Phillip Scherer | Sports Editor
Posted March 28, 2014; 10:00 a.m.

Despite cold temperatures and roaring wind, Lindenwood cornerback Pierre Desir completed a series of drills as a part of his Pro Day, in preparation for the National Football League draft on May 8.

Desir had previously competed in front of NFL scouts at two different college football all-star games earlier in the year, as well as the NFL combine in Indianapolis last month. His performance at these events prompted six NFL teams to travel to Lindenwood’s campus. The teams in attendance were the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs.

Head football coach Patrick Ross said, “This is a huge step for our university. Pierre earned everything he’s getting in his four years of college football and I couldn’t be any happier for him.”

During his workouts, Desir completed a 38-inch vertical jump and ran his 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. Though the time was similar to the time he ran at the combine, people in attendance were more impressed with what they saw on Wednesday morning. “I was definitely impressed with what Pierre did with that run today, especially with the conditions out here,” St. Louis Rams beat writer Jim Thomas said.

In Indianapolis, Desir ran his 40-yard dash in a climate-controlled dome, while the second run was completed in heavy winds and cold temperatures. Overall, it appears that Desir stabilized, or increased his draft stock, according to Thomas.

Desir said that he was very pleased with how the day went, as well as how the entire draft process has been thus far. “I was definitely more relaxed out there today. The hard part of the process is over now, with the workouts. Now it’s just about going through the interviews, and that’s much less stressful,” Desir said.

This occasion marked the first official Pro Day in Lindenwood football history. Ten years ago, the university had a pro day scheduled for former running back DeDe Dosey, but the event had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. A year ago, former players Denodus O’Bryant and Andrew Helmick competed as part of the University of Missouri Pro Day. Ross hopes that Desir’s pro day will be a stepping-stone for the school. “We have to build upon the momentum that Pierre has given us. Hopefully this will become a regular thing.”

Two other Lindenwood football players took part in the pro day along with Desir, defensive end Thomas Stubbs and defensive tackle Chris Floyd. Ross said these players did well and that it was great exposure for them as well.

Desir currently projects as a middle-round draft pick, potentially between the third and fifth round. If Desir is drafted, he would become the first LU football player to be drafted into the NFL.