Let's Meet Eight Of The Aspiring NFL Players Participating In D1 Combine Training | D1 Daily

The NFL Scouting Combine in February and the ensuing college pro days in March provide a chance for college football players to showcase their athleticism ahead of April's NFL Draft. D1 senior director of coaching and pro training Clif Marshall is preparing over 20 of these athletes through the D1 Combine Training program at D1 Cool Springs in Franklin, Tenn.

The program, which started Monday, will run through early March, and these players will use the time to improve their physical abilities, practice the combine drills and potentially improve their draft stock before April.

Over 20 athletes will participate in the program, and these eight are getting an early start. Here's a rundown of each player:

Jordan Brunson, Running Back, Miami (OH)

Brunson improved in each of his four years at Miami, culminating in a 767-yard, four-touchdown senior season. He helped bring his team to the spotlight of the MAC Championship Game, which he scored a touchdown in. He ran for 122 yards and 123 yards in his matchups against Eastern Michigan and Buffalo, respectively.

Tim Coutras, Safety, Tennessee Tech

Coutras started his career at Liberty before transferring to Tennessee Tech. He was named to the 2025 Preseason FCS All-American Team and was invited to the inaugural NFL-FCS Divisional Showcase, a new program intended to highlight NCAA Division I FCS talent before the draft. He finished his career with eight career interceptions, including one in the Golden Eagles' FCS Championship first-round matchup. 

Caleb Francl, Safety, Washington State

Francl saw most of his collegiate playing time his senior year, and he played a key role in the Cougars' defense. His build paired with his skillset makes him a versatile player, lining up at both linebacker and safety. He finished second on the team with 82 total tackles, and added on two sacks, two interceptions and three passes defensed.

Rohan Jones, Tight End, Arkansas

Jones bounced around the FCS before making himself at home at Arkansas. The tight end proved he belonged on the big stage, earning a spot on the All-SEC Second Team. He capped his senior season off with a 519-yard, four-touchdown campaign. He finished third in receiving yards and second in receiving touchdowns for the Razorbacks.

Pete Nygra, Offensive Lineman, Louisville

Nygra established himself as one of the most consistent players in the nation at the center position. He earned an honorable mention for the 2025 All-ACC team and finished his collegiate career with 25 consecutive starts. He allowed just one sack in 848 snaps during the 2024 season.

Daniel Rickert, Linebacker, Virginia

Rickert primarily played as an on-ball linebacker for the Cavaliers, leading the team with 6.5 sacks including one in the ACC Championship game against Duke. His season highlight was a strip sack scoop-and-score against William & Mary. He started his collegiate career at Tennessee Tech, and finished with 16 sacks across his final two seasons with the Golden Eagles. Rickert also was high school teammates with Coutras at Nolensville High near Nashville.

Shakur Smalls, Cornerback, Arkansas

Smalls joins fellow Razorback Rohan Jones in the D1 Combine Training program, and the two even played together at Maine during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He finished his senior season at Arkansas with 15 total tackles, two forced fumbles, three passes defensed and his first career sack.

Elijah Tau-Tolliver, Running Back, Michigan State

Tau-Tolliver split carries with Spartan teammate Makhi Frazier after spending the previous four seasons at Sacramento State. He rushed for 428 yards and two touchdowns in his final season, averaging a whopping 5.9 yards per carry and adding on 139 more yards in the receiving game. His season highlights include an 85-yard run against Minnesota and a 57-yard touchdown run against Penn State on the Spartans' first offensive play of the game.

Editor's Note: Information about the remaining athletes will be published in future installments of the D1 Daily.

D1 Daily is produced by Dom Bonvissuto & Nick Rampe