NFL Combine 2012: 3 Speedsters Who Will Threaten Chris Johnson's 40 Record

With the 2012 NFL Draft Combine just a week away, star college athletes are getting ready to enter their first big test on the way to becoming NFL stars. One of the biggest events is the 40-yard dash, which tests a players speed.

Back at the 2008 combine, Tennessee Titans star running back Chris Johnson set the record for the fastest 40-yard dash time at 4.24 seconds. While guys like Jacoby Ford and DeMarcus Van Dyke, who both scored 4.28, have come close, nobody has been able to beat Johnson's mark.

With a whole lot of talent in this class, we may finally see somebody claim the top spot. The following guys have a chance to do just that.

LaMichael James, RB, Oregon Ducks

Coming out of Eugene is Ducks stud running back LaMichael James. While he missed parts of this past year with injuries, there is no doubt that James is one of the quickest players to ever play the game.

In just 11 games this past season, James ran for 1,805 yards while having four games with over 200 yards each. 

It will remain to be seen what James will run when he is put on the spot, but judging by how many defenders her blew past these last two seasons, he could certainly take a shot at claiming the spot that Johnson currently holds.

Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor Bears

While he didn't all receivers with 104 receptions and 1,663 yards this past season, Bears wide receiver Wright was extremely impressive as the other end to quarterback Robert Griffin III's throws.

Wright is just 5'10", but he is by far one of the quickest players coming into this year's draft. He is small for a big-play wide receiver, but he makes up for his height with his speed.

He will certainly be tested when it comes to the 40-yard dash, but it is one area that may really make him stand out above the rest of his fellow receivers.

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU Tigers

There are a lot of talented cornerbacks coming out this draft, but perhaps the fastest is LSU's shutdown corner Claiborne.

He is an extremely athletic corner who has top-notch speed and can keep up with some of the fastest receivers in the game. He also has experience returning the ball, so he could be a fit there as well.

While this is a contest that is usually dominated by running backs and wide receivers, Claiborne definitely stands a chance to challenge the that 4.24 mark.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.