home turf, my facilities. It felt good.”

Reynaud also performed well in position drills, making several catches on short, intermediate and long patterns.

Slaton, who opted to forego his senior year, was also happy with the drills he performed, although he opted out of several of the drills he had done in Indianapolis.

“I caught the ball well,” Slaton said. “I wanted to show my versatility by running some receiver routes. That and improve my 40 time, which I did.”

Slaton was timed at 4.4 in the 40 at the combine.

Some have suggested Slaton might be moved to receiver in the NFL, something the Philadelphia native wouldn’t be against if it got him into the league.

Same for Schmitt, who said he would be more than willing to switch to tight end because the fullback is becoming extinct in the NFL.

“I will do anything they want me to,” said Schmitt, who pushed 225 pounds 26 times on the bench press. “Whatever has to be done, I will do it.”