Former Georgia Southern University football player Jerick McKinnon let his

presence be known at this weekend’s NFL Scouting Combine in several categories.

McKinnon came into the combine as a relative unknown but he began his showing

on Saturday when he completed 32 reps of 225 lbs in the bench press. His mark

led all running backs and tied him for eighth overall. Eighth may not sound that

amazing, but 13 of the top 15 scorers were offensive linemen and the other was a

tight end.

McKinnon wasn’t done at the bench. He turned more heads after he posted a

4.41 in the forty-yard dash, which was the sixth fastest time at the combine. He

also showcased a 40.5” vertical jump, which was good enough for third overall.

Combined with his 11’ broad jump, which was tied for second overall, McKinnon

showed serious feats of athleticism this weekend.

The showing McKinnon put up in Indianapolis, Ind., this weekend could vault him

in the draft, similarly to what former Eagle safety J.J. Wilcox did prior to last year’s

draft. A strong showing at the combine contributed to Wilcox being announced as

the Dallas Cowboys’ third-round pick in 2013.

The NFL Combine is a pure athletic abilities competition. The test the athletes

undertake are less football-skill related and more physical ability related. McKinnon

and former Eagle corner Lavelle Westbrooks will get the opportunity to show their

football skills to scouts at the GSU pro day sometime next month.