Dogs of the Day: Grittiest Competitors at the PRZ AZ Combine

There were guys who put up big numbers and clean highlight reps — and then there were the dudes who just refused to back down. This isn't a list about the flashiest plays or the best testing numbers. This is about the competitors. The ones who showed up locked in, gave full effort on every rep, and didn't flinch no matter who lined up across from them. Whether it was hustling back to the front of the line, keeping the same energy late in the day, or just grinding through reps — these guys earned respect. Here's a look at some of the hardest workers and most relentless competitors from the day.    [player_tooltip player_id='1399755' first='Nathan' last='Jones'] earned the title of Dog of the Day without question — and it wasn't just because of what he did in his natural position. He's an edge rusher by trade, but at this combine, he made it a point to jump into reps wherever help was needed, even lining up to cover some of the twitchiest receivers on the field. That alone speaks volumes about the type of competitor he is. From the start of the day to the final whistle, Nathan didn't coast through anything. He hustled through drills, stayed engaged, and treated every moment like it mattered. One of the coaches running the event gave him a well-deserved shoutout for his willingness to step into a role totally outside his comfort zone. But what stuck with me even more was how willing he was to continue taking on that challenge — no complaints, no hesitation. He'd finish a rep, jog off, hear a coach say they needed a body for the next one, and before the sentence was even done, he was back on the field. That level of selflessness, grit, and energy makes Nathan the kind of player every coach wants in their program. It's not just about the talent — it's about the mindset. And his is built for football.     [player_tooltip player_id='1127503' first='Adam' last='Schrum'] showed up ready to compete, and it was obvious from the first drill to the last. He's still young, but you wouldn't have known it based on the way he handled himself throughout the day. What initially caught my attention was how well he played the position, but what really stuck with me was his work ethic — he didn't just go through the motions, he attacked every rep like it mattered. With a larger group of defensive linemen than offensive linemen in attendance, Adam didn't hesitate to step up and take on extra reps. He kept putting his hand in the dirt and facing whoever lined up across from him. Coaches at the event took notice, and I heard comments about his toughness and willingness to take on any challenge, even when matched up against older and more developed players. There's still room for physical growth, sure, but the foundation is there. And it's built on attitude, grit, and the kind of mindset that'll carry him a long way in this game.     [player_tooltip player_id='1614662' first='Luke' last='White'] didn't come in with the most eye-popping testing numbers, but he brought something that stood out just as much — coachability. From the jump, it was clear he was locked in and willing to soak up any advice thrown his way. What really impressed me was how fast he applied feedback. You'd see a coach offer a small adjustment, and on the very next rep, he'd already worked it in. That type of responsiveness speaks volumes about his mindset. He wasn't there just to participate — he was there to get better. And when you combine that approach with his physical traits, there's a lot to like about where his game can go. He's strong, active, and clearly has a desire to keep improving.     Zach Williams was one of the youngest players in attendance, but it didn't show at all. As a 2029 receiver, just being able to hold his own would've been enough — but Zach went a step further. He didn't just show up to participate; he showed up to compete. Rep after rep, he was giving full effort, pushing through fatigue, and making it clear he belonged on the field with older athletes. Early in the event, he appeared to be battling through something physically and made a quick stop to the trainer. A lot of players in his shoes might have called it a day, but not Zach. He shook it off and got right back out there, determined to keep showing what he could do. That type of toughness and commitment at such a young age says a lot about his makeup. Zach's routes were sharp, and his motor never dipped — whether it was a warmup drill or a rep in front of coaches, he gave it the same intensity. He left a strong impression not just because of his skill set, but because of how badly he wanted to be out there.     [player_tooltip player_id='1641205' first='Kaleb' last='Garcia'] carried himself like a player who's been through this kind of environment before, and is very comfortable in them. He moved through the day with a sense of professionalism that you don't always see at the high school level. He was personable with other athletes, never too cool to talk or interact, but the second it was time to work, the switch flipped. He locked in, dialed into what the coaches were saying, and executed with purpose. That balance of being relaxed but focused is rare, and it gave Kaleb an edge throughout the day. Every drill, every rep, he attacked it with intention. He wasn't just trying to get through the event — he was trying to get better. That kind of mindset, especially when paired with the athletic tools he already has, makes a difference.

There were guys who put up big numbers and clean highlight reps — and then there were the dudes who just refused to back down. This isn't a list about the flashiest plays or the best testing numbers. This is about the competitors. The ones who showed up locked in, gave full effort on every rep, and didn't flinch no matter who lined up across from them. Whether it was hustling back to the front of the line, keeping the same energy late in the day, or just grinding through reps — these guys earned respect. Here's a look at some of the hardest workers and most relentless competitors from the day.