The Huskies saw a lot of graduating talent perform for Pro Day, with 15 confirmed participants.

Northern Illinois Pro Day was a hoppin’ one on March 17th, with 15 senior Huskies and two former NIU alumni on-site to try and propel their football futures on March 17. Per NIU Athletics, 20 NFL scouts were in attendence.

(Of note, running back Antario Brown and quarterback Ethan Hampton did not qualify for a Relative Athletic Score, only taking measurements.)

For our reports, we’ve pulled raw numbers from Draft Scout and RAS.football to assemble the RAS cards, which are used with express written permission of RAS’ creator Kent Lee Platte.

CB JaVaughn Byrd

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 03 NIU at Kent State

Elevator Pitch:

Byrd was a four-year contributor in the defensive backfield for NIU, starting over parts of all four of his eligible seasons. Byrd won full-time duties in 2023 after collecting 15 starts over 26 contests in 2021 and 2022, ultimately finishing his career with 147 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, a half-sack, three interceptions, 17 passes defensed and two forced fumbles. 2023 was his best season statistically, earning second-team all-MAC honors with 32 tackles, two TFLs, three interceptions and eight passes defensed. Byrd was also a third-team all-MAC corner in 2024 with a career-high 37 tackles.

Draft Projections:

Lower-league training camp

Measurables (as of Pro Day)

Height: six-foot
Weight: 190 lbs.
Arms: 33 inches
Hands: nine inches

Skill Drills (numbers from Pro Day)

40-yard dash: 4.62 seconds
10-yard split: 1.63 seconds
20-yard split: 2.69 seconds
Shuttle: 4.35 seconds
Three-cone drill: 7.315 seconds
Vertical jump: 34 inches
Broad jump: 10 feet, five inches
Bench: N/A

Relative Athletic Score:

TE Chris Carter

Elevator Pitch:

Carter was primarily a special teams contributor who played in all phases for his two seasons at NIU, though he did collect five starts at tight end in 2023, totaling 12 catches for 178 yards and two touchdowns. Carter transferred in from FCS Howard, where he caught an additional seven receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown in three seasons for the Bison.

Draft Projections:

Lower-league training camp or roster

Measurables (as of Pro Day)

Height: six-foot-six
Weight: 243 lbs. (241 lbs. per Justin Melo)
Arms: 34 and five-eighth inches
Hands: nine and one-quarter inches

Skill Drills (numbers from Pro Day)

40-yard dash: 4.70 seconds (4.62 per Justin Melo)
10-yard split: 1.64 seconds (1.53 per Justin Melo)
20-yard split: 2.75 seconds (2.61 per Justin Melo)
Shuttle: 4.38 seconds (4.22 per Justin Melo)
Three-cone drill: 7.40 seconds (7.30 per Justin Melo)
Vertical jump: 35 inches
Broad jump: 10 feet, four inches
Bench: 21 reps at 225 lbs.

Relative Athletic Score:

Chris Carter’s RAS is in some dispute.

Officially per Kent Lee Platte, Carter scored a 8.70, mostly thanks to his composite speed and agility grades. However, Justin Melo of The Draft Network reports Carter’s numbers as being several tenths faster, pushing Carter’s grade up to a 9.60 out of a possible 10.

We will post both RAS cards for posterity.

Chris Carter’s Relative Athletic Score, per Justin Melo

LB Jaden Dolphin

Elevator Pitch:

Dolphin played all five of his college seasons with the Huskies arriving as a walk-on safety and ending it as a core starting linebacker. The 2020 COVID campaign saw Dolphin as a true freshman contributor at safety, linebacker and special teams, with Dolphin eventually completing the transition to full-time linebacker in late 2022. By the end of his 56-game career, Dolphin totaled 212 tackles (including 103 solo), with 11.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, seven pass break-ups, a forced fumble and an interception. 2024 was his best campaign, finishing second on the team with 60 total tackles.

Draft Projections:

NFL rookie try-out or lower-league training roster

Measurables (as of Pro Day)

Height: six-foot-two
Weight: 228 lbs.
Arms: 32 and three-eighth inches
Hands: nine and six-eighth inches

Skill Drills (numbers from Pro Day)

40-yard dash: 4.74 seconds
10-yard split: 1.62 seconds
20-yard split: 2.70 seconds
Shuttle: 4.57 seconds
Three-cone drill: 7.39 seconds
Vertical jump: 34.5 inches
Broad jump: nine feet, nine inches
Bench: 22 reps at 225 lbs.

Relative Athletic Score:

DT Cade Haberman

NCAA Football: MAC Championship-Kent State vs Northern Illinois

Elevator Pitch:

A pure nose tackle who played in 51 games for the Huskies, contributing from his true freshman season (2021) onwards at the position. Held an important spot in the rotation in his first three campaigns before winning the staring role in 2024, which was his best individual season (28 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, three blocked kicks.) Haberman’s two field goal blocks against Notre Dame were vital in NIU’s famous upset of the Fighting Irish in 2024. Finished career with 66 total tackles, 5.5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks.

Draft Projections:

Lower-league tryout

Measurables (as of Pro Day)

Height: six-foot-two
Weight: 307 lbs.
Arms: 32 and three-quarter inches
Hands: eight and six-eighths inches

Skill Drills (numbers from Pro Day)

40-yard dash: 5.12 seconds
10-yard split: 1.80 seconds
20-yard split: 3.04 seconds
Shuttle: 4.65 seconds
Three-cone drill: 7.9 seconds
Vertical jump: 30 inches
Broad jump: eight feet, 11 inches
Bench: 30 reps at 225 lbs.

Relative Athletic Score:

FB Brock Lampe

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 09 NIU at Western Michigan

Elevator Pitch:

The definition of an old-school run-blocking fullback, Lampe was a big-bodied punisher who was also a plus in the passing game when called upon over four seasons. Totaled 18 receptions for 216 yards, 20 carries for 66 yards and three total touchdowns (one receiving, two rushing.) Was also a contributor in all phases of special teams for the Huskies.

Draft Projections:

NFL rookie tryout; lower-league roster

Measurables (as of Pro Day)

Height: six-foot-one
Weight: 244 lbs.
Arms: 31 inches
Hands: eight and seven-eighth inches

Skill Drills (numbers from Pro Day)

40-yard dash: N/A (choice)
10-yard split: N/A (choice)
20-yard split: N/A (choice)
Shuttle: 4.40 seconds
Three-cone drill: 7.43 seconds
Vertical jump: 34 inches
Broad jump: nine feet, four inches
Bench: 22 reps at 225 lbs.

Relative Athletic Score:

OG JJ Lippe

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 07 Northern Illinois at Notre Dame

Elevator Pitch:

An ultra-versatile offensive lineman over five seasons of service in DeKalb, Lippe excelled at an all-MAC level for NIU. Notched at least one appearance at every position along the line for NIU, with the most experience at left guard— though he also had a lot of time at right tackle— and also played special teams. Appeared in 52 career games, starting 47 times. Won first-team all-MAC honors in 2024 after helping pave the way for 1,000+ yard rusher Antario Brown.

Draft Projections:

Undrafted free agent; lower-league roster

Measurables (as of Pro Day)

Height: six-foot-five
Weight: 302 lbs.
Arms: 33 and one-half inches
Hands: nine and one-half inches

Skill Drills (numbers from Pro Day)

40-yard dash: 5.45 seconds
10-yard split: 1.84 seconds
20-yard split: 3.13 seconds
Shuttle: 4.71 seconds
Three-cone drill: 7.73 seconds
Vertical jump: 28.5 inches
Broad jump: eight feet, 10 inches
Bench: 17 reps at 225 lbs.

Relative Athletic Score:

WR Andrew McElroy

Elevator Pitch:

A transfer from lower-level power St. Thomas (Minnesota), McElroy served as a depth option at receiver for the Huskies in his lone season. Caught 26 passes for 264 yards, finishing fourth on the team in receiving for his efforts. With the Tommies, McElroy caught 98 passes for 1,382 yards and nine touchdowns while also adding plus kickoff and punt return efforts.

Draft Projections:

Lower-league tryout

Measurables (as of Pro Day)

Height: six-foot-two
Weight: 188 lbs.
Arms: 32 and seven-eighth inches
Hands: nine and one-half inches

Skill Drills (numbers from Pro Day)

40-yard dash: 4.72 seconds
10-yard split: 1.59 seconds
20-yard split: 2.70 seconds
Shuttle: 4.20 seconds
Three-cone drill: 7.05 seconds
Vertical jump: 36 inches
Broad jump: nine feet, 11 inches
Bench: eight reps at 225 lbs.

Relative Athletic Score:

DL Devonte O’Malley

Elevator Pitch:

O’Malley, the defensive hero of the Notre Dame contest in 2024, put himself on the map in that game, drawing the interest of both pro scouts and other programs across the country as a potential transfer option. O’Malley opted for the NFL Draft, hoping to cash in on a workmanlike career at the next level. O’Malley has 46 games of starting experience (and 58 games overall) as an inside/outside option with great athleticism, finishing his five-year career with 130 tackles (70 solo), 30 TFLs, 22.5 sacks (sixth in program history) and four forced fumbles. 2024 was his best season, earning first-team all-MAC honors after collecting 37 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, eight sacks and a forced fumble. O’Malley also earned first-team all-MAC honors as a redshirt freshman in NIU’s 2021 MAC title campaign.

Draft Projections:

Undrafted free agent and/or practice squad; lower-league roster

Measurables (as of Pro Day)

Height: six-foot-two
Weight: 284 lbs.
Arms: 32 inches
Hands: 10 and three-quarter inches

Skill Drills (numbers from Pro Day)

40-yard dash: 4.95 seconds
10-yard split: 1.73 seconds
20-yard split: 2.82 seconds
Shuttle: 4.46 seconds
Three-cone drill: 7.46 seconds
Vertical jump: 32.5 inches
Broad jump: nine feet, five inches
Bench: 26 reps at 225 lbs.

Relative Athletic Score:

DB Jashon Prophete

NCAA Football: Northern Illinois at Notre Dame

Elevator Pitch:

Prophete’s journey in DeKalb was not the most conventional, but he was still a vital contributor to the NIU football roster in his five seasons. Arriving as a cornerback prospect, Prophete would be moved to safety for two seasons before landing as a hybrid linebacker for his final campaign as a Huskie. Elected a captain in 2022 as a primary special teamer, Prophete eventually earned a starting role as a safety in 2023 before moving to the hybrid position in 2024— his best season statistically as a Huskie (42 total tackles, 31 solo stops, two TFLs, four pass break-ups, one interception) Finished his five-year career with 117 tackles (74 solo), five TFLs, 14 pass break-ups and one interception.

Draft Projections:

Lower-league roster

Measurables (as of Pro Day)

Height: five-foot-10
Weight: 185 lbs.
Arms: 31 and one-half inches
Hands: nine and three-eighth inches

Skill Drills (numbers from Pro Day)

40-yard dash: 4.62 seconds
10-yard split: 1.58 seconds
20-yard split: 2.68 seconds
Shuttle: 4.18 seconds
Three-cone drill: 7.06 seconds
Vertical jump: 34.50 inches
Broad jump: 10 feet, five inches
Bench: 10 reps at 225 lbs.

Relative Athletic Score:

DT Demond Taylor Jr.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 18 NIU at Ball State

Elevator Pitch:

A tried-and-true Huskie who logged 61 career appearances for NIU from 2019 to 2024, missing just one game due to injury. A rotation defensive tackle for much of his career, Taylor accumulated 106 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, three sacks, three forced fumbles, a recovered fumble and five pass break-ups. His career-high for tackles (29) and solo tackles (15) was achieved in 2021, while 2024 saw Taylor rack up a career-high five TFLs and 2022 saw him collect both career sacks.

Draft Projections:

Lower-league tryout

Measurables (as of Pro Day)

Height: six-foot-one
Weight: 303 lbs.
Arms: 31 inches
Hands: 10 and one-eighth inches

Skill Drills (numbers from Pro Day)

40-yard dash: 5.40 seconds
10-yard split: 1.82 seconds
20-yard split: 3.06 seconds
Shuttle: 4.88 seconds
Three-cone drill: 7.94 seconds
Vertical jump: 23 inches
Broad jump: eight feet, one inch
Bench: 29 reps at 225 lbs.

Relative Athletic Score:

FB/TE Tristen Tewes

Elevator Pitch:

A primary H-back for the Huskies, Tewes was one of the harder players to cover when the NIU offense was on the field. Though he was known for his excellent blocking prowess, Tewes was also effective as a passcatcher, with 34 passes for 356 yards with four touchdowns over four seasons at the position. (Tewes was rostered as a linebacker in 2019 and 2020.) Played in 48 games as a tight end (58 overall as a Huskie), with 26 starts.

Draft Projections:

Lower-league tryout

Measurables (as of Pro Day)

Height: six-foot-two
Weight: 243 lbs.
Arms: 30 and one-quarter inches
Hands: eight and six-eighth inches

Skill Drills (numbers from Pro Day)

40-yard dash: 4.90 seconds
10-yard split: 1.70 seconds
20-yard split: 2.88 seconds
Shuttle: 4.55 seconds
Three-cone drill: 7.57 seconds
Vertical jump: 33 inches
Broad jump: eight feet, two inches
Bench: 22 reps at 225 lbs.

Relative Athletic Score:

SAF Nate Valcarcel

Elevator Pitch:

Valcarcel and his sleeveless hoodie were synonymous with #MACtion throughout his career, as he became well-known for a hard-flying style at the safety spot that was hard to miss on film. Starting his career as a special teams cornerback, Valcarcel was shifted to safety and shined, taking a starting role in 2023. In both seasons as a starter at free safety, Valcarcel made the all-MAC postseason roster, with second-team honors in 2023 and first-team honors in 2024. His final season in a Huskies uniform saw Valcarcel pick up 52 tackles, three interceptions and eight pass break-ups. For his career, Valcarcel finished with 113 total tackles, four TFLs, 2.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, six interceptions, nine pass break-ups and a defensive touchdown.

Draft Projections:

NFL rookie tryout; lower-league roster

Measurables (as of Pro Day)

Height: five-foot-11
Weight: 194 lbs.
Arms: 30 and five-eighth inches
Hands: nine and one-quarter inches

Skill Drills (numbers from Pro Day)

40-yard dash: 4.53 seconds
10-yard split: 1.55 seconds
20-yard split: 2.63 seconds
Shuttle: 4.13 seconds
Three-cone drill: 6.90 seconds
Vertical jump: 34.5 inches
Broad jump: nine feet, eight inches
Bench: 12 reps at 225 lbs.

Relative Athletic Score:

HB Gavin Williams

Elevator Pitch:

Williams was a do-it-all halfback for the Huskies, contributing on special teams, in the receiving game and on the ground in his two years of service in DeKalb after three seasons as a reserve for Iowa. 2024 was Williams’ career-best, with 741 yards and four touchdowns on 113 carries and 22 receptions for 138 yards and a receiving touchdown as the back-up running back to Antario Brown. Williams was also a good pass-blocking back, makig him a vital addition to the NIU roster. At Iowa, Williams had 471 rushing yards on 116 carries and 18 passes for 91 receiving yards.

Draft Projections:

Lower-league try-out

Measurables (as of Pro Day)

Height: five-foot-11
Weight: 216 lbs.
Arms: 31 and one-eighth inches
Hands: nine inches

Skill Drills (numbers from Pro Day)

40-yard dash: 4.79 seconds
10-yard split: 1.66 seconds
20-yard split: 2.70 seconds
Shuttle: 4.55 seconds
Three-cone drill: 7.28 seconds
Vertical jump: 32 inches
Broad jump: nine feet, three inches
Bench: 11 reps at 225 lbs.

Relative Athletic Score:

IOL Logan Zschernitz

Elevator Pitch:

Zschernitz was an integral part of an offensive line which produced one of the best running attacks in the MAC, seeing time at both guard and center in his four seasons as a Huskie. Zschernitz started 46 games in 52 career appearances, and won placement on three all-MAC teams, with second-team honors in 2021, 2023 and 2024.

Draft Projections:

NFL training camp or tryout; lower-league roster

Measurables (as of Pro Day)

Height: six-foot-three
Weight: 304 lbs.
Arms: 32 and one-half inches
Hands: nine and one-eighth inches

Skill Drills (numbers from Pro Day)

40-yard dash: 5.32 seconds
10-yard split: 1.76 seconds
20-yard split: 3.05 seconds
Shuttle: 4.83 seconds
Three-cone drill: 7.87 seconds
Vertical jump: 26 inches
Broad jump: eight feet, nine inches
Bench: 23 reps at 225 lbs.

Relative Athletic Score:

[UPDATED on April 4, 2025 at 12:05 p.m. EST to add Justin Melo’s report regarding Chris Carter’s updated numbers.]