Georgia Southern’s football program conducted its first pro day for NFL teams since 2008 on Thursday morning. Scouts from the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons attended the workout.

From 9-9:30 a.m. at GSU’s Iron Works weight room, scouts observed and scribbled notes as pro prospects participated in the vertical and broad jumps to gauge their explosive power, and in the 225-pound bench press to test muscle endurance.

At 10 a.m. at Paulson Stadium, NFL hopefuls were timed while twice running the 40-yard dash to determine speed. They also performed a three-cone shuttle agility drill and an L drill (cones in the shape of the letter) to test their ability to change direction.

Players also performed position drills. For example, former GSU defensive backs Laron Scott and Michael Butler were timed while backpedaling, turning on command and sprinting.

Former GSU players from last season’s team who participated Thursday included Scott and Butler, as well as center William Maxwell, right tackle Brett Moore, slotback Nico Hickey, slotback Miguel Gilmore, defensive tackle Roderick Tinsley, kicker Adrian Mora and punter Charlie Edwards.

Former GSU quarterback Lee Chapple, who transferred to the University of North Alabama in 2010 after playing two seasons for former GSU head coach Chris Hatcher, also participated. Former GSU linebacker E.J. Webb, a senior in 2010, and former Savannah State offensive lineman Jared Brunson, a senior last season, also worked out for the scouts.

The NFL Draft is April 26 (first round), April 27 (second and third rounds) and April 28 (fourth through seventh rounds).

Tom Melton, GSU’s head strength and conditioning coach, said it was the Eagles’ first pro day since 2008, when Jayson Foster worked out for NFL teams.

"This is the best class we’ve had as far as guys coming out that scouts are coming in to look at," Melton said. "Alabama scheduled their second pro day after we had scheduled ours, and most of their guys didn’t run on their first pro day, so a lot of scouts went over there. Some of the guys that would have come here went over to Tuscaloosa."

Melton said a player’s draft stock could rise or fall depending on how he performed Thursday.

"They have game film," he said of NFL teams. "and that’s going to be the most important thing."

The NFL scouts, a secretive bunch because of the competitive nature of the business, did not announce 40-yard dash times or any other data they collected.

But GSU’s Scott said the NFL scouts told him that they clocked him running the 40 "right around 4.41, 4.42" seconds.

Scott said he was happy with his time.

"Last year, I was right around that same time, 4.43, 4.44, but I was like five or six pounds lighter," he said. "I put on a little more muscle, a little more weight, and to still be able to move as fast, you can’t complain about that.

"Overall, today was a success. On those drills, I was able to keep my feet under me. I’ve really been working hard on that over this break, during training, so to come out here and not slip when everybody is slipping and falling, and not slip at all, and just come out and have an overall good day, I just can’t complain."

Scott said he drove Monday from his home in Warner Robins and practiced the drills at Paulson Stadium. He said he hopes to be drafted as a cornerback.

"Just helping out the defense, whether it’s nickel or corner," Scott said. "I’d like to play corner. That’s where I’ve played my whole life and I feel like I was OK at it. But if they don’t want me to play corner, whatever help they need, whether it’s nickel, kick return, punt return, I’m open to anything."

The grass was slick at 10 a.m., so the 49ers scout told the players not to run the 60-yard shuttle "because you will slip."

GSU’s Maxwell, who worked out at center, said he struggled a bit because of the wet grass but felt good about his overall performance.

"The cone drills weren’t too kind to me because the grass was so slippery, but I felt like I did fine," Maxwell said. "I did pretty well with the pulling drills and all that stuff so, hopefully, I impressed somebody. We’ll see what happens."

GSU’s Moore said he is attempting to make an NFL team’s roster as a long snapper.

"I’m three inches shorter and 70 pounds lighter than the average NFL offensive tackle," he said, smiling. "That’s how I got on the team here. I walked on as a long snapper and, with the new coaching staff, I was fortunate enough they gave me the opportunity to play offensive line.

"But I’m being realistic. (NFL teams) are not going to look at me for offensive line at any position as far as my strength and size and things like that. I’ve been doing backup long snapping behind Carter (Jones) since I’ve been here the past three years, as well as playing offensive line. I still have some experience snapping. I’ve still been working on it. Hopefully, they see that (versatility)."

Moore said the Eagles were excited to showcase their skills.

"A lot of guys performed well, guys like Laron (Scott), Mike Butler, Miguel (Gilmore), a lot of those guys at the different position drills," Moore said. "Charlie (Edwards) had some good punts, (Adrian) Mora had some good kicks. I think, overall, it was a good day today."