Showing Your Best Can Make the Difference
February 25th, 2009 - bySometimes all it takes is that breakout performance for a recruit to go from a fringe scholarship player to an elite blue chip recruit. It happens across the country at camps and combines each summer. Here are some four examples from The Sporting News of future pro players who made millions last weekend with breakout performances at the NFL combine.
Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
Before: Late second/third round
After: Late first round
Why:Cook ran the 40-yard dash in the low 4.4-second range and while scouts saw athleticism on tape, he displayed more burst, agility and speed than expected in drills. He’s behind only Brandon Pettigrew at tight end.
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
Before: Second round
After: First round
Why: His 4.30 40 jumps right out at anyone, but there’s more: He aced every off-field test and was solid in all drills.
Evander “Ziggy” Hood, DT, Missouri
Before: Late second/third round
Now: First round
Why:The 300-pounder now is in the fray behind B.J. Raji among interior linemen, showing the athleticism and footwork to play nose tackle or 3-technique in a 4-3 scheme or any line spot along the line in a 3-4 system.
Clay Matthews, LB, Southern Cal
Before: Late second round
Now: First round
Why: He was known to be a top-level athlete, but his short playing history at Southern Cal raised questions. After starring in drills at the Combine, one scout said, “You’d think he was a four-year starter.”
All of the examples can help teach hopeful recruits a few tips on what it takes to impress a college coach enough to earn a scholarship. Jared Cook’s speed from a trusted source shot him up the draft boards. Previously his speed wasn’t verified, and evaluators weren’t 100% certain he had the goods. With verified times in hand they can now safely project him higher on the board. Recruits need to attend a combine and get electronic times for coaches so they can feel confident in their evaluations.
Darrius Heyward-Bey excelled in off-field testing i.e. intelligence tests and face to face interviews. His performance shows the power of strong character. Recruits need to talk with coaches as often as possible on unofficial visits, and on the phone to showcase their personality. Additionally, achieving great grades can set a recruiter’s mind at ease.
Evander “Ziggy” Hood dominated his position drills. His example shows the power of a recruit determining which schools are the most interested in him and attending their one-day evaluation camps. Coaches only evaluate the players on their lists so recruits need to be sure that they have a chance to get individually evaluated.
Clay Matthews showed that even a shorter playing career doesn’t necessarily disqualify a player from being highly regarded. Coaches want players. Period. If you can display that to a recruiter, there is still a chance to play at the next level.
Granted, these examples are on the extreme side, but recruits that are looking to stand out from their peers need to take every opportunity that comes their way!
