Only1.5% of NCAA football players become professional athletes after their collegiate careers. San Diego State has not had a player drafted in the past three years. On Tuesday, 13 Aztecs attempted to boost their chances to join that minuscule number at SDSU’s annual pro day.
The Pro Day gave players an extra opportunity to showcase skills that have been on display throughout their Aztec careers. Scouts from 30 of the NFL’s 32 teams attended, evaluating prospects through a variety of drills and physical tests.
Along with individual position workouts, players participated in testing that included the 40-yard dash, the broad jump and the three-cone drill.
Each participating athlete entered the day with a different NFL profile. Cornerback Chris Johnson is projected to be selected among the first two rounds of the upcoming draft. At the other end of the spectrum are players seeking late-round selections or undrafted free-agent opportunities.
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Among the players hoping to turn heads was cornerback Bryce Phillips, who delivered one of the day’s stronger performances among the defensive backs.
Phillips, who ran a 4.56 in the 40-yard dash and posted a 37½-inch vertical jump, used the event to highlight the physical style that defined his career at San Diego State.
“It was pretty good,” Phillips said of his workout. “I tested and did my Pro Day and I hit the numbers that I was striving to get. I feel like I did good with my performance.”
Cornerback Bryce Phillips does the shuttle test in front of scouts during the NFL Pro Day on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at San Diego State University (Olivia Vargo)
Phillips believes the workout allowed scouts to see the traits that make him an intriguing defensive back prospect.
“I feel like I was able to show that I’m a big, fast, physical corner,” Phillips said. “I feel like it was a good showing for me, for my whole DB group. Everybody showed up and everybody showed out.”
Phillips said toughness and physicality are what set his game apart.
“I feel like they [scouts] like my toughness and my grit,” he said.
Phillips also has a unique perspective on the NFL journey. His older brother, Clark Phillips III, has spent the past three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons after being drafted out of Utah.
“Just watching him go through the whole process and now being in the league, I get to follow in his footsteps but also create my own path,” Phillips said. “Things he did right, things he did wrong, I get to branch off and do my own way.”
“I just need an opportunity,” he said. “I don’t mind where I go — drafted or undrafted — if I get the opportunity, I’m going to show what I can do.”
While Phillips led a strong defensive back group, SDSU kicker Gabriel Plascencia also drew attention during the workout.
San Diego State kicker Gabriel Plascencia performs a field goal kick in front of scouts during the NFL Pro Day on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at San Diego State University (Olivia Vargo)
Plascencia said he was satisfied with his performance, emphasizing both accuracy and range.
“I thought it went well,” Plascencia said. “I showed a display of consistency and power that’s NFL level. At the end of the day, our job is to make kicks, and I feel like I displayed that today.”
Plascencia showcased his range during the kicking session, connecting on attempts from traditional field goal distance and stretching his leg to hit a 64-yard field goal.
During the session, Plascencia made 11-of-14 field goal attempts and connected on kicks from 61 and 64 yards, demonstrating the type of leg strength NFL teams evaluate during Pro Day workouts.
The specialist also reflected on the journey that brought him to SDSU’s Pro Day, beginning as a walk-on, earning a scholarship with San Diego State and becoming one of the program’s most reliable kickers.
“I came in as a walk-on and earned a scholarship,” Plascencia said. “Nothing was handed to me. I had to earn it. I feel like that makes it even better, the fact I put so much time and so much effort to becoming the best version of myself.”
Plascencia finished his SDSU career as the most accurate kicker in program history, converting 36-of-41 field goal attempts (.878) and setting a school record with 25 consecutive made field goals.
San Diego State has produced several NFL-caliber specialists in recent years, most notably punter Matt Araiza, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and has played the past two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Linebacker Mister Williams runs towards a coach while doing a drill during the NFL Pro Day on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at San Diego State University (Olivia Vargo )
Among those fighting for opportunities was special teams standout DJ Herman, who said his performance in agility drills stood out.
“My agility with the 5-10-5 is definitely one of my fortes,” Herman said. “Change of direction as a linebacker is very important, and I feel like the drill work at the end is something I really showed out in.”
Herman said his agent reminded him that the road to the NFL is never easy.
“We were just talking about the overall aspect of things — like, hey, it’s an uphill battle from here,” Herman said. “At least you can show out here and do the best you can.”
The culture within San Diego State’s program helped players approach the day with confidence despite the pressure to perform in front of NFL evaluators.
“It’s any other day when you walk into the office,” Herman said. “The job is going to throw a lot of stuff at you and you’ve got to battle adversity and sudden change.”
For Phillips and the rest of the Aztecs, hoping to extend their football careers, Tuesday was another step toward that opportunity.
Now they wait to see if their performances helped open the door to the NFL.
The 2026 NFL Draft is April 23-25 at Pittsburgh’s Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park.
There are 257 total selections over seven rounds. Round 1 is made during the first day, followed by rounds 2-3 on the second day and rounds 4-7 on the third day. Free agent signings begin as soon as the draft ends.