A look at the NFL Pro Day for SDSU & USD football. 

A total of 11 men from San Diego State University will participate in the NFL Pro Day on Friday, March 21. There will also be five players out of USD at the event.

This is a chance for these players to make an impression on NFL scouts before the NFL Draft, which will take place in late April.

Marquez Cooper heads the list of participants as he enjoyed an outstanding collegiate career in which he finished 19th all-time in rushing yardage from a running back in NCAA history. Cooper has an edge to his game and a chip on his shoulder as he battles to make a mark in the game of football.

Every season a few players make an NFL roster despite being undrafted. For some of these men, that will be their opportunity. An excellent showing in an event like this can be the first step in making an NFL team this fall.

An NFL Pro Day is a chance to really get to know a player. NFL teams will be in attendance to get an up close and personal look at talent.

Players’ official weights and heights are recorded, as well as their wingspan and hand size. The players are photographed as well.

There will be a vertical jump test, a bench press test, a 40-yard dash, and pro agility drills, which include the three-cone drill and the broad jump. Kicking and long snapping drills will also be performed for those specific positions. Every position will do drills specialized for their particular position. The information gathered is all you need to know about a potential player and their abilities.

Not all teams will attend, but you can be sure the numbers recorded are gathered.

These players also work directly with NFL personnel, and that is an excellent chance to determine who is coachable. Which of these men can get better and learn on the job. This is a chance to see which players could eventually be molded into NFL players. It is an exciting time in the careers of these young men.

Here is a look at the 16 young men who are participating.

SDSU Participants

Tupu Alualu- DL  6′1″280 lbs

Honolulu, Hawaii- Moanalua High/Mt. San Antonio College

Alualu is a big, physical player on the inside of the defensive line. He started all 12 games in his senior year, recording 26 tackles and four quarterback sacks.

Nate Bennett- WR  6-foot-3, 200 lbs.

Simi Valley, California- Grace Brethren High/Portland State

Bennett is a sure-handed receiver on the outside who excels at going up and getting the ball. He has a large frame. The WR started 12 games for the Aztecs and recorded at least one catch in each of the final 11 games.

Marquez Cooper- RB  5-foot-8, 200 lbs.

Gaithersburg, Maryland- Quince Orchard High/Ball State

Cooper is the first player to rush for over 1,000 yards with three different schools. The running back is shifty and intelligent with the ball. There is definite NFL ability with this young player.

Michael Harrison- TE   6-foot-3, 220 lbs.

San Francisco, California- St. Ignatius College Prep/Colorado

Harrison appeared in 12 games for the Aztecs as a senior, including four starts. The converted wide receiver played in 48 consecutive games to close out his collegiate career, including 36 with the Colorado Buffaloes.

Nicolas Lopez- K   6-foot-1, 195 lbs.

Huntington Beach, California- Mater Dei High/Louisville

Lopez kicked at the University of Louisville and Cal before transferring to SDSU. Started several games last season for the Aztecs.

Cody Moon- LB    6-foot-2, 225 lbs.

Albuquerque, N.M.-Volcano Vista High/New Mexico

Moon is a hard-nosed linebacker with a propensity to be around the ball. He started at New Mexico before transferring to SDSU. Appeared in all 12 games last year for the Aztecs.

Kyle Moretti- LB    6-foot-2, 240 lbs.

Arvada, Colorado-Pomona High/Central Michigan

Moretti appeared in all 12 games last year and recorded 60 tackles and a sack for SDSU, including 29 in his last three games played.

Tyler Pastula- P   6-foot-3, 220 lbs.

Easton, Pennsylvania- Easton Area High/University of Albany

Pastula was an All-MWC first-team selection, and NFL scouts will be eying this young punter. Was named to the Ray Guy Award watch list in 2024.

Nate Williams- OL   6-foot-6, 308 lbs. 

Utica, Ohio-Newark Catholic High/Akron

Williams is a solid and consistent contributor on the offensive line for SDSU. Started all 12 games last year at tackle for the Aztecs.

Ryan Wintermeyer- LS   6-foot-, 220 lbs.

Scottsdale, Arizona- Cactus Shadows High

Wintermeyer played in all 51 games for the Aztecs since his freshman year with the team. He is a consistent and steady long-snapper. He was a Patrick Mannelly Award semifinalist (best long snapper).

Jude Wolfe- TE   6-foot-6, 247 lbs.

Laguna Hills, California- St. John Bosco High/USC

Wolfe is a large target, who appeared in 10 games last year for SDSU. He is an excellent run blocker with developing receiving skills.

USD Participants

Eric Haney- CB   5-foot-10, 180 lbs.

Peoria, Arizona- Centennial High

Haney played in 10 games his senior year and finished 10th on the team in total tackles. Was an AP FCS College Football Honorable Mention and the PFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Chase Lyons- LB   6-foot-4, 225 lbs.

Aurora, Colorado- Smoky Hill High

Lyons was an All-PFL Second Team (2022) honoree and an All-PFL Honorable Mention (2023, 2024). Appeared in 11 games his last season with USD.

Nick Murray- CB   5-foot-11, 190 lbs.

Stockton, California- Saint Mary’s

Murray is an All-PFL Honorable Mention (2022, 2023, 2024) in three seasons for USD. Played in 11 games and finished third on the team in total tackles his last year with the team.

Ja’seem Reed- WR   6-foot-2, 195 lbs.

Thousand Oaks, California- Westlake High

Reed is an All-PFL Honorable Mention (2022, 2023) in two seasons at USD. In his last season played (2023), he led the team in receptions and yards. Did not play in 2024.

Grant Sergent- QB   6-foot-3, 230 lbs.

Salinas, California- Palma High

Sergent was an All-PFL Second Team Offense (2024) selection last season while throwing for 2,403 yards. Threw for 26 touchdowns and five interceptions in his last year at USD.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.