Three former Nittany Lion defensive players came away pleased with their Pro Day performance yesterday at Holuba Hall.

For Gerald Hodges and Jordan Hill, both were happy to return to the familiar confines of State College after being in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine.

“The Combine is definitely not what you see on TV, said Hill. Hodges agreed. “It can be really stressful — Waking up so early, on your feet all day, not eating as much. If people really knew the work, I think we’d get a little more credit.”

Hill improved his Combine numbers going from a 5.23 40-time to 4.97 and a 111 inch vertical jump compared to 103.

“It was my first full out 40 at the combine,” said Hill. “My knee just wasn’t ready, but I’m a competitor, and I just want to do everything. I’m 100% now, ready to go.”

Hodges reported a 4.25 shuttle time and a 35.5 inch vertical jump. He confirmed meeting with the Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the combine and feels much more relaxed that much of the workout process is over.

“I’m not nervous anymore. Everyone knows I can play football,” Hodges said.

Both players have high hopes, looking to be drafted in the second or third round.

Stephon Morris was not invited to the Combine, missing the cut by two votes. Unlike Hodges and Hill, he may not be drafted at all. On Monday, he tried to change that.

“It pissed me off. I look at it as motivation. I didn’t have two workouts. I have one,” said the cornerback.

Morris said on Twitter that he was officially timed at 4.35 seconds after earlier believing that he ran as fast as 4.16. Either number will impress NFL scouts and improve his stock heading into April’s draft.

I dont live in greed, but I’m never satisfied. But i am satisfied with the unofficial 4.2s scouts had for me and official 4.35.

— Stephon Morris (@12S_Morris) March 11, 2013

Hodges will be back and forth between State College and his New Jersey home before the draft while Hill and Morris will be finishing up school here.

Yesterday, they were all relieved to be back.