METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints hosted a Pro Day for Louisiana college players pursuing their dream NFL careers.
Southern, Southeastern, Nicholls, Northwestern State and McNeese State University standouts conducted drills in front of NFL scouts.
Here are some of the notable talents attending today’s event:
Nicholls running back Julien Gums led the field after ending his time at Thibodaux as Nicholls’ all-time leader in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns. De La Salle’s product has proven to be one of the best running backs in the Southland Conference and with a production that carries over to the NFL.
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Next up was Southern defensive tackle Jason Dumas. The St. James product recently made headlines as the defensive MVP of the HBCU Legacy Bowl.
Quarterback and all-around athlete Cephus Johnson came from Southeastern Louisiana University. In his only season as the Lions’ starting quarterback, Johnson recorded 1,354 yards passing with 10 touchdowns while adding 488 rushing yards with 5 scores. He helped Southeastern to the 2022-23 Southland Conference championship.
Johnson patiently waited his turn to lead the Lions offense after playing behind former Walter Payton Award winner Cole Kelley, but used his time wisely by showing off his playmaking skills as a wide receiver asked. At 6’5 and 220 pounds, Johnson was a great pass catching option.
At Thursday’s Pro-Day event, Johnson recorded 18 reps at 225 pounds on the bench press. His vertical jump was 36.5 inches and his long jump was 10.1. Cephus Johnson ran a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash.
Johnson was joined by wide receiver CJ Turner and running backs Jessie Britt and Carlos Washington Jr. at today’s event.
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Britt totaled 739 yards and 9 touchdowns over the course of the Lions Conference Championship.
As for Washington, he was the Lions’ leading rusher with 715 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. Washington averaged 60 yards per contest in an influential committee running back.
Rounding out local prospects at Thursday’s Pro Day event were former Southeast and St. Aug standout Donniel Ward-Magee.
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The safety ended his senior year in Hammond with 52 tackles and 3 interceptions. Donniel Ward-Magee hopes to continue the tradition of ex-Purple Knights to successfully make the leap to the pro ranks.
Southeast defender Ferlando Jordan was also present at today’s event. Jordan was considered a fascinating pro prior to the Lions championship campaign, playing against now-LSU cornerback Zy Alexander.
Jordan was previously drafted by the USFL’s Pittsburgh Maulers along with teammate CJ Turner.
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