LAFAYETTE, La. – The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns football program took center stage on Monday, March 24, 2025, as 16 draft hopefuls displayed their skills in front of NFL scouts during the team’s annual Pro Day. Held on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus, the event provided a critical platform for players to boost their stock ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With a mix of strength, agility, and determination, the Cajuns left an impression on the professional scouts in attendance, reinforcing the program’s reputation as a breeding ground for talent.

The Pro Day featured standout performers from Louisiana’s 2024 squad, which finished the regular season with a 10-2 record under head coach Michael Desormeaux before falling to TCU 34-3 in the New Mexico Bowl. Among the headliners were Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year Ben Wooldridge and Lou Groza Award-winning kicker Kenneth Almendares, both of whom capped their collegiate careers with accolades and now aim to carry that momentum into the pros.

Wooldridge, the senior quarterback who orchestrated one of the most potent offenses in the Sun Belt, showcased his arm strength and precision in passing drills. Having thrown for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in the 2024 season, he impressed scouts with his poise and athleticism, running a sub-4.8-second 40-yard dash—a notable mark for a quarterback. His leadership and command of the Cajuns’ up-tempo attack have already drawn comparisons to mid-round draft picks from Group of Five programs in recent years.

Almendares, meanwhile, cemented his status as one of the nation’s elite kickers. The 2024 Consensus All-American and Lou Groza Award recipient—who boasts a career field goal percentage north of 90%—demonstrated his leg strength with booming kicks, including several from beyond 50 yards. His consistency and clutch performance throughout the season, including a game-winner against Tulane in September, make him a prime candidate to be the first kicker off the board in April.

Another standout was defensive back Tyrone “Island” Martin, whose performance turned heads. Known for his lockdown coverage in the secondary, Martin posted an eye-popping 4.4-second 40-yard dash and a vertical leap exceeding 38 inches. His athletic metrics, paired with his 2024 stat line of four interceptions and 12 pass breakups, have scouts buzzing about his potential as a Day 3 steal. Posts on X from the official Ragin’ Cajuns Football account highlighted Martin’s dominance, with one caption reading, “@MartinIsland21 SHOWED OUT at Pro Day 💪.”

Other participants included bruising running back Dre’lyn Washington, who showcased his power in agility drills, and offensive lineman AJ Gillie, whose size (6-5, 310 lbs) and footwork drew attention from scouts looking for depth in the trenches. Wide receiver Harvey Broussard, a local product from St. Martinville, also impressed with crisp route-running and reliable hands, clocking a 4.5-second 40-yard dash to bolster his case as a late-round prospect or priority free agent.

The event wasn’t just about numbers—it was a chance for these Cajuns to tell their stories. For many, like Wooldridge and Almendares, it’s the culmination of years of grinding in Lafayette, a city that lives and breathes Ragin’ Cajuns football. The turnout of over 20 NFL teams underscored the program’s growing pipeline to the pros, a testament to Desormeaux’s recruiting and development since taking over in 2021. Louisiana has sent players like Elijah “Peanut” Mitchell (San Francisco 49ers) and Kevin Foote (Seattle Seahawks) to the league in recent years, and this group aims to keep that tradition alive.

Local media captured the energy of the day, with KLFY’s Johnathan Bulot noting on X, “Cajun Football draft hopefuls displayed their strength and agility for NFL scouts during Louisiana’s 2025 Pro Day.” News 15’s Wil Herren also promised footage of the “soon to be NFLers” on the evening broadcast, reflecting the community’s pride in its athletes.

As the dust settles on Pro Day, the focus shifts to the pre-draft process—private workouts, interviews, and the all-important draft itself. For Wooldridge, Almendares, Martin, and their teammates, Monday was a step toward realizing their NFL dreams. Cajun Nation, meanwhile, will watch with bated breath, eager to see its latest stars shine on football’s biggest stage. For updates on their journey, fans can follow Ragin’ Cajuns Football on social media or tune into local coverage as the draft approaches.

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