Christian Izien had an impressive performance as he is preparing for the NFL Draft. Photo Credit Rutgers Athletics
Rutgers held its Pro Day in front of 30 NFL teams on Tuesday. 14 Scarlet Knights participated in a variety of skills and drills similar to what takes place at the NFL combine. While ever player had an opportunity to showcase their ability, it was Christian Izien who solidified his standing as a legitimate pro prospect.
The safety played in the East West Shrine Bowl a few weeks ago and impressed scouts with his coverage skills and ability to cover bigger players. While he did not receive an invite to the NFL combine, he took advantage of Tuesday’s Pro Day. He ran a official 40 time of 4.41 seconds, 20 reps on the bench press and had a vertical jump of 41.5 inches. Those measurables will serve him well along with his body of work as a All-Big Ten safety at Rutgers.
“Christian Izien is a smart, tough explosive football player,” head coach Greg Schiano said at Pro Day. “He may not be the tallest guy in the world but he makes up for that with his physical skills. He’ll play in that league.”
Izien had a career high 84 tackles last season including 50 solo tackles and 4 pass deflections. Throughout his time at Rutgers, Izien exhibited a physicality and toughness in the back of the defense. He deserves a legitimate opportunity to make a 53 man NFL roster entering next season. Hopefully, he gets drafted in the late rounds next month.
Great day for @chriscrafty_ at his Rutgers pro day. Athletic safety who can run, hit and cover. Nice job here 1-on-1 with Iowa TE Sam LaPorta who's not an easy assignment. Izien giving up 5-6'' in height and stays on LaPorta's hip before getting a hand in to prevent the catch. https://t.co/eq78BesY7Rpic.twitter.com/N62scICmXJ
You can watch Izien addressing the media following his standout performance on Pro Day below.
For the full results of all 14 participants, click here.
To watch additional interviews with head coach Greg Schiano and Adam Korsak, visit The Scarlet Faithful on YouTube.
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Based on what I found, Christian was a kid offered by RU, Fordham, Sacred Heart, and Florida Atlantic. Obviously, he has tremendous work ethic. I always enjoyed watching him play as he was consistently around the ball. I’m a Dallas Cowboys fan and they have lost two key special teams players in the last week. So, I would love to see them scoop Izien up. Dallas could also use depth in their secondary. Best of luck to Christian and Go RU!
BataliBoli98
March 22, 2023 at 2:24 am
Based on what I found, Christian was a kid offered by RU, Fordham, Sacred Heart, and Florida Atlantic. Obviously, he has tremendous work ethic. I always enjoyed watching him play as he was consistently around the ball. I’m a Dallas Cowboys fan and they have lost two key special teams players in the last week. So, I would love to see them scoop Izien up. Dallas could also use depth in their secondary. Best of luck to Christian and Go RU!
thevinman
March 22, 2023 at 5:16 am
Hope he makes the PROs and does well.