Pentagon officials are more forthcoming with information than those in attendance at Ohio State’s NFL Pro-Timing Day yesterday in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
Coaches, scouts and general managers who witnessed the battery of physical and mental tests (the event was closed to the public and media) were as tight-lipped as a Buckingham Palace guard.
"It was a typical Ohio State workout, very organized and the athletes were as good as advertised," Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks and receivers coach David Shaw said.
So what was wideout Michael Jenkins’ time in the 40-yard dash?
"You’re not going to get that from me," Shaw said smugly. "I didn’t even bring a stopwatch."
This much was confirmed: 21 draft-eligible Buckeyes were put through a number of drills, including vertical and broad jumps, the 40-yard dash, shuttle run and 225-pound bench press. They also did interviews with potential suitors for the NFL draft, which begins April 24.
"They have 10 to 12 guys who will probably get drafted within round four and up," Kansas City Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson said.
Officials were loathe to talk about specific players, but defensive end Will Smith, cornerback Bobby Britton and Jenkins were said to have had outstanding workouts.
"Will Smith ran very well," Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said. "We had him in the (4.58 to 4.46) range, which is a good 40 time for a defensive lineman. And he had 30 reps on the bench, so he had a very good workout."
Smith, who is expected to be drafted in the first round with cornerback Chris Gamble and possibly Jenkins, also impressed Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil.
"I thought Will Smith ran well," Vermeil said. "In fact, all their defensive linemen ran well for their position and size. And (Adrien) Clarke, the big offensive tackle, moved well for a great-big guy."
Clarke said he ran a 5.32 in the 40, .15 of a second faster than he recorded at the NFL combine in Indianapolis three weeks ago, but only one number seemed to matter to him.
"The one number you all should put down is I weighed in at 324," said Clarke, who weighed as much as 380 during his career.
Not all the players were as pleased with their performances. Gamble, who could be the first cornerback selected, did a respectable 16 reps of 225 pounds but wasn’t thrilled with his 40 time.
"I ran a low 4.5, but I know I can do much better," said Gamble, adding Jacksonville, Cleveland, Cincinnati and the New York Jets have shown the most interest.
Of course, there was great interest in Maurice Clarett, even though the running back was in attendance but did not participate.
Maintaining the disorder of the day, Clarett spoke briefly with reporters, stating he "doesn’t have a date yet," for an expected private workout for NFL officials. Clarett said at the NFL combine that he would work out at OSU the first week of April.
Those who did flex their muscles yesterday are glad it’s over.
"I know most of the guys, myself included, are happy to have everything we can control done with," tight end Ben Hartsock said. "We joked that it’s almost like finals being over, but it’s a little bit more significant at this point."
