Berry College wide receiver Mason Kinsey and Kennesaw State running back Bronson Rechsteiner caught the attention of several NFL scouts at Kennesaw State’s Pro Day on Wednesday.
Kinsey, who played in the East-West All-Star Game, is trying to make the jump from Division III to the NFL. There were 27 scouts on hand, including four from the Falcons, who ran most of the position drills.
Kennesaw State coach Brian Bohannon opens the Pro Day to other schools, and players from 12 schools were on hand, including Kinsey and Morehouse wide receiver Tremell Gooden and linebacker Jonathan Mathis.
“I did notice that both kids came in tip-top shape,” Morehouse coach Rich Freeman said. “This is awesome. Coach Bohannon has extended this courtesy to us for last four or five years of so. It’s been good. Our kids really look forward to it.”
Kinsey, 5-foot-11 and 187 pounds, played at Habersham Central High and is from Demorest. He was a Division III All-American and had 50 touchdown catches and 3,342 yards receiving over his career.
He ran well and caught the ball clean with his hands during the position drills.
“I really just wanted to come out here and show that I was in shape,” Kinsey said. “That I could compete athletically with some of the best players in the state. I felt like I did. I jumped well. The cone drills looked good. I could have been a little bit faster on my 40, but at the end of the day, my tape shows that I can run.”
Kinsey knows the history of players from Division III trying to make the jump to the NFL.
“We had an offensive tackle who played in the Reese’s Senior Bowl (Ben Bartch),” Kinsey said. “Historically, Pierre Garcon and Cecil Shorts, both out of Mount Union. Those are both guys who made it at receiver out of D3. I’m trying to follow in their footsteps.”
Kinsey has a visit set up with the Jets.
“I’ve talked to some other teams about getting on visits,” Kinsey said. “Just trying to stay in touch with those teams and see where it goes over the next month.”
Rechsteiner, who father, Rick, and uncle, Scott, were both former professional wrestlers in the WCW and WWEW, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds. He also lifted 225 pounds 35 times.
At 6-foot and 230 pounds, he projects to play fullback in the NFL.
“I focused more on speed and change of direction more than anything,” Rechsteiner said. “Strength has kind of been my thing my whole life. I just kind of took a step away from it to focus on some things that were more important.”
Both Kinsey and Rechsteiner trained with local trainer Chip Smith and worked out with former Oklahoma and Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Rechsteiner said he’s spoken with the Colts and the Cowboys.
“Whoever wants to take me, I can care less what location,” said Rechsteiner, who played at Etowah High. “I’d be honored. … The NFL is the top tier in football. That’s the pinnacle of the sport. I’d be honored to get their interest or get picked up however it ends up.”
As far as the wrestlers in the family, they’re impressed, too.
“They are excited for me,” Rechsteiner said. “It’s kind of the passing-of-the-torch moment in terms of the family and stuff because they were professional athletes for a long time. They are excited and they are happy for me.”
Results of the players from Kennesaw State:
B.J. Bobby
- 40 Yard Dash: 4.90• Bench Reps: 4 • Vertical Jump: 28.4″ • Broad Jump: 8'11 • 3 Cone Drill: 7.77 • Shuttle Run: 4.50
Kevin Ficklin
- 40 Yard Dash: 4.64 • Bench Reps: 17 • Vertical Jump: 28″ • Broad Jump: 9'6 • 3 Cone Drill: 7.41 • Shuttle Run: 4.63
Desmond Johnson
- 40 Yard Dash: 4.95 • Bench Reps: 13 • Vertical Jump: 27″ • Broad Jump: 8'1 • 3 Cone Drill: 7.49 • Shuttle Run: 4.63
Monte Jones
- 40 Yard Dash: 4.78 • Bench Reps: N/A • Vertical Jump: 31.4″ • Broad Jump: 10' • 3 Cone Drill: 7.51 • Shuttle Run: 4.71
Tanner Jones
- 40 Yard Dash: 4.77 • Bench Reps: 15 • Vertical Jump: 30″ • Broad Jump: 9'5 • 3 Cone Drill: 7.39 • Shuttle Run: 4.77
Bronson Rechsteiner
- 40 Yard Dash: 4.48 • Bench Reps: 35 • Vertical Jump: 35.4″ • Broad Jump: 10' • 3 Cone Drill: 6.95 • Shuttle Run: 4.22
T.J. Reed
- 40 Yard Dash: 4.68 • Bench Reps: 11 • Vertical Jump: 32″ • Broad Jump: 9'8 • 3 Cone Drill: 7.30 • Shuttle Run: 4.22
Dorian Walker
- 40 Yard Dash: 4.61 • Bench Reps: 6 • Vertical Jump: 35.4″ • Broad Jump: 10'4 • 3 Cone Drill: 7.19 • Shuttle Run: 4.56
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