Larry English has one thing he wants to prove at NIU Pro Day today: versatility.

The former NIU defensive lineman is coming off an appearance in the NFL Scouting Combine in February and is projected to be the highest draft pick in NIU history.

“I want to come out and show my athleticism,” English said. “I’ll be doing defensive line and linebacker drills tomorrow and depending on what team I go to will determine what position I play.”

English will be joined by other seniors from the 2008 NIU football team for workouts in front of NFL scouts at Huskie Stadium and at the Strength and Conditioning Area at the Yordon Center.

Expected participants include Matt Simon, Jon Brost, Bradley Pruitt, Chase Carter, Melvin Rice, Marcus Perez, Britt Davis, Alex Krutsch and Josh Allen.

Players will run position-specific drills and also do interviews with team scouts. Pro Day is typically a chance for teams to get a second look at combine participants while also getting a chance to look at other possible draft picks or undrafted free agents.

English has been tabbed by many draft experts as a first to second-round draft pick which would rank him as the highest draft pick in NIU history.

Former split end John Spilis is the highest draft selection from NIU. In 1969, the Green Bay Packers selected Spilis in the third round with the 64 pick.

Since 2000, the Huskies have had six players drafted. Former running back Garrett Wolfe, who was drafted third round, 93rd overall, by the Chicago Bears in 2007, was the highest of these selections.

Michael Turner, also a former running back, was taken in the fifth round, 154th overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2004; offensive tackle Ryan Diem was taken fourth round, 118th overall in 2001 by the Indianapolis Colts; and wide receiver Justin McCareins was taken fourth round, 124th overall by the Tennessee Titans.