South Alabama’s Pritchett, Thomas-Jones showcase speed at Pro Day
Nine former South Alabama football players showcased their skills for NFL scouts at the school’s annual Pro Day on Tuesday, and Jamaal Pritchett and DJ Thomas-Jones appeared to come out the biggest winners.
Pritchett, the Jaguars’ first-team All-Sun Belt wide receiver, ran his two attempts in the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.42 and 4.45 seconds. The 5-foot-9, 185-pound Pritchett — who played in the Reese’s Senior Bowl but was not invited to the NFL Combine — was reportedly clocked at 4.38 seconds by one of the 20 or so NFL scouts on-hand at the Jaguar Training Center.
“I feel like I did pretty good overall,” said Pritchett, a Jackson native. “I could have been a tad bit faster, but I definitely hit my goals. So yeah, I’m definitely happy about that.”
Thomas-Jones, a former Saraland High School standout and two-year starter for the Jaguars, posted speed numbers that would have put among the top tight ends at the NFL Combine. The 6-1, 250-pound Thomas-Jones ran the 40-yard dash in 4.63 seconds (which would have tied for first at the Combine) and completed the 20-yard shuttle run in 4.21 seconds (which would have easily been first).
“I feel like it went really good,” Thomas-Jones said. “I’ve been preparing three months straight, every day. I really feel like I did what I came to do, and I exceeded my expectations for sure.”
Thomas — a four-year starter at defensive tackle for the Jaguars — showed well in the weight room portion of Pro Day, totaling 30 bench-press reps at 225 pounds. He also finished the 20-yard shuttle in 4.64 seconds at 6-1, 301 pounds.
“I actually kind of surprised myself (in the bench press),” Thomas said. “The highest I got was 24 in training. So for me to get that 30 was great. … I wanted to show that I can move and that I’m able to pass-rush. So with me being able to bend and turn a corner, I did pretty good today.”
Also participating in Pro Day were wide receiver Javon Ivory, tight end Andrew Bench, defensive linemen Wy’Kevious Thomas and Maurice Strong, linebacker Courtney McBride, safety Jaden Voisin and punter Jack Martin. Bench did not run due to injury, while Martin competed in only punting drills.
Ivory, Pritchett and Thomas-Jones also participated in passing drills with South Alabama quarterback Bishop Davenport and Gio Lopez. The others also worked in non-contact position-specific drills.
“I think we had a lot of people that come out here and showed their skills well,” said Voisin, a two-time All-Sun Belt pick at safety. “And, we had a good amount of scouts come out. So it’s a great opportunity.”
Jaguars head coach Major Applewhite was also on-hand to observe Pro Day and chat with NFL scouts. He said Mobile’s reputation as the home of the Senior Bowl — which is played on the South Alabama campus at Hancock Whitney Stadium — is a major benefit to his program and its players’ professional aspirations.
“It’s a blessing to have this many players that have an opportunity to go on towards the next level,” Applewhite said. “It’s one of the blessings of being in Mobile, having an opportunity to be here in Mobile where the Senior Bowl is. This is a very familiar city to the NFL personnel directors and scouts.
“All these guys have worked their tails off since last summer, but specifically the last three and a half months to get ready for this opportunity. I’m proud of what they’ve done out here. We’ve got some guys that have set some (personal records). They’ve done some great things for the scouts.”
South Alabama 2025 Pro Day top performers
40-yard dash (seconds)
Jamaal Pritchett, WR — 4.42
Javon Ivory, WR — 4.59
DJ Thomas-Jones, TE — 4.63
Bench press (225 lbs.)
Wy’Kevious Thomas, DT — 30 reps
Maurice Strong, DT — 27 reps
Andrew Bench, TE — 23 reps
Vertical leap (inches)
Javon Ivory, WR — 35.5
DJ Thomas-Jones, TE — 35
Jaden Voisin, SAF — 34.5
Broad jumps (feet-inches)
Javon Ivory, WR — 10-0
DJ Thomas-Jones, TE — 10-0
Courtney McBride, OLB — 9-9
Jamaal Pritchett, WR — 9-9
20-yard shuttle (seconds)
DJ Thomas-Jones, TE — 4.21
Jaden Voisin, SAF — 4.26
Javon Ivory, WR — 4.38
3-cone drill (seconds)
Jaden Voisin, SAF — 6.98
DJ Thomas-Jones, TE — 7.05
Javon Ivory, WR — 7.1