PROVO, Utah — Former Cougar running back Tyler Allgeier headlined BYU’s 2022 NFL Pro Day, alongside wide receivers Samson Nacua and Neil Pau'u, defensive lineman Uriah Leiataua and offensive lineman James Empey at the Indoor Practice Facility on Friday.
The five former Cougars met with 34 representatives from 29 NFL teams, participated in various drills and and showcased their skills in position-specific workouts. Former BYU quarterback Baylor Romney also made an appearance to throw routes for Allgeier, Nacua and Pau'u during position workouts.
The group began the day with official measurements before heading to the bench press, vertical and broad jumps. Following the jumps, participants ran the 40-yard dash and then did cone and shuttle drills before getting into position-specific workouts.
Allgeier who measured 5-foot-11 and 224 at the NFL Combine earlier this month, put up 21 reps on the bench at Pro Day and also participated in the 20-yard shuttle with a 4.34 and the three-cone drill, clocking a 7.09.
Nacua, 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds, had some of the top numbers of the five participating in Pro Day. highlighted by a 4.48 40-yard dash. The Provo product also had the best jump marks by any Cougar at Pro Day with a 32-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot-1 broad jump. Nacua recorded the best time of the day at the three-cone drill with a 6.75 which would rank eight out of all Combine competitors and third among wideouts. His 4.34 20-yard shuttle put him at sixth among Combine receivers.
Pau’u had the best time in the 20-yard shuttle, clocking a 4.10, good for No. 2 among wide receivers at the NFL Combine. At over 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, he also had 31-inch jump. Pau’u clocked a 6.95 which ranks ninth overall and third among wide receivers.
Empey who measured over 6-foot-3 and 297 pounds, and Leiataua, over 6-foot-2 and 252 pounds, each completed 23-reps on the bench press. Empey would have ranked No. 8 among offensive lineman at the Combine while Leiataua would have been fourth among the defensive ends. Both participated in all the drills, jumps and 40-yard dash in addition to positional workouts for scouts.
Romney threw various routes all over the field to help showcase route running abilities for the three skill position players for scouts to finish the day. Following the workouts, NFL personnel also met with individual players and members of BYU's staff for additional information.
The 2022 NFL Draft takes place April 28-30 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Head coach Kalani Sitake, other members of the coaching staff and the participants spoke about Pro Day following the event. Read more about what they had to say below.
Running back Tyler Allgeier | watch interview
"I think it went pretty well. I have been training since the end of the season for this."
On what was it like to have a Pro Day with your teammates
"It was a blast to be on the field with them one last time. Those guys are the leaders on the team and will be missed. They will be missed but we have a lot of younger guys coming through and BYU should continue to be good."
On what an NFL team will get if they select him in the Draft
"A football player. A guy that can do it all, running back, special teams. Whatever they need."
On how his BYU experience will help him for the NFL
"Ever since I signed as a preferred walk-on, I just put my head down and worked. Once I got on scholarship, I checked that off the list and got back to work. I always strived for more. The main thing was football knowledge, knowing the game. In the running back room, you have to know who to block, know your combos and who the offensive line is doubling."
Head coach Kalani Sitake on Tyler Allgeier
"I think about everybody that we recruit but we knew that he had something special. When you get to know him and his work ethic, then everybody that confirms that from his coaches to opposing coaches to the people in Fontana. We knew he was going to do something special here at BYU are really proud of him. I look forward to seeing the things that he is going to do with this new opportunity that he has coming his way. I have a lot of confidence because of his work ethic that he will be fine."
On how will his versatility help him in the NFL
"Yeah, of course. It’s not just about playing running back. He is going to have to play running back. He is going to have to tackle and block people and he has been doing that since he got here. He is going to just fine in the NFL."
Running back coach Harvey Unga on Tyler Allgeier
"I don’t even know where to start. He is a great teammate and a good person. He is a selfless person and the ultimate teammate when it comes to that. I think the film more than anything speaks for itself. You watch the way the kid plays the game. How he carries himself but not just that but how he plays the game. When it’s crunch time and we need a couple of yards or we are trying to run a four-minute drill, we knew we could count on him and call on him to carry the rock to win the game. He also has amazing vision and great feet. One of the things that I appreciated the most was just the way he approached learning the game. I know NFL coaches are going to appreciate how well he learns and picks things up. He is a sponge and very coachable.
On how will his versatility help him in the NFL
"It is huge for anyone that’s trying to make it to the NFL. The more you can do, that is the name of the game for a lot of guys. The fact that he played on both sides of the ball and back when he was doing special teams, he was one of the leaders in every unit. The NFL is always looking for those type of guys and he is that kid that can do it all. He is not afraid to get in there and make tackles but on offense he is able to block which also translates to punt and kick returns. Being able to do all those things is going for whatever team picks him up. I think I am biased and think that he should be an every down back and I am sure that he will get his chance. Who wouldn’t want a player like Tyler?
Offensive lineman James Empey | watch interview
On how it went today
“I felt really good about it. I hit a bunch of my goals, and after not being able to finish the season, it was just great for me to be out here and be healthy. Super happy about how everybody performed today, the other guys did a great job. Just happy with how the day went and grateful for BYU for always making it special.”
On having a small group for Pro Day
“I thought it was cool, I thought it was really focused and BYU does a great job putting it on. They make it a cool atmosphere with family here, so it was a lot of fun and I’m glad we were able to do it.”
On skillsets that make him NFL ready
“I don’t know if you can be super ready. You can do your very best being ready with the technique and keeping your body in shape, but at the end of the day, you just go play football. I’m confident in the fact that I’m healthy, strong, ready to go, and I have the tools in my toolbox to be a good football player. I’m just enjoying the process every day.”
On moving on from BYU
“BYU has played a huge part in my life so far and I feel like we have always done things the right way. The people here are what make BYU so special, so I’m super grateful for them for making today such a great experience and always taking care of us.”
Head Coach Kalani Sitake on James Empey
"James can play any position. He’s extremely athletic and moves really well. But he’s also very cerebral and understands the game of football. He knows a lot of different positions, not just the offensive line spot. He knows what the running backs, tight ends, receivers and quarterbacks are thinking. To have someone that can do that and play all five positions, it’s a huge asset for a team. He’s the guy that can play different positions. We were lucky to have him as center majority of the time here. But, he can play left and right guard and left and right tackle too, and there’s not a lot of O-lineman that can do that."
Coach Darrell Funk on James Empey
"First of all, James Empey is as high class of a human being as there is. His character and his work ethic that he brought to BYU Football is unmatched. I only got a year of coaching him, but I wish I had more. I believe his future is bright. I don’t know where he’ll end up in the draft process, but wherever he goes he will fit. He’s tough and he’s smart. He knows the game inside and out. He looks really good today, and he’s done a great job. I’m super excited to watch what the future holds in store for him for sure."
Wide receiver Samson Nacua | watch interview
On what he brings to an NFL team
“Energy, big plays, some speed - today shows I’ve got some speed on me. But yeah, whatever they need me to bring. I feel like I can do it all.”
On only having five players at Pro Day
“Going through it at the beginning of the day, even for breakfast, it felt a little quiet. Right after we did some of the measurements, everyone started feeling a little bit more loose, and I was like, alright, as long as everyone’s feeling loose, I can start getting a little louder and making everyone feel the energy. It was good. Everyone picked up on the energy, everyone brought their own energy too, and everyone killed it today.”
On talking with NFL scouts
“I got to talk to a couple of them and they were just surprised. They were telling me I came out and just made a good name for myself, and that was a big thing I wanted to do. I know my name is probably not at the top of their list, but as long as I can put my name on their list, that was the biggest thing and I think I did that today. Draft or no draft, I'm getting a phone call. I'll be ready for whatever phone call comes my way and whoever calls me up, I'll be ready to go over there and make a difference.”
On having his family here today
“Man, it was awesome. Not only having our captains out here leading the way, but feeling the energy coming out and seeing my family here—every single one of my family members—I just felt the love and support. They were just as ready as I was. After everything I did hear some of them yelling at me, and after I ran my 40 just stopping by them and high-fiving them, they were smiling and jumping for me. They got energy just like me and I needed them out here today.”
On his preparation for Pro Day
“The coaches gave me a daily routine and I just stuck with it and believed in their process, trusted that what they know is gonna help me get where I need to. They sent me schedules, they sent me stuff to do today for my warm ups, I believed and trusted them to guide me that far. I believe that everything they did helped me, so I just stick to them.”
Head coach Kalani Sitake on Samson Nacua
“Samson just brought a different attitude and the unique ability to get everyone to feel confident. He did it with his example. It wasn’t really what he said, but his approach to life, just the way he is. He brought tons of energy, no fear, and a lot of happiness. He bought into the culture because that’s really inherently part of who he already is. He was able to get a lot of guys to come out of their shells and join in having as much fun as possible.”
Passing game coordinator Fesi Sitake on Samson Nacua
“In one year, Samson left a huge impression that's going to stick with us for a long time. He brings so much energy and passion and love and fun to this game. The guys realize how important that is. We’ve felt his presence missed a lot. He brought so much excitement and energy to this team. He's a great receiver. He's someone who I think is going to fit on an NFL roster, depending on the right team. He's going to do a good job.”
Wide Receiver Neil Pau'u | watch interview
On whats more important: Pro Day or Tape
“I think it's for sure the tape. I think [the scouts] come to kind of solidify or see for themselves how the guys move because sometimes the tape doesn’t tell it all.”
On Pro Day
“It’s nerve-racking, I’m not going to lie, it’s very nerve-racking. You have to learn to find your inner peace. That’s just the biggest thing trying to stay calm, cool, and collected through each drill.”
On strongest attributes
“I think it’s my catch radius, my route running and the physicality in and out of brakes. Thant’s probably the biggest thing that I relied on, so to come out here and show that was cool.”
On supporting each other through Pro Day
“It was cool. Two of them are roommates with me. James is really cool and Samson is Samson, you know always brings the energy. It was cool just to be able to work out with these guys. We talked about it leading up, it’s just a dream come true.”
On BYU prepping for the NFL
“The scouts were able to see on film how we moved, how we competed against those Power 5 teams. So again they were able to come out and solidify some certain things they wanted to solidify and just move on.”
Head coach Kalani Sitake on Neil Pau'u
“He’s gone through a lot of different things and he’s faced some adversity and did it with a great attitude and to have an obstacle in your way and overcome it, then to go on and help and serve others, I’m really proud of him.”
Passing game coordinator Fesi Sitake on Neil Pau'u
“He’s been with the program forever, so he brings experience and he brings leadership, and we’re really going to miss him. He’s someone that has taught so many lessons to all the other receivers here on how to play the game, how to endure trials that hit you. We’re going to miss him a lot but I know he’s going to do great things at the next level.”
Defensive lineman Uriah Leiataua | watch interview
On his performance
“I am happy with how I performed today. I think I did really well and I’m excited about that. Today I just focused on attacking each drill we did and on performing my best.”
On friends/family support
“I love the energy that everyone brought today to cheer us on. At one point I heard Tyler cheering for me and I was able to get a better time on the 40 so we really appreciate the support.”
On the decision to try for the NFL
“I am very satisfied with my decision and am grateful for the conversation I had with Jasen Ah You because not trying would be something I would’ve regret for the rest of my life. All I needed to do is show someone what I can do and I definitely got that today.”
Head coach Kalani Sitake on Uriah Leiataua
“Lopa is the kind of guy who does not want to have regrets. I think he’s gone back and forth on deciding to stick with football or go to law school, but injuries force you to look at things from a different perspective. He has had a lot to overcome with his injuries and that is going to be a great advantage to him not only in his football career, but also in life. Lopa is a guy who is not afraid to try and that’s what he is doing with his NFL journey.”
Defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki on Uriah Leiataua
“Lopa is a great teammate and is loved by his whole team. He was always a great influence for the younger boys. Lopa is a team player. He will do anything to help his team. He’s coachable and works hard, and any team that gets him will be blessed to have him.”
Quarterback Baylor Romney
Head coach Kalani on quarterback Baylor Romney coming back to throw for the skill position drills
"Baylor is not much of a talker, but his example is unbelievable. He does everything right, he works hard and you never question that. He’s a quiet, effective leader and people really gravitate toward him. They are drawn to him because of his humility and his easy, approachable attitude. He is going to be great in life no matter what he does."