Wake Forest pro day 2024 recap: Weddington High alum Malik Mustapha shines in drills
Weddington High School alum Malik Mustapha put on an impressive athletic display in front of representatives from all 32 teams Wednesday at Wake Forest’s annual pro day inside the program’s McCreary Football Field House.
Mustapha, a Charlotte-area native, drew loud cheers from teammates and the Demon Deacons’ staff after landing a 10-foot, 6-inch broad jump to start field drills. He later confirmed that he posted a 41.5-inch vertical jump within the Wake Forest weight room.
Mustapha — who only participated in the bench press drill at last month’s NFL Scouting Combine — would have had the top vertical number among safeties in Indianapolis with his Winston-Salem leap. His broad jump mark would have tied for fourth at the position with Oregon’s Evan Williams.
According to the Mustapha, he was unable to run in Indianapolis last month because of a hamstring strain sustained at the Senior Bowl in January. He said he was able to recover from the injury enough to run a single 40-yard dash at the pro day.
While consensus times were not released, The Charlotte Observer clocked Mustapha at 4.48 seconds during the drill. A scout in attendance told The Observer that he had Mustapha at 4.54 seconds. Both would be strong times for the defensive back who measured in at 5-10 and 209 pounds at the combine in Indianapolis last month.
Mustapha didn’t need to lift at Wake Forest after posting the combine’s highest number of reps among defensive backs with 22 reps. That number also bested linebackers in attendance at the annual scouting event.
Mustapha closed his workout with an impressive set of position drills. He showed the ability to change directions and attack the ball in the air in coverage.
“It’s always a good time being able to be with your teammates out there, and at the end of the day, trying to reach our ultimate goal of being in the NFL,” Mustapha said after the workout. “It was definitely a fun experience, and I’m glad I checked that box off of my pre-draft process.”
Mustapha feels the hype building ahead of draft
Mustapha started his college career at the University of Richmond following a standout career at Weddington High. After a season with the Spiders, he transferred to Wake Forest in 2021.
During his three years with the Demon Deacons, Mustapha posted 175 tackles, four sacks, 10 pass breakups, four interceptions and four forced fumbles. He was named a team caption this past season, an honor that he took a lot of pride in during his final campaign.
“Guys voted for me because of the person I am,” Mustapha said. “I didn’t change for anything — mission is still the same — but I knew I had to do more in order to persevere the team through all adversity, through the ups and downs of the season and things like that because they counted on me and I counted on them. So, if they see me take a dip, then everyone else will take a dip as well. So, just being able to hold the standard high, and just trying to be the same person every day.”
Head coach Dave Clawson spoke highly of Mustapha’s character and versatility ahead of the pro day workout. Clawson said his discussions with NFL scouts and coaches have revolved around Mustapha’s instincts, special teams work and love for the game.
“He’s just a really good football player,” Clawson said. “He’s just so productive. He’s a good tackler, he can play man (coverage). Some guys are just football players. And he’ll run well and test well — I think he was the strongest safety at the combine. But sometimes guys do well in the weight room, they do well on tests, and they can’t play football. He can play football.”
Mustapha admitted that there was a time during his college career when he doubted that he’d be discussed as a potential NFL player. After three years at Wake Forest, the defensive back starting to see the hype grow around him.
His testing numbers will only help his case as April’s draft approaches.
“People are finally watching the film,” Mustapha said. “And then guys being able to finally see me move, thinking I’m big and I can’t move and being slow, but it’s all about me, to prove myself right, and not to prove other people wrong. I knew it was in me, I just gotta show it.”
Roberts puts an exclamation point on short Wake Forest run
Linebacker Jacob Roberts, a Mallard Creek High alum, spent just one season with the Demon Deacons. But that campaign was special enough to get him in a position to impress scouts at his pro day workout.
Roberts played three seasons at North Carolina A&T before transferring to Wake Forest ahead of last season. The defender, listed by the program as 6-1 and 233 pounds, took advantage of his short stint, producing 83 total tackles (10 for loss), six sacks and two forced fumbles.
On Wednesday, Roberts posted a strong 9-8 broad jump. The previously mentioned scout had his 40-yard dash time as 4.55 seconds. Roberts also showed good range in position drills.
“I feel like I had a great outing,” Roberts said. “Coming out of high school, only having two offers and being (overlooked) definitely gave me a little motivation. But to be here today at Wake Forest University — the school I always wanted to come to and finish off on a strong note — it can’t get no better than that.”
Fellow Mallard Creek High alum, Trenton Simpson, was in attendance to watch Roberts perform. Simpson, who went to Clemson, was selected in the third round of last year’s NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Roberts called Simpson his best friend and reminisced about their time together in Charlotte.
“I push him, he pushes me, and we’re together every step of the way,” Roberts said. “He’s already in the league, so I’m just trying to follow in his footsteps.”
Quick hits
▪ Roberts told reporters that he was invited to the Carolina Panthers’ local day workout on April 9 at team’s facility.
▪ Wake Forest defensive back Caelen Carson displayed excellent ball skills in position work. He picked off three passes during his four seasons with the program. Carson had a 9-6 broad jump during drills during the pro day. The 6-foot, 199-pound cornerback’s 40-yard dash time wasn’t released.
▪ Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman, who spent five seasons at Wake Forest, was in attendance to show his support for his former teammates. Hartman had his pro day at Notre Dame last week and was only there to watch drills. Hartman, who once starred at Davidson Day School, set several program records during his time with the Demon Deacons.
▪ The Panthers, who had a scout in attendance at Wake Forest’s pro day, agreed to terms with special teams ace Sam Franklin on a 1-year contract on Wednesday. Franklin has played his entire four-year career with the Panthers after going undrafted out of Temple University in 2020. Franklin has been among the top punt coverage players in the NFL during the past two years. He also had a pick-six touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings last season.
