South Carolina Pro Day: Nick Barrett, Brandon Cisse turn heads with strong numbers

South Carolina's Pro Day was on Tuesday morning in Columbia, and a handful of NFL scouts were on-hand for the action. Unlike the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, former Gamecock players have the opportunity to work out on their home turf.

One participant that made headlines during South Carolina's Pro Day was defensive tackle Nick Barrett, who also attended the Combine. During the bench press portion of the workouts, Barrett successfully completed 31 reps. 

That puts him in second among all defensive tackles at the combine earlier this month, behind Kentucky's David Gusta (37) but in front of Oklahoma's Damonic Williams (30) and Texas Tech's Skyler Gill-Howard (27). Barrett did not do the bench press earlier this month in Indianapolis. 

Barrett finished his South Carolina career with last season being his best yet, getting 42 total tackles with six for loss and two sacks, as well as a fumble recovery. NFL Mock Draft Database projects Barrett as a sixth-round prospect.  

Another player that did well on the bench press on Tuesday was former Gamecock DQ Smith. He finished with 22 reps on the bench, which was more than any safety of corner that participated in Indy: 

Another big name on draft boards is cornerback Brandon Cisse. The former Gamecock cornerback is expected to be one of the highest-drafted South Carolina players this cycle. Although 40 times are hand-timed at Pro Days, he put up some strong numbers: 

His 40 looked blazing fast, too:

Barrett is a projected second-rounder, but he could potentially sneak into the first round. One general manager in attendance was the Texans' Nick Caserio. Cisse said he was excited he Caserio was in attendance:

The Texans hold picks No. 28 in the first round, as well as picks No. 38 and 59 in the second round.

Aside from private workouts that teams conduct with prospects, this is one of the last chances players get to workout in front of scouts before the April draft.