CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Despite a shift in leadership, a group of former Tar Heels gathered once more at the Bill Koman Practice Complex for a morning workout.
North Carolina saw 17 players take part in its Pro Day on Monday. Among them, six were invited to the NFL Draft Combine in Indianapolis: Omarion Hampton, Kaimon Rucker, Bryson Nesbit, Jahvaree Ritzie, Power Echols, and Alijah Huzzie. The other participants included Willie Lampkin, Darwin Barlow, John Copenhaver, Des Evans, Nate McCollum, Kevin Hester, Jacolbe Cowan, Joshua Harris, Jakeen Harris, JJ Jones, and Stick Lane.
Many players trained out of state in preparation for Pro Day, with offseason workouts occurring in locations such as California, Arizona, Georgia, and Florida.
This year’s Pro Day attracted a markedly different crowd compared to last season’s event, which featured standout players like Drake Maye, Cedric Gray, and Tez Walker. Nonetheless, 31 of the 32 NFL teams were present.
Highlights from Individual Performances
Ritzie showcased impressive athleticism, achieving a 36-inch vertical leap, which placed him among the top performers of the day. His agility and versatile athletic skills caught the attention of those observing, potentially enhancing his chances of being drafted into the NFL.
Rucker, who fractured his fibula towards the end of the regular season, spent the initial month of the offseason recovering from his injury. He participated in positional drills later in the day and expressed feeling “really good” physically.
Nesbit’s performance was a bit underwhelming, particularly in the vertical and long jump events. However, he appeared more like his usual self in skill drills. After missing the last six games of the season due to a wrist injury, he noted that he worked on regaining strength in his wrist before training in Florida.
Hampton focused solely on drills, affirming his combine statistics. He excelled in receiving drills alongside the wide receivers and tight ends and demonstrated purposefulness in running back drills. He presented himself as an NFL-caliber running back based on his physique. Meanwhile, Barlow appeared fit while participating in running back drills, despite having limited opportunities at UNC.
Huzzie, recovering from an ACL surgery performed three weeks earlier sustained during the Shrine Bowl, did not take part in any activities. Lampkin mentioned that some NFL teams have considered him for a fullback role, in addition to guard and center positions. He recalled the New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, and Denver Broncos showing interest in him as a fullback.
Bryce Baker Steps Up
Quarterback Bryce Baker was a last-minute addition to fill in as the Pro Day quarterback. Initially, Jacolby Criswell was expected to throw, but participants learned he would be unavailable the night before. Players were impressed with Baker’s performance during throwing drills, noting he had a sharp delivery.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 205 pounds, Baker was ranked as the No. 3 player in North Carolina and No. 8 nationally among quarterbacks in the 2025 class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He was originally recruited by Mack Brown and solidified his commitment under Bill Belichick.
Notable Attendees
None of the positional coaches from Belichick’s staff or Belichick himself attended Pro Day, but Brian Simmons, AJ Blue, and Brian Hess were present. Dre Bly, who recently joined the New York Jets as a defensive backs coach, instructed drills for the DBs, and his son, Jordan, also participated, having recorded career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns at Gardner-Webb.
Other current UNC players spotted at the event, apart from Baker, included Amare Campbell, Will Hardy, Kaleb Cost, and Jordan Shipp.
