March 15, 2012

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RUSTON, La. - Louisiana Tech held its annual pro day at Joe Aillet Stadium Thursday and had 21 scouts from 20 different NFL teams attend to watch former Bulldogs work out.

Tech had 10 members of the 2011 senior class work out Thursday along with Tank Calais and Daniel Porter. Calais was unable to participate in last year's Pro Day due to injury while Porter, who has been playing in the Canadian Football League lately, is looking for another shot at the NFL.

Overall, the scouts left Ruston impressed with the quality athletes that Louisiana Tech continues to produce.

"At Louisiana Tech, there is something special going on right here," said Matt Gorscak, a 17-year scout for the Pittsburgh Steelers. "When you see the quality coaches  they have here then you see the quality players they have - how comprised they were, how well they listen, how well they learned the drills, how hard they work - I was impressed with every single athlete out here today. We targeted certain individuals - which you guys already know - but they did well and everybody did well. That was impressive. Like I said, they are on the verge of becoming a really great program. They are on the right track with the bowl game and all that, but I think there are nothing but good things to come."

"You want to see athletic ability, if they are coachable, how compliant they are and if they are in shape," Gorscak said of what scouts look for. "All of these guys are in shape. I was at a work out the other day and the guy wilted after two drills. These guys worked their butt off; it was impressive. I think it is a credit to their trainers, strength coaches and coaches here."

Louisiana Tech begins spring practice tomorrow - March 16 - at 4 p.m. at Joe Aillet Stadium. After winning the Western Athletic Conference Championship in 2011, the Bulldogs are looking for a repeat title and the chance to go to back-to-back bowl games for only the second time in school history.

Returning 16 starters from last year's squad, Tech will be the presumable favorite in the WAC entering 2012 and will have to shift from underdog to having a target on their backs this fall.

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