Former Georgia Tech running back Synjyn Days wanted to run fast at the school’s Pro Day on Friday at the Brock Football Practice Facility.
At 6-foot-2 and 231 pounds, his work with legendary local trainer Chip Smith paid off. He ran a very respectable 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Although some contend the running back position has been devalued in the NFL, a big and fast running back can still earn an honest living in the league.
Days’ powerful running style is a perfect scheme fit for the Atlanta Falcons, who are converting to an outside-zone blocking scheme.
“I’ve talked to the Falcons a couple of times,” Days said. “I met with them and talked to them during my Medal of Honor Bowl.”
Houston running back Arian Foster, who went undrafted, is 6-1, 227 and he’s thrived in the system the Falcons will deploy.
Overall, Days, who was scheduled to have a private workout with the New England Patriots after the pro day, has interviewed with scouts from 15 teams.
In addition to running fast, Days had to show that he could catch the ball out of the backfield.
“It went pretty well,” Days said. “I’m pretty satisfied with the times that I’ve been told. I’m just looking forward to getting calls from teams over the next couple of weeks and doing individual workouts.”
During the passing portion, Days appeared comfortable setting up 7 yards behind the quarterback and fluidly eased into his routes and exploded out of his cuts.
“One of the critiques coming out was they were not sure that I could catch the ball because in the triple-option we run the ball probably like 95 percent of the time,” said Days, of Marietta and Hillgrove High. “I feel like I did a good job out there catching the ball.”
Days bounced around positions at Georgia Tech from quarterback to B-back and A-back. The versatility should serve him well during the NFL evaluation process.
“He certainly can do a lot of things,” Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson said. “That should be able to help him some. I would hope.”
Days got some feedback from some of the scouts.
“They say that they like my film and that I’m able to run hard between the tackles,” Days said. “Catching the ball was like the only knock against me.”
Days played in all 14 games last season and started the final seven. He rushed 157 times for 924 yards (5.9 yards per carry) and nine touchdowns.
Days helped to power Tech to a 49-34 victory over Mississippi State in the Orange Bowl. He ran for 171 yards, which included a 69-yard touchdown run.
Despite the production, he’s flying under most of the draftniks’ radar. He’s rated as the 40th best running back in the draft and is projected to go undrafted by nfldraftscout.com.
“Just keeping my faith,” Days said. “That’s the biggest thing, making sure that my walk with God is good. I just put it all in his hands.
Days wasn’t the only productive player that the NFL scouts were trying to figure out. Tech guard Shaq Mason, who’s never played center in his life, was asked by 10 teams to workout as a center.
“They like me a lot at center,” Mason said. “Some at guard still, but I definitely think my position will be center.”
Wide receiver DeAndre Smelter, who’s recovering from knee surgery, was on hand for interviews.
“I’m about three months out of surgery right now and it’s coming along well,” Smelter said. “The doctors said I’m pretty much ahead of schedule, but I don’t want to rush anything. You definitely don’t want to rush back from this type of injury right here.”
Smelter had to watch as fellow wide receiver Darren Waller and the running backs ran routes.
“It’s definitely frustrating,” Smelter said. “In Indianapolis at the combine watching everybody go through the drills and stuff, I felt that I should be out there.”
The Yellow Jackets expect Smelter to receive a shot at earning an NFL roster spot.
“He’s probably going to be rehabbing up to camp,” Johnson said. “They are going to have to go off his tape and the measurements that they have and that we have. I think if somebody takes him, they’ll be glad that they did.”
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