Six total Vandals took part in Idaho’s pro day on Monday. Roshaun Johnson, Fa’avae Fa’avae, Juliano Falaniko, Jeremiah Salaam and Leo Tamba finished their collegiate careers this season while Caleb Lightbourn graduated in 2021.
Johnson was the sole offensive player to take part in drills. He ended the day with the second most bench reps with 20 reps, and third highest vertical, jumping 29.5 inches.
Fa’avae has been one of Idaho’s top defensive players since transferring from Washington State in 2020. He put up 18 bench reps and jumped 28 inches in the vertical. His 20-meter split and shuttle times were the best of anyone at 2.75 and 4.43 seconds, respectively.
Falaniko had a short pro day as he only took part in bench reps and vertical jump. He put up 16 225-pound bench reps and jumped 25.5 inches.
Salaam started his day out hot with a 34-inch vertical and a 9-foot-10-inch broad jump. He also ran a 4.64 40, the fastest of anyone.
Tamba showed off his strength in the morning with 22 bench reps, the most of anyone, and a 32-inch vertical.
Lightbourn didn’t take part in the numbers side of things, but he kicked in front of all the scouts. While his official numbers aren’t available, he had a few good punt and kick attempts.
Scouts from both the NFL and Canadian Football League were in attendance. All five players were showing out for scouts from the owners of the number two pick in the draft, the Houston Texans, to the Super Bowl winning Chiefs. Coming from the CFL was a scout for the British Columbia Lions.
Every team that showed up has at least one hole on defense. From New England to Seattle, teams are in need of defensive backs and linemen, both of which Idaho has. The two teams in attendance that the NFL says need a running back are the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos.
Johnson spent six seasons at Idaho, racking up 1407 yards over 47 games. His dedication and passion for football culminated with his pro day.
“All the hard work and all the training came to fruition,” Johnson said. “I just put it all out there on the table, and hopefully I get an opportunity and get to put on for the Vandals.”
Almost every college player’s dream is to get that phone call either during or after the draft. Although Johnson’s college career is over, and his pro day has passed, he’s still going to put the work in to get that call.
“I got to get my name out there,” Johnson said. “The Vandal Nation knows me, but hopefully all of America can know me.”
James Taurman-Aldrich can be reached at arg-sports@uidaho.edu or on Twitter @jamesaldrich25