In brief: Quarterback Ryan throws for pro scouts

The NFL got its chance to see Matt Ryan throw on Tuesday, and the Boston College quarterback didn’t do anything that would keep him from being picked early in the draft.

Perhaps even first overall.

Ryan worked out at BC’s biggest Pro Day, throwing to former teammates for a mini-combine of 42 scouts and other personnel evaluators from 22 NFL teams. He completed 48 of 52 passes – three drops, one overthrown – from three-, five- and seven step drops, from the pocket and on the run, throwing to both sides of the field.

“A Central Florida wide receiver died after voluntary strength and conditioning drills, the day before spring practice was set to begin in Orlando, Fla.

Police said there was no foul play or obvious cause for redshirt freshman Ereck Plancher’s late-morning collapse. UCF athletic director Keith Tribble said the players had been lifting weights, and then ran for about 10 minutes.

After the workout, the team huddled for a quick chat. As everyone was leaving, Plancher took a knee in obvious distress.

“Terrelle Pryor, the highly touted Pittsburgh high school quarterback, will announce where he will attend college at a news conference today.

“The Oakland Raiders and former Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall have made “significant progress” toward renegotiating his contract in one of the final steps needed to complete a trade with Atlanta, a person familiar with the talks said.

California running back James Montgomery announced his intention to transfer, leaving the team without their most experienced healthy tailback heading into spring practice.

Basketball

Grier gets extension

University of San Diego coach Bill Grier has agreed to a contract extension after leading the Toreros to the NCAA tournament in his first season. Terms of the extension weren’t announced.

“Former LSU coach John Brady has emerged as a strong candidate for the Arkansas State job.

Arkansas State scheduled a news conference for 11 a.m. today to announce a new coach.

“Clemson coach Oliver Purnell agreed to a two-year contract extension.

Miscellany

Dutch set pace

The Netherlands team of Inge Dekker, Ranomi Kromowidjojo, Femke Heemskerk and Marleen Veldhuis set a world record in the women’s 400-meter freestyle relay at the European swimming championships in Eindhoven, Netherlands, with a time of 3 minutes, 33.62 seconds.

“Elite runner Ryan Shay died of an irregular heartbeat because of an enlarged heart after collapsing during the U.S. men’s marathon Olympic trials, the New York City medical examiner said.

“Bobby Nichols, 66, who spent three years on the PGA tour, died Sunday at Cookeville, Tenn., following a bout with cancer.

“Ryan Fiegi scored 22 points as Oregon Tech won its second NAIA Division II title in four years with a 63-56 win over top-ranked Bellevue (Neb.) in Point Lookout, Mo.

“Steve Boyer was named crew chief for J.J. Yeley at NASCAR’s Hall of Fame Racing.