Utah defensive coordinator Gary Andersen isn't sure why Steve Fifita wasn't invited to last month's NFL Scouting Combine. Fifita, after all, racked up plenty of accolades in his career with Utes. The two-time first-team all-conference honoree was defensive MVP of the 2005 Fiesta Bowl.
"It's amazing to me. I think he's a great player and I think he'll play in the NFL for a long time. Whoever ends up taking him will be very pleased, in my opinion," Andersen said. "He's going to get his opportunity. He'll go to a camp and I expect Steve to play very well in that camp and make an NFL roster."
Fifita's draft hopes could be enhanced today when Utah conducts its annual "Pro Day" at the Spence Eccles Field House. NFL scouts, coaches and/or front-office personnel will get a closer look at Fifita and the Utes' other seniors while putting them through the ropes in a 40-yard sprint, shuttle, "L" drill and position-specific workouts.
Fifita may be joined in the session by running back Quinton Ganther; wide receivers Travis LaTendresse and John Madsen; offensive linemen Jesse Boone and David Dirkmaat; linebacker Spencer Toone; and kicker Dan Beardall.
"It definitely gives them an opportunity to showcase their talents one more time," Andersen said. "I think it's a very big deal for them."
Strong showings could lead to more individualized workouts on a team-specific basis before the NFL draft, April 29-30. Utah had five players picked a year ago — Alex Smith, Sione Pouha, Chris Kemoeatu, Jonathan Fanene and Paris Warren.
Local Pro days
Monday: Utah
Tuesday: Utah State
Wednesday: BYU
Thursday: Weber State
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com