By Gary Lloyd
BIRMINGHAM — Former Clay-Chalkville and UAB running back Darrin Reaves worked out for 28 NFL teams and one Canadian Football League scout at UAB’s Pro Day on Thursday.
The 28 represented teams is believed to be the most to ever attend a UAB Pro Day.
“From what I heard I had a pretty good day,” Reaves said afterward.
Reaves ran the 40-yard dash twice, went through agility drills and caught passes. An official 40-yard dash time was not disclosed, but it’s believed Reaves ran in the 4.5-second range.
Former Clay-Chalkville and UAB running back Darrin Reaves speaks to reporters Thursday afternoon.
photo by Gary Lloyd
“I think I’m a guy that works hard and tries to get better each and every day,” Reaves said. “I feel like my skill set will allow me to play (at the next level).”
Reaves said some scouts told him he had a “great day.” He said he’s going to “keep my head down, keep working, try to build on the things I did today” leading up to the NFL Draft, scheduled for May 8-10 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
“I think he did really well,” said UAB assistant head coach/running backs coach Jody Wright. “I know a lot of the scouts were really impressed. He looked quick and like he was in really good shape. I wish we had him back, but I know we’re all rooting for him.”
As a senior at Clay-Chalkville in 2010, Reaves rushed for 1,223 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also caught 21 passes for 287 yards and a touchdown his senior season.
“Clay-Chalkville, I love that place,” Reaves said. “That’s my old stomping grounds. Wherever you build your name, of course I built my name at UAB and UAB means a lot to me, but I really grew at Clay-Chalkville.”
Reaves said it feels good to look back on the hard work he’s put in since he was 5 years old and be on the verge of being a pro football player. But he’s happy not just for himself, but for the example he sets for younger players at Clay-Chalkville.
“You can make it,” Reaves said. “No matter what your odds are against you, if you just work hard you can achieve your dreams.”
Read more about Reaves in the March 20, 2014 issue of The Trussville Tribune.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.
