Wegher gets Pro Day shot at ISU

AMES - Brandon Wegher has thought about the past often. As he prepares for a shot at the NFL, it's on his mind even more.

During the last six months, the former Iowa running back has been asked often about his departure from Iowa and a three-year hiatus from football.

'It's a journey and I'm proud of where I've come and I wouldn't change anything about it,” Wegher said Tuesday at the Bergstrom Football Complex, where he participated in Iowa State's Pro Day in front of scouts representing 27 NFL teams.

Wegher, who finished his college career at Morningside in his hometown of Sioux City, racked up 2,610 yards and 39 touchdowns last fall for the Mustangs.

'I came out here and did what I had to do,” Wegher said after his workout. 'I ran the 4.40 40, which was my goal. I accomplished that, did well in the other drills and we'll see what happens from here.”

Wegher rushed for 641 yards and eight touchdowns in 2009, his only season at Iowa, which included a 113-yard performance in an Orange Bowl win over Georgia Tech. When trying to select a location to compete in Pro Day drills, Wegher reached out to Iowa but was told only current players were allowed to participate.

'That wasn't going to happen, so my agent contacted Iowa State and somehow they said yes, which I was surprised about since I played against them,” Wegher said. 'I'm blessed to be here and I thank the entire university. ... I can't thank them enough.”

Wegher, projected as a late-round pick in the NFL Draft, played in the Medal of Honor Bowl in January. He led the game in rushing with 90 yards and 6.4 yards per carry.

Wegher made a brief stop at Oklahoma, then enrolled at Iowa Western but was declared ineligible there. He was arrested on misdemeanor charges of eluding and public intoxication while in Council Bluffs.

'I do have a shaky past, but I've definitely proven that's not me anymore,” Wegher said.

Iowa State tight end E.J. Bibbs, who missed the final two games of the 2014 season with a knee injury, ran through Pro Day drills and recorded three personal bests. His 40-yard dash of 4.86 seconds, broad jump of 9-foot-2 and vertical jump of 31.5 inches were top marks for the tight end, who said his knee has never felt better.

'It was a little stressful coming in because you've got to get ready for the combine for me,” Bibbs said. 'Just getting your mind ready to do stuff you didn't do in previous years growing up. It was kind of different, but I got used to it and I'm glad it's all over now.”

Iowa State's Tom Farniok, a four-year starter at center, recorded a 5.40 40 and 23 reps on bench press at 225 pounds. Farniok said he heard positive feedback from several teams Tuesday.

'They want me, but there's only seven rounds and you get seven picks so I'll probably be a free agent or late round,” Farniok said. 'A million things could change between now and (the draft).”

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