There are many ways for a prospect to stand out during pro day workout – put up big numbers, forget your cleats, etc. WR Terrence Austin of UCLA chose a different route, as he had a large contingent of friends and family in attendance, all wearing his jersey and making quite a bit of noise.

Befitting the Trojans’ blue blood status in college football, a whopping 13 noteworthy players worked out. In total, 21 players particpated. Despite the presence of so many talented prospects, however, it was one slightly lesser known guy (Kevin Thomas) that really used the workout to catapult himself, according to my sources.

With three weeks left until draft day, there’s no shortage of smokescreens and misdirection. The Redskins, who hold the fourth overall pick, are right in the middle of all the speculation.

Shawne Merriman sat down for an interview with Rich Eisen on Thursday to discuss his dealings and future with the Chargers.

A quick look at some of the pre-draft visits scheduled between prospects and teams around the league.

Chargers LB Shawne Merriman visited the NFL Network studios Thursday, and was the victim of an April Fools’ Day prank at the hands of Rich Eisen and crew.

Sam Bradford denied talk Thursday that he has said he wouldn’t sign a pre-draft contract as the potential first overall pick of the NFL Draft, and said he would play for whoever selects him — including the St. Louis Rams.

It happens way too often, and it’s disappointing every time it does. The most common culprit is the hamstring. Well, North Carolina CB Jordan Hemby (5-foot-10 7/8, 190 pounds) is the latest victim. He pulled his hamstring running the short shuttle, and the minor injury prevented him from doing the three-cone drill.

If you follow NFL Network host Rich Eisen or the NFL on Twitter, you’ve already caught digital wind of a pretty sizeable April Fool’s Day prank pulled on Chargers LB Shawne Merriman Thursday.

Shawne Merriman checked in during a vist to the NFL Network studios for a quick portrait on Thursday, April 1.

It may be time to start paying some more attention to N.C. State C Ted Larsen (6-foot-2 5/8, 306 pounds). NFL teams are certainly doing so.

Indiana State athletics are known for one name — Larry Bird. Since he graduated the school, it has failed to re-enter the national conscience. The football program, in particular, has been an afterthought. The last Sycamore drafted was seventh-rounder Dan Brandenburg by the Bills in 1996. DB Donye McCleskey might be the man to change that

Central Florida’s best prospect, DT Torell Troup, didn’t actually work out at the school’s pro day on March 25, but don’t be alarmed. The 6-foot-2, 315-pounder is making the rounds. He is visiting with the Lions on Thursday, has a visit scheduled with the Vikings next week, and has already worekd out for the Patriots, Chiefs, Browns, Broncos and Saints.

When position coaches are dispatched to a pro day, it typically signifies a definite interest in a particular prospect. Remember that when it comes to Connecticut WR Marcus Easley (6-foot-2 3/4, 211 pounds). Included among the 20 team representatives on hand at UCon”s pro day were the receivers coaches from the Jets and Ravens.

Not all pro days are created equal. At Rice, Texas Southern and Northern Illinois, for example, there was an absence of elite level prospects. Despite the lack of top-notch players, however, the participants deserve credit for giving their all in an attempt to make the pros.