As usual there will be former Ohio State football players at the NFL Combine capable of putting up excellent times in the 40 yard dash.
Ohio State football players running fast 40 times at the NFL Combine has been the norm in recent years. Four more will attempt to continue that streak this year.
Players of note who have impressed NFL scouts at the Combine with outstanding 40 times recently include Curtis Samuel (4.31), Denzel Ward (4.32) and Marshon Lattimore (4.36). Parris Campbell, Terry McLaurin, Johnnie Dixon and Kendall Sheffield all could possibly run sub 4.4 times this year.
Let’s first look at the wide receiver who is moving up the draft chart.
Terry McLaurin had a terrific senior season catching 35 passes for 701 yards and 11 touchdowns. His performance earned him an invite to the Senior Bowl.
Not only did he perform well in the game with 4 catches for 53 yards and gained 19 on his one carry, it was widely reported he impressed everybody during the week of practices. That’s very important because that’s when scouts grade a player’s technic, work ethic and get to know what kind of person they are.
Now with an outstanding 40 time who knows how McLaurin could shoot up the draft chart. By the way, he may be able to turn in a very good time as he was rated by one service as the 7th fastest player in the 2014 recruiting class per his Ohio State Bio.
I have a feeling McLaurin may impress the NFL scouts once again. And I’m very anxious to see what kind of 40 time this next Buckeye will post
Parris Campbell will almost certainly be chosen in the first two rounds of the draft. His 90 receptions for 1,063 yards and 12 touchdowns last season should ensure that.
Any general manager who looks at Campbell’s tape knows he is fast, but putting up an outstanding 40 time in front of them would have to help his chance to move up in the draft order.
Campbell is certainly capable of doing just that. He made the finals in the 40 during the prestigious Nike camp ‘The Opening’ as a recruit and also set the Ohio high school indoor record in the 60 meter dash with a time of 6.85.
Now let’s look at two players who could really benefit by a fast time in the 40.