Potential Patriots draft pick nearly breaks 40-yard dash record
UPDATE 2:44 p.m.: Auburn running back Onterio McCalebb took the spotlight from Tavon Austin at the NFL combine Sunday when he ran his second 40-yard dash at an unofficial 4.21-second clip, .03 seconds faster than Titans running back Chris Johnson’s all-time record of 4.24 seconds.
Before the time went official, Johnson commented on Twitter, saying:
Listen 4.21 thats childish
— Chris Johnson (@ChrisJohnson28) February 24, 2013
Fans, media and Johnson alike are all still awaiting the official time to confirm whether McCalebb actually broke the record.
________________________________________________________
West Virginia slot receiver Tavon Austin just boosted his value as a potential target by the New England Patriots in the first round.
Austin flew through the 40-yard dash on Friday at a 4.25 second clip, much faster than his anticipated 4.40 mark he set going in. What’s even more amazing is that Austin nearly matched the all-time record of 4.24 set by Titans running back Chris Johnson.
Austin is an accomplished sportsman as he finished 10th in the long jump at the 2012 Olympics.
For now Austin is reaping the benefits of his latest feat of strength: it will vault him up in terms of value to NFL teams.
Austin is considered a late first rounder, but with this latest news, many NFL teams will be interested in the dynamic slot receiver. His small stature of 5-foot-8 is a barrier for many NFL teams, but as his value continues to climb, his chances of making it in the NFL keep on getting better.