Macky MacPherson cruised through his first 15 repetitions of the bench press at Syracuse’s Pro Day on Wednesday. He appeared well on his way to his benchmark of 30, and possibly even his goal of 35.

But then his right shoulder began to slip off the bench, his elbow slid out and he had to reach to catch it.

The former SU center managed to eke out nine more reps, but upon finishing he stood up and ripped his shirt off in anger.

“Man, I was angry,” MacPherson said. “A lot of things I said then that I can’t say now. But yeah, I’m terribly disappointed in it”

The 24 repetitions were the low point of MacPherson’s otherwise solid Pro Day. He competed alongside 11 other former Orange players in front of scouts from 29 NFL teams. Raising his weight to 306 pounds and measuring 6-foot-1 and 3/8, MacPherson said he’s shedding the undersized label that he’s carried at times and competed well in the other drills, especially long snapping.

MacPherson said he’s pitching himself as a “utility guy” who can be a reserve interior lineman and long snapper.

“Just to make a roster would be a dream,” MacPherson said, “but right now it’s making it into a camp and working my way onto a team. Whether they want to put me on a practice squad or a roster, I’m willing to work my butt off.”

SU Assistant Athletics Director for Athletic Performance Will Hicks said MacPherson’s most impressive performance on Wednesday likely came on his long snaps.

MacPherson was the Orange’s starting long snapper as a true freshman, back when he was 50 pounds lighter. Now he’s back working at it regularly with senior quarterback Charley Loeb, and the scouts in attendance were impressed.

“They didn’t realize that, so he really helped himself today situationally,” Hicks said.

After the workout, MacPherson stood in the hallway at Manley Field House, beads of sweat dripping down his face and arms.

He reiterated that he was pleased with every aspect of the workout but one: the bench press.

He said that he hopes Hicks’ connections with NFL teams can help make it clear that number was not his best, but recognized and accepted that was the total he put up.

Said MacPherson: “All in all, I felt like I did a good job, and if guys want to bring me in to be as an inside backup guy and a long snap guy, I don’t mind being a 2-for-1.”

Published on March 26, 2014 at 7:35 pm

Contact Stephen: sebail01@syr.edu | @Stephen_Bailey1