HAMPTON, VA- Today, the Hampton University Football program hosted its annual Pro-Day with the Spartans of Norfolk State University at Armstrong Stadium. This year eleven NFL teams came out to see and give the student-athletes next level exposure. 
 
Hampton was represented by wide receiver Hezekiah Grimsley, quarterback Jett Duffy, defensive back Caleb Brown, offensive lineman Grady Thomas, tight end James Stanley, and defensive lineman James Fagan.
 
"Student-Athletes only get one shot at this, Norfolk State wanted to come in, and we decided to join together because it's about helping these student-athletes," said head coach Robert Prunty. "The young men are working hard, they had a great day, and it's simply a great day here at Hampton University."
 
The Battle of the Bay and the Hampton Norfolk rivalry is what both HBCUs know and love. But today, Pirates and Spartans stood together and showcased their skills as Hampton hosted an NFL combine. 
 
"It's a blessing to get scouts out here to take time out of their day to come over here and look at us, and we appreciate that," said recent grad Hezekiah Grimsley. 
 
Both Grimsley and Fagan graduated from Hampton this past December. 
 
"It's God, and I thank coach Prunty and his staff for allowing us to come back here and showcase our talents," said James Fagan
 
The Pirates and Spartans showed up to the weight room, and the field for a lineup of seven events after the Wonderlic test was administered earlier in the day. The day started with routine body measurements followed by the vertical test and bench press. 
 
The group then headed to Armstrong Stadium to complete the broad jump, 40-yard dash, 3-cone drill, and shuttle drill. The day ended with positional drills that lasted for about an hour giving the participants a great chance to showcase their skills and gain hands-on knowledge and exposure.
 
Among the NFL team representatives was Hampton class of 2015 alum Ron Rose, eastern region college scout for the Washington Commanders. Rose described today repeatedly as an experience that truly means the world to him. "For me, one of my main motivations to do what I'm doing now was going there for football, football saved me, and it's probably one of the main reasons I'm doing what I'm doing," said Rose.

Throughout the day plenty of football players came out between classes to cheer their teammates on and to also get a glimpse of where they could be this time next year. The Pirates are set to begin Spring ball tomorrow and today doubled as a great source of motivation for all.
 
For more information about Hampton University athletics, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com