Eight Gators Head to NFL Combine in Indianapolis
Tuesday, February 23, 2016 | Football
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Today marks the beginning of an important week for several former Florida football players as the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine begins in Indianapolis. The first group of players arrives today and includes Gators running back Kelvin Taylor, who declared for the draft after rushing for over 1,000 yards during his junior season.Overall, eight UF players will be going through this week's events in hopes of improving their stock for the 2016 NFL Draft. While most fans will be paying attention to vertical jumps and 40-yard dash times, perhaps the most important part of the week happens behind closed doors as prospects spend time interviewing with coaches from various teams.
Here's a quick look at all the Gators heading to Indianapolis:
DL Jonathan Bullard: Projected by many to be a late first round pick due to his versatility along the defensive line.
Going through a lot of UF tape this morning. Robinson stands out, but Jon Bullard is my favorite Gator. Can play 3-5-6 tech in the NFL
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 22, 2016
CB Vernon Hargreaves III: A three-year starter and two-time All-American, most experts project Hargreaves to be selected in the top 10 picks of the upcoming draft.
**Hargreaves is training for the Draft at EXOS in Gulf Breeze, Fla., where he is training alongside wounded veterans who are rehabilitating from injuries suffered in action. He is raising money by accepting pledges toward every inch he reaches during his vertical jump test during the combine. Find out more: Stand By the Wounded with Vernon Hargreaves**
DL Alex McCalister: The Gators best pass rusher in 2015, leading the team with 6.5 sacks despite missing five games on the season.
Here's that Alex McCalister shoulder dip I tweeted about earlier. This is his move. https://t.co/9mdW671N18
— Joe Marino (@TheJoeMarino) February 1, 2016
TE Jake McGee: A crafty veteran who has great hands and knows how to make clutch plays. Out of 41 total receptions in 2015, 22 catches (53.7%) resulted in first downs.
.@GatorsFB TE @JakeOvaTheWorld needs help, which cleats for the 40 yard dash - #CombineDecisions #PathtotheDrafthttps://t.co/S48seygwsq
— FOX Sports: PROcast (@Procast) February 22, 2016
LB Antonio Morrison: Led the Gators in tackles in back-to-back seasons, totaling over 100 in both 2014 and 2015. He also has a sense of humor heading to Indy:
#Gators LB Antonio Morrison checks in days before the #NFL Combine - he clearly has a sense of humor #PathtotheDrafthttps://t.co/JJDZ61nDRF
— FOX Sports: PROcast (@Procast) February 21, 2016
DB Keanu Neal: Has a reputation as a "thumper" in the secondary with the skills to cover the back-end as well with elite athleticism. Projected as a second round pick who could be chosen earlier than some may expect.
Keanu Neal has no sympathy https://t.co/RGkilXLyU0
— Jonah Tuls (@JonahTulsNFL) February 19, 2016
WR Demarcus Robinson: No one questions his talents on the field, but off-field issues in the past will likely prevent some teams from considering him early in the draft.
Meet Florida WR Demarcus Robinson, nephew of ex-#Bears WR. He is on path to overcome questionable past at combine: https://t.co/v3IKv82GRv
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) February 21, 2016
RB Kelvin Taylor: Had a breakout season in 2015 with 1,035 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Has excellent ability to see holes and make quick cuts to reach them.
Florida RB Kelvin Taylor has some juice as a runner. Really good acceleration after cut here. https://t.co/WK3vcc38ye
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) February 17, 2016
