Florida State Football: Updating Player Performances from the Combine

When discussing colleges that routinely send players to the NFL, Florida State is a program that has annually been well-represented in the draft. 

Last season, quarterback Christian Ponder (first round) and offensive lineman Rodney Hudson (second round) heard their names called early, while defensive end Markus White (seventh round) was the third and final ‘Nole to get picked. 

This season, six Seminoles are hoping to boost their draft stock by taking part in the NFL combine in Indianapolis.

Here are the latest notes on their performance from the combine.

Nigel Bradham

After lining up as an outside linebacker during his four-year stay in Tallahassee, scouts got a chance to see him at middle linebacker—where he likely line up at the next level—during the week of practices at the Senior Bowl. 

His ability to make that transition will determine how high (or low) he comes off the board. 

40-yard dash:  4.64 seconds

Bench Press:  24 reps

Vertical Jump:  37 inches

Broad Jump:  121 inches

3-Cone Drill:  7.18 seconds

20-yard shuttle:  4.37 seconds

Andrew Datko

Datko was one of the highest rated offensive tackles for this draft class entering his senior season. 

However, a shoulder injury ended his Seminole career less than a month into his final year in Tallahassee. 

The fact that NFL scouts still want to see him after his chronic injury problems at FSU is a testament to his ability when he is healthy. 

40-yard dash:  5.32 seconds

Bench press:  n/a

Vertical jump:  29.5 inches

Broad jump:  100 inches

3-cone drills:  7.71 seconds

20-yard shuttle:  4.54 seconds

Mike Harris

Despite playing at a high level during his two years at Florida State, Harris failed to receive an invitation to any of the post-season All-Star games. 

He did, however, get selected to the combine and he will get a chance to prove his strong play at FSU (99 tackles and five interceptions in 2010-11) can carry over to the NFL.

Harris has the versatility to play corner or safety at the next level.

40-yard dash:  4.68 seconds

Bench press:  n/a

Vertical jump:   36 inches

Broad jump:  117 inches

3-cone drills:  6.81 seconds

20-yard shuttle:  4.07 seconds

60-yard shuttle:  11.28 seconds

Shawn Powell & Beau Reliford

Powell led the nation in punting average during his senior season (47 yards per punt), and is one of six punters participating in the combine. 

Another area where the 6’3”, 248-pounder specializes in is kicking opponents inside the 20-yard line, which could help him become one of the rare specialists to get drafted. 

Reliford is an intriguing prospect at the NFL level because of his size (6’,6”, 260 pounds) and athleticism.

However, his career production at FSU—36 catches for 364 yards and three touchdowns—is a decent season for most tight ends looking to find a home at the next level. 

No Stats Available

Zebrie Sanders

Sanders played right tackle for the majority of his Seminoles career, but made the switch to left tackle after Datko went down with his injury. 

The versatility of being able to play either side is beneficial to his draft stock, and he is in position to be the first Seminole off the board in the 2012 NFL draft.

40-yard dash:  5.28

Bench press:  28 reps

Vertical jump:  27.0 inches

Broad jump:  8 feet, 4 inches

3-cone drills:  8.15 seconds

20-yard shuttle:  4.99 seconds

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