As NFL scouts look on, Jayhawks gather to encourage a participant in the bench-press portion of the Kansas University football pro timing day on Friday, March 15, 2013.

As NFL scouts look on, Jayhawks gather to encourage a participant in the bench-press portion of the Kansas University football pro timing day on Friday, March 15, 2013.

Safety Bradley McDougald shaved two-tenths of a second off his 40-yard dash time to highlight Friday’s football pro timing day at Kansas University.

McDougald, one of two KU players (offensive lineman Tanner Hawkinson was the other) invited to the NFL cCombine last month in Indianapolis, ripped off a 4.49-second sprint in the area he focused on most since the combine and followed it up with a fluid showing in the on-the-field position drills that took place in front of representatives from 20 NFL teams.

“That just kind of set the tone for the rest of the day,” a pleased McDougald said. “It got that monkey off my back, let me take a deep breath and just go play football.”

McDougald was one of 18 players who worked out for pro scouts at the Anderson Family Strength and Conditioning Center and Memorial Stadium on Friday — 15 graduating seniors, one former Jayhawk (punter Alonso Rojas) and two players from nearby Washburn University and Ottawa University. The day began in the weight room, where the players were measured and weighed by scouts and then tested their vertical and broad jumps and also flashed their strength on the bench press.

The bench was by far the loudest portion of the day, as the Jayhawks crowded around the last station in the southwest corner of the weight room and yelled and screamed for their teammates. KU strength coach Scott Holsopple spotted the exercise and also did a fair amount of screaming and encouraging.

“I think that really helped a lot of guys,” said McDougald, who also weighed five pounds less (210) than in Indianapolis. “It definitely helped me. Guys at the combine kind of cheer for you, but it’s half-hearted. Here, guys are yelling, ‘Let’s go, let’s go,’ and you really feel like you gotta show up for guys you’ve been showing up with for years.”

Several current Jayhawks and a few former KU stars (Mike Rivera, Chris Harris, Steven Johnson, Marcus Henry) showed up to watch Friday’s action and offer support. While the camaraderie aided in their efforts, it also offered one more chance to compete together on their home field.

“There wasn’t anybody in the stands,” said Toben Opurum, whose broad jump of 10 feet, 4 inches was the best of his life. “But there were guys out here who I’ve been with since 2009, guys I’ve grinded with, guys I’ve grown with, and I’m proud of everybody out here. I’m proud to have played here.”

Opurum was another player who helped his stock tremendously. In addition to getting 24 reps on the bench press and a 34.5-inch vertical jump, the running-back-turned-defensive-end was able to show his offensive skills. Many believe Opurum’s best shot at the NFL is as a fullback, the position at which he was recruited to Notre Dame by current KU coach Charlie Weis.

“I feel good about today,” Opurum said. “I would’ve liked to do some pass-rushing stuff, but film will show that. I was able to do some things in some situations I haven’t been in, dropping back, catching balls. I haven’t done that since ’09, but I was just trying to make sure it looked natural.”

Asked if he would be open to a return to offense, the former KU ball carrier did not hesitate to answer.

“I’m perfectly fine with that,” he said. “Fullback. H-Back. I still think I can do some things with the ball in my hands.”

The guy who got the ball to Opurum, former KU quarterback Dayne Crist, also had a solid day. He performed fairly well in the testing — 4.97-second 40, 15 reps on bench — but looked his best during the positional drills, where he threw to teammates Kale Pick, Daymond Patterson, Mike Ragone and D.J. Beshears for the final time.

“It was a great day,” said Crist, who participated in a 54-play scripted throwing session that tested his arm strength on all of the NFL throws.

“I definitely enjoyed it, and there was some emotion there. It goes so fast, and I was having flashbacks of the first time I was out here throwing with these guys.”

For Crist, the throwing part was by far the most important element. And, although a couple of balls hit the turf or sailed high in the wind, most were on the money.

“I just wanted to show improvement in my footwork and my accuracy and show that I took this time seriously and that I can make all the throws necessary to compete at a high level in the NFL,” Crist said.

Now, in addition to continuing their intense workouts, the Jayhawks will jump back into the waiting game. While many expect McDougald and Hawkinson to be drafted, the rest figure to have to earn a roster spot through free agency and training camp.

“I think all the guys competed really well, and it was a good culmination of this whole draft process,” Crist said. “The next part’s kind of out of your control. Now you just have to stay patient and stay ready.”