PORTALES, N.M. — Jessie Poku (Murphy, Richardson HS), a standout wide receiver for the Eastern New Mexico University football team received an opportunity to work out on his former home field last week, in front of
national scouts, prior to the National Football League entry draft. The pro day afforded to Poku is a clear sign that he concluded his career at ENMU, among the elite at his position.
“Jessie (Poku) is one of the greatest receivers to play here at Eastern,” said head coach Mark Ribaudo. “He helped get our offense to where it is now. We are hoping and praying that he gets the opportunity to play at the next level.”
The tests administered to Poku included height and weight, which saw him stand at 6’-2”, with a weight 215.1 pounds. He also registered a vertical jump of 32.5”, after a posting a 10’-2” performance in the broad jump.
Once the measurable testing was complete, Poku crossed over to the field where he completed a series of cone and running drills. Running drills included 10-yard start, 20 yd sprint and a pair of 40-yard sprints. Poku
timed at 4.54 and 4.49 in the 40-yard dash. The cone drill included the “L drill”, pro agility and 60-yardd shuttle. The scouts were impressed with Poku’s speed on the field and his ability to change direction and accelerate.
“I was extremely proud of Jessie today,” said Greyhound assistant coach, Draco Miller. “Today was a great day for Jessie and the Greyhound Football Program. Now our kids can see that it doesn’t matter that they are at a (NCAA) Division II school, if they have the talent the NFL will find them.”
“It’s great to see the fruits of his labor paying off,” said Miller. “He has trained hard for this moment in time. He spent six to eight weeks in
California training with NFL style trainers and prior to leaving spent numerous hours with our own strength and conditioning coordinator, Coach Larry Varnado.”
Poku set ENMU records in career receiving touchdowns, receiving yardage, receptions and single-season receptions. He is a three-time All-Lone Star Conference North/South selection, with a pair of first team honors. As a senior, he participated in the Cactus Bowl and garnered Honorable Mention D2Football.com All-American and Third Team Don Hansen Football Gazette All-Super Region 4 Honors.
