Former Tulane football standouts Tyjae Spears and Dorian Williams participated in the 2023 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis last weekend. The Wave’s best players on both sides of the ball last season had another chance to shine in front of scouts ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft.

After being named Senior Bowl Practice Player of the Week last month, Spears reminded front offices around the league about his explosiveness at the NFL Combine. Although he did not participate in running drills, Spears’ smooth performance during on-field drills displayed his natural skill at the position. He demonstrated the danger he presents in the passing game by highlighting his ability to catch the ball away from his body. His 39-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-5-inch broad jump were the second and third best among all backs.

Spears earned a 6.22/8 prospect grade and an overall score of 87 out of 100 according to Next Gen Stats, the second-highest graded back of the 27 that participated in the combine.

While Spears did not run a 40-yard dash, former Wave linebacker Williams clocked in at 4.49 seconds, en route to earning a prospect grade of 5.95/8 and score of 74 out of 100 according to Next Gen Stats, the ninth highest among linebackers participating in the combine.

Williams is a “team captain with athletic, tapered build and eye-catching production,” according to NFL analyst Lance Zierlein. “Williams looks and moves more like a big box safety with his bursts to the football and open-field fluidity. His coverage potential and special teams background will give his roster quest a boost as a likely Day 3 selection looking to fit into a backup role as a Will linebacker,” Zierlein said.  

All eyes will be on Spears, Williams and a number of other Greenie players on March 16, when the Wave’s NFL prospects participate in Tulane Pro Day.