Nine Saluki players chase their NFL dreams at team’s Pro Day

CARBONDALE, Ill. — With the 2026 NFL Draft just 43 days away, Saluki Football hosted its annual Pro Day on Wednesday morning, in which nine players ran a gauntlet of drills and exercises.

A scout from the Chicago Bears conducted the testing, which included the 40-yard dash, bench press, long jump, high jump, cone drill and more.

CB Jeremiah McClendon

All-American cornerback Jeremiah McClendon, who’s been training in his home state of Florida, said he was pleased with his results.

“It was just a great day to showcase my skills,” he said. “Scouts are telling me I could go late in the draft or as a priority free agent. I just want to show them that my test results will match the film.”

Last season, McClendon tied the school record for breakups with 14 and defended some elite draft prospects, including North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance, who is expected to be a high draft pick.

“Playing ball at the highest level is something I've dreamed about since I was a toddler,” McClendon said. “I played well at Purdue (last season) and against some of the top receivers in our conference. My film speaks for itself.”

C Noah Fenske

Center Noah Fenske put up elite numbers today that compare favorably to the top O-line talent at the recent NFL Combine. He did 32 reps on the bench press and ran a 4.88 40-yard dash.

“I just found out my first 10 (yards in the 40) was like a .157, which is really quick,” he said. “Broad jump was good, and I was really happy with my bench. Huge kudos to Zach Novotny, who trained me the last eight weeks. We’ve definitely moved the needle.”

Fenske, who runs his own training facility in Carbondale, earned all-conference honors last season and has experience playing all three positions across the offensive line.

“I can slide out to tackle and I can play on both sides,” he said. “I think that should be attractive to teams, especially with my athletic ability. I have my business, and I love training kids, but I really love playing the game. I've got the rest of my life to work, so I really would enjoy playing at least a few more seasons.”

K/P Paul Geelen

Specialist Paul Geelen didn’t participate in today’s testing, but instead he showcased his leg strength and accuracy by launching bombs as both a punter and place kicker, including a 60-yard field goal.

“For me, it's a little bit different,” he explained. “While the rest of the guys killed it with bench press, jumping, sprinting — I was out here warming up for punts and field goals, and that went very well.”

A native of Australia, Geelen hopes to take advantage of the NFL’s roster-exemption policy for international players.

“The scouts just keep telling me to work, so that's what I've been doing,” Geelen said. “All four years (in college), I’ve been self-taught for two positions and three duties — punting, field goals and kickoffs. I’ve been going down to Alabama to train with a kicking coach and punting coach. I'm ready to do both.”

TE Aidan Quinn

Recently married tight end Aidan Quinn said he’s prepared to start a ranching business in Wyoming when his playing career ends, but feels compelled to give pro football a chance.

“I’m a long shot, but I knew that going in,” he said. “I’ve got to have good Pro Days and just hope for one opportunity. I've wanted to play pro football since I was a kid. If I were able to see that dream become realized, that would just be awesome and all the glory would truly go to God.”

Also participating in Pro Day for the Salukis were offensive tackle Cameron Dye, wide receiver Jathen Jones, wide receiver Jackson Parker, linebacker Shug Walker and safety Jagger Williams. Many of the players said they were also planning to participate in Northwestern’s Pro Day in Chicago, coming up on March 17.