Zylstra Happy With NFL Pro Day

Article reprinted courtesy of Fargo Forum and reporter Eric Peterson.

MOORHEAD – Soon after he completed North Dakota State football Pro Day, former Concordia wide receiver Brandon Zylstra had a chance for a unique photo opportunity.

Zylstra posed with NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock and ESPN NFL analyst Ron Jaworski on the Gate City Bank Field artificial turf at the Fargodome.

"That was pretty cool," Zylstra said. "To meet the gurus like that, a lot of people can't say that."

Zylstra was pleased with how he tested and performed at the annual NDSU Pro Day, which was held Thursday.

"I was pretty happy with my (workout) numbers," said Zylstra, who is from Spicer, Minn. "Ithought they were pretty solid for my size."

Brandon Zylstra NFL Pro Day Video

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Zylstra recorded a 34-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot broad jump and bench-pressed 225 pounds 16 times. Unofficially, his 40-yard dash time was around 4.6 seconds.

Those numbers were similar to what Zylstra posted at an NFL regional combine last month in Arizona. At that event, he posted a 36-inch vertical jump and his best time in the 40 was 4.64 seconds.

"I'm trying to do this for my first job," said Zylstra, who had been working out in Arizona the past few months. "What is better than that right now?"

Zylstra ran 11 scripted routes Thursday and caught all 11 passes, with NDSU offensive coordinator Tim Polasek serving as his quarterback. One of his more impressive catches was an over-the-shoulder grab on a deep ball that covered around 50 yards.

Zylstra said he was pleased with his route running.

"I thought it was at least good enough to draw some attention," Zylstra said. "I felt smooth and relaxed and comfortable."

Zylstra talked with representatives from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and San Diego Chargers at NDSU Pro Day. He plans to return to Arizona next week to continue training. He's also participated in four CFL tryouts and said he's received interest from three CFL teams.

"At this point, it's kind of a waiting game," Zylstra said.