Storrs – A crowd of NFL team representatives stared down the turf toward the starting line as Byron Jones waited for his turn in the 40-yard dash Tuesday morning.

It was the moment that they all had been waiting for since Jones put on a dazzling performance at the NFL Combine in late February in Indianapolis. With his shoulder still on the mend, Jones bypassed the sprint during that showcase event.

Jones didn’t disappoint, flying at warp speed down the turf at the Mark R. Shenkman Training Center. He passed by the stopwatch toting, clipboard carrying spectators as he crossed the finish line in an impressive unofficial time of 4.36 seconds.

“I felt like I ran fast,” Jones said.

Twenty-nine NFL teams were represented during UConn Football Pro Timing and Testing Day. While they watched nine former UConn football players go through a variety of drills, their focus was on Jones. Receiver Geremy Davis also drew some attention.

Jones, an explosive 6-foot-1, 196-pound cornerback, felt comfortable on his home turf.

“It was fun,” Jones said. “I enjoyed my time out here and seeing my former teammates and former coaches, so I had a good time. I wouldn’t say (it was) stressful. Once you prepare as long as I did and as hard as I did, you’re confident.

“… Overall, it was a good day.”

Since his stunning showing at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, where he created some big-time buzz by setting a combine record in the broad jump of 12 feet, three inches -- which also beat the world record -- his draft stock has soared. He’s projected to go as high as the first round.

Jones accomplished his mission of generating more interest.

“Anything that can get more people in your corner and want to look at you, your physical ability and football ability, that’s what we wanted coming out of the combine,” Jones said. “We want good things to be said about Byron Jones and that’s what we got.”

Jones has tried to push aside all the hype surrounding him and focus on preparing for the next step in his pursuit of an NFL career.

Philadelphia head coach Chip Kelly was on hand Tuesday to check out Jones. Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer briefly worked one-on-one with the defensive back. Jones also spent some time doing interviews after the workouts.

According to Jones, most NFL teams are looking at him as a cornerback but he’s also open to playing safety.

When asked if Tuesday felt like a job interview, Jones responded: “For me, it’s football. I love football. It’s fun. I wouldn’t say it’s a job interview. It’s like a dream. They know I don’t any character issues or off the field issues.”

Jones, who’s from New Britain and graduated from St. Paul High School in Bristol, also wanted to show pro scouts in attendance that his shoulder has completely healed. He missed the final five games of his senior season.

He did a personal-best 18 repetitions during the bench press.

“I wanted to come here and bench and show people that I am healthy and back at full strength,” Jones said.

Jones also was happy that Davis, a 6-3, 216-pound receiver, made a statement Tuesday.

Davis, who also participated in the NFL Combine, answered any questions about his speed by running an unofficial time of 4.47 in the 40.

He shook off a case of the jitters to run his personal best and likely improved his draft position.

“You’re anxious and a little worried,” Davis said. “But you’re got to be confident at the same time. I’m a man of faith. I prayed about it. … After I ran, I was like, praise God. I never ran that before. I’m so excited.”

The next step is for Davis and Jones to line up some visits and workouts with NFL teams. They’re rooting for each other.

“He’s a great teammate and we roomed together,” Davis said. “We always went against each other (in practice). He’s going to give his best every time. … He hates losing, and so do I.”

News and notes

Other Huskies who worked out on Tuesday included: quarterback Chandler Whitmer, center Alex Mateas, offensive guard Gus Cruz, wide receiver Deshon Foxx, defensive ends Angelo Pruitt and Reuben Frank, and defensive tackle B.J. McBryde, … Whitmer also attended the Georgia Tech Pro Day. He’s worked out for Tampa and Cleveland. “I’m just trying to get in front as many people as possible,” Whitmer said. … Some CFL scouts also were on hand. … One mock draft has the New England Patriots selecting Jones at No. 32 overall. “That would be great,” Jones said. “My father was a big Giants fan and I’m down with my father. It’s okay. Whatever team I go to, he’s going to be a fan of that team.” 

g.keefe@theday.com

Twitter: @GavinKeefe