INDIANAPOLIS NFL hopefuls and former Wildcats Darren Sproles and Joe Rheem showed off their skills to NFL teams last weekend at the NFL Combine held at the RCA Dome.
Sproles turned in one of the best performances by a running back in attendance. He finished tied for the top time by a running back in the 40-yard dash with J.J. Arrington of California. Both players ran a time of 4.46. Sproles also turned in an impressive performance in the 20-yard shuttle among running backs, producing a time of 3.96 and finishing only behind Noah Herron of Northwestern (3.95). The 5-foot-6, 187-pound Sproles also showed off his upper body strength, benching 225 pounds 23 times for the most reps among running backs.
Rheem, perhaps less known among the kicking prospects, made sure he stood out with his performance, hitting all 15 field-goal attempts. He was the only kicker to hit all 15, besting first team All-American and Lou Groza Award winner Mike Nugent of Ohio State, who hit 12-of-15 attempts. Brigham Young kicker/punter Matt Payne also connected on 12-of-15 attempts.
Wide Reciever Tony Madison showed off his jumping ability, finishing tied for third among wide receivers in the vertical jump. Madison’s jump of 39 inches was only out-done by Reggie Brown of Georgia (41.5) and Mark Bradley of Oklahoma (39.5).
The 2005 NFL Draft will be held April 23-24 in New York City.
