STARKVILLE — One workout by Mississippi State defensive back Jasper O’Quinn opened the eyes of NFL scouts that critiqued his every move during NFL Pro Day workouts at Mississippi State University recently.

The Franklin County native is hopeful that he will hear his name called inthis month’s NFL Draft.

“My defensive backs coach (Melvin Smith) told me before the workout that if I run a 4.5 in the 40, that I’ll get drafted,” O’Quinn said. “So today I did my best to get that.”

O’Quinn ran a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash and also turned in some other interesting marks during the near two-hour workout, which was run by assistant coaches from the Carolina Panthers in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams that graded players on strength, speed and endurance.

“I’ve been training every day for this,” O’Quinn said. “I just want a shot. I know I’ll make the most of it.”

During Pro Day, O’Quinn (5-10, 185) opened scouts’ eyes with a 35-inch vertical jump and a 9.3 broad jump. He recorded 10-bench press repetitions in the 225-pound press.

“He really looked good,” said one NFL scout. “He’s a fast guy with a good frame. That’s what we’re looking for.”

Last season O’Quinn registered 54 tackles, six pass break-ups, and a sack.

O’Quinn says the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Giants, Caroline Panthers, and Pittsburgh Steelers have expressed interest in him over the past few weeks, he also heard from several Canadian League teams as well.