Paul Magloire Jr. has played the “Madden” video game for as long as he can remember.
“There hasn’t been a year when I haven’t created myself and put myself in the game,” the former Arizona Wildcats linebacker said.
On Friday, he took another step toward not having to do that in the next iteration of the game.
Magloire was among 13 participants in Arizona’s on-campus pro day. He continued to build on a productive offseason, bench-pressing 225 pounds 25 times and registering a 119-inch broad jump. Those numbers would have tied for second and 12th, respectively, among linebackers at last month’s NFL scouting combine had Magloire been invited.
“I’m excited about this process,” Magloire said. “I feel like I’m only getting better. I’m becoming a better player all around. I think I fit a lot of schemes at the next level.”
Magloire came to Arizona as a safety before switching to linebacker about halfway through the 2015 season. He led the team in tackles last year with 81, including 5.5 for losses, and earned an invite to the East-West Shrine Game. His coach there, Larry Foote of the Arizona Cardinals, ran his workout Friday.
Magloire has become a favorite among some draft analysts, including Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated and Matt Miller of Bleacher Report. Miller projected Magloire as a fourth-round pick earlier this month.
“You hear a lot of things,” Magloire said. “But you try to take it with a grain of salt.”
Although he has a workout lined up with the New York Giants — “That’s one,” he said. “Hopefully I get a couple more” — Magloire is not a shoo-in to be selected. He’ll head into the April 27-29 draft, which he plans to watch with his family, hoping for the best.
“I’m not going to have any expectations,” Magloire said. “I’m just going to go with it. Hopefully it’s hearing my name called.”
Griffey impresses
Receiver Trey Griffey had the most impressive workout, according to observers. Arizona’s pro day is closed to the media.
With his family on hand — including Hall of Fame dad Ken Jr. and sister Taryn, who plays for the UA women’s basketball team — Trey recorded 40-yard dash times of 4.50 and 4.56 seconds. Those are good times for a player of Griffey’s size; he measured at 6-2 1/8, 209 pounds. He also did 17 bench-press reps, which would have tied for eighth among wideouts at the combine.
Griffey caught only 23 passes last season, the victim of an Arizona passing attack that was inconsistent at best. UA coach Rich Rodriguez doesn’t believe that will hurt Griffey’s stock.
“The NFL doesn’t look as much at numbers,” Rodriguez said. “They’ll watch a guy on film. They’ll watch him in person. They’ll work him out. The numbers part is inflated some places anyway because they throw it all the time. They just look at guys that can play.”
Like Magloire, Griffey is considered a Day 3 prospect in the draft. He was unavailable for post-workout interviews because he had a plane to catch, according to a UA spokesman.
Receiver Samajie Grant matched Griffey with 17 bench reps. Offensive lineman Freddie Tagaloa had 41 bench reps, six more than anyone at any position at the combine. Defensive lineman Aiulua Fanene had 35 reps, matching the most at the combine.
Tight end Josh Kern had a 34-inch vertical jump, which would have tied for seventh among combine tight ends. Kern did 19 bench reps and raised about $850 for charity in the process through PledgeIt.org.
Dawkins’ job to lose?
Rodriguez provided a little bit of clarity on the Wildcats’ quarterback situation after Friday morning’s practice.
Incumbent Brandon Dawkins has been the primary first-team quarterback this spring, Rodriguez said. Khalil Tate mainly has worked with the second team.
Rodriguez won’t name a starter until shortly before the season starts but did say, regarding Dawkins and Tate, “Khalil’s gotta beat him out.”
Rodriguez and quarterbacks coach Rod Smith said it’s natural for Dawkins to be ahead of Tate because the former has more experience. Dawkins is entering his redshirt junior season and started nine games last year; Tate will be an 18-year-old true sophomore in fall and has made one start. Smith said he’s excited about both players but that Dawkins has a “slight lead” as of now.
“He’s probably ahead from a mental standpoint because he’s had more reps at it, he’s had more time at it” Smith said. “Brandon’s had a pretty decent spring so far. Khalil’s had some moments where he’s been pretty good, too.
“Who will be the guy? We’ll see how that goes.”
Regardless of who starts, Rodriguez expects Arizona’s “menu of plays” to expand this season with both quarterbacks having another year in the system.
Extra points
• Redshirt freshman defensive end Jalen Cochran hasn’t practiced this spring because of concussion issues dating to fall. “Obviously, that’s a concern,” Rodriguez said.
• Tailback Nick Wilson says he weighs 212 pounds. He looks strong in his upper body. He played at 205 pounds last year. Durability is the key issue with Wilson after two injury-plagued seasons.
• Rodriguez said tailback Nathan Tilford is physically ready to play as a freshman. The question is whether he’ll get there mentally. Participating in spring practice increases his chances.
• Rodriguez said he’d like to have 10 wide receivers “we have confidence in.” To get there, newcomers Brian Casteel and Drew Dixon would have to contribute this season.
• Rodriguez expects the next wave of new players to raise the competition and talent levels teamwide. “It’s going to be the most competitive August camp since I’ve been here,” he said.
• Redshirt freshman linebacker Kahi Neves entered the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility wearing a T-shirt and shorts, suggesting that he did not practice.
