Written by Liam Farrell｜Senior Staff Writer｜Twitter/X: @LiamFarrell_IT
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- In front a representative from every NFL franchise, the 2024 Fighting Irish Pro Day spotlighted 17 players, yet Thomas Harper’s athleticism, Audric Estime’s 40-yard dash redemption story, and Cam Hart’s continued ascent up draft boards stole the show.
Thomas Harper, a graduate safety who transferred from Oklahoma State before the 2023 season, had the best measurements from this year's Pro Day.
Harper logged a 42" vertical, which would've been the highest leap at the 2024 NFL Draft combine. He followed that performance with a 10'6" broad jump and clocked in at a 4.48 second 40.
Harper had his best collegiate season with the Fighting Irish last year, recording a career high 39 total tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble. He was used primarily as a nickel and performed the best in man coverage.
Another defensive back who continued to shine in the draft process was Cam Hart.
Hart, who's physical measurables are among the most elite as compared to other cornerbacks in this year's draft, has shot up draft boards this offseason.
Before the combine, Hart was projected as a Day 3 pick, but with an impressive showing in Indianapolis, and a great Senior Bowl week in Mobile, he has seen his stock rise to a Day 2 selection.
On the offensive side of the ball, the spotlighted participants included Audric Estime, Sam Hartman, Joe Alt, and Blake Fisher.
Estime, who ran a sluggish 4.71 second 40 time at the Combine, looked to prove that performance wrong, and showcase to NFL scouts that he has enough speed to be a feature back in the league.
His 4.58 second 40 time today reassured Estime, and NFL organizations, of his true, natural quickness, that was displayed all throughout his 1,341-yard, 18 touchdown 2023 campaign.
"The 40 is done with... Time to play football, and that's what I do best," said Estime.
Estime also received hand-offs from Sam Hartman, who threw today as well. Hartman threw to a plethora of wide receivers that included Jayden Thomas, Jaden Greathouse, Jayden Harrison, Joe Wilkins, and Avery Davis.
Hartman was extremely accurate during his throwing session, and proved he can be a very capable option for NFL organizations. He didn't have any eye-opening throws, yet Hartman's strengths rely on his ability to read a defense and his accuracy, not raw arm strength.
"I think it's a credit to the guys up front. I think you got two of the best tackles in the draft," said Hartman after was asked about his transition to a Pro-Style offense.
The two tackles he credited are Joe Alt and Blake Fisher, who attended the Pro Day as well, but only participated in on-field drills. Alt, a likely Top 10 lock, had little to prove, as he only allowed one sack in his 2023 season. The same could also be said with Fisher, who was a Day 1 starter with the Fighting Irish back in 2021 and has improved each year.
All pro day results from participating athletes can be seen below.
Photo by Notre Dame Athletics
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