National Football League

Draft prospect QB Carson Wentz owns spotlight at NDSU pro day

Published Mar. 24, 2016 5:38 p.m. ET

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FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- Highly touted NFL draft prospect Carson Wentz naturally owned the spotlight at North Dakota State University's pro day Thursday, completing all but three of his 65 passing attempts to receivers running a variety of routes. But Wentz hopes the attention on him benefits his teammates as well.

Wentz is projected by many to be the first quarterback chosen in the draft, and his blindside protector at North Dakota State, offensive lineman Joe Haeg, is also expected to hear his name called during the NFL selection show at the end of April. Wentz said there are other Bison who just need a chance to show off their skills.

"I was most excited for a lot of these boys I've been with for four and a half years here," Wentz said. "I was just excited for them to showcase what they could do and I was glad that Joe Haeg and myself could bring a bunch of extra scouts along."

North Dakota State head coach Chris Klieman, who in December guided the Bison to their fifth straight Football Championship Subdivision title, spent most of the morning chatting with scouts and "answering questions about a lot of our guys." One of those is cornerback CJ Smith, who is being compared to former NDSU and current New York Jets corner Marcus Williams.

"We've just got to get his name out there more," Klieman said of Smith. "I think he's a young man that whether it's a draftable guy late or a real priority free agent, will be a guy who will have a hard time not making a club."

The group of about 10 former Bison players hoping to draw some attention at pro day included defensive back Christian Dudzik, whose last year of eligibility was the 2014 season. He recorded his fastest 40-yard dash time in front of any pros.

"I was just hoping to run fast and look smooth in the drills," Dudzik said. "I think I did that today. Hopefully somebody signs me or invites me to camp."

Wentz said he was happy he could mark off the last box in a pre-draft season that included the Senior Bowl, NFL combine and pro day. He impressed a crowd that included new Browns head coach Hue Jackson, who holds the No. 2 pick in the draft, as well as current Bison players and an invite-only list of alums, boosters and Fargo VIPs.

Klieman said Wentz had the same look before pro day that he had in Frisco, Texas, in January before guiding the Bison to the FCS title game victory after missing eight games with a wrist injury.

"He was ready to perform and play today," Klieman said. "And that's kind of guy he is. He's so competitive. I knew he would shine on the big stage today."

The Bison player with perhaps the toughest task was punter Ben LeCompte, who was in the unfortunate position of following Wentz. LeCompte boomed punts under the Fargodome roof as Jackson, the Browns coach, was leaving the stadium and Wentz was being interviewed on ESPN. LeCompte says he was pleased with the number amount of teams that stayed to watch him punt.

Besides, LeCompte joked, he is used to taking the stage after Wentz.

"I have been following Carson for a long time," LeCompte said. "He throws a stupid, incredible touchdown pass and I have to go out and hold for the point-after while the crowd is still cheering."

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