The NFL Scouting Combine is another platform along the way for college prospects to build up their image and value to NFL Scouts. Every player arriving at the event is a desired commodity by NFL teams in one shape or another. The big difference is the name recognition of the athletes performing at the combine.

Florida State Jameis Winston needs no introduction.

Another quarterback at the combine is Prairie-View A&M quarterback Jerry Lovelocke and he is one of the guys with a lesser known name who had a good performance.   Below is a group of lesser known combine participants that increased their value with solid performances at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Zach Zenner, South Dakota State, Running Back

Combine Portfolio

Height – 6’0

Weight – 220

40-Yard Dash – 4.60

Bench Press – 25 Top 5 Performer (4^th overall in running back group)

Vertical Jump – 41 Top 5 Performer (3^rd overall in running back group)

Broad Jump – 121.0 Top 5 Performer (5^th overall in running back group)

3-Cone – 7.08

20-Yard Shuttle – 4.14

60-Yard Shuttle – 11.69

Zenner played in the Missouri Valley Conference and was the driving force of the Jackrabbits’ offense, rushing for over 2,000 yards (2,019) and a remarkable 26 rushing touchdowns. A one-cut downhill runner, Zenner proved that his production at South Dakota State was a direct result to his above average athleticism.

“Not really,” said Zenner when asked if he had a chip on shoulder being some what overlooked out of high school. “I didn’t have that great of numbers as a junior in high school and as a senior I developed a little later. So I never expected to be heavily recruited.”

After his solid performance at the combine, Zenner will not go unnoticed when the NFL Draft rolls into Chicago on April 30^th. He is deceptively fast once he reaches his top speed and he’s shown durability and an ability to run tough between the tackles. Tucked behind some of the big names like Melvin Gordon and Todd Gurley, it is in fact Zenner who should be gaining ground on the competition after a stellar senior season, great East-West Shrine week of practice, and proving to be as athletic any other running back invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.

Ross Scheuerman, Lafayette, Running Back

Combine Portfolio

Height – 5’11

Weight – 204

40-Yard Dash – 4.62

Vertical – 33”

Broad Jump – 121”

3-cone – 7.08

20-Yard Shuttle – 4.11 Top Performer (4^th overall in running back group)

60-Yard Shuttle – 11.60 Top Performer (5^th overall in running back group)

All-Patriot League first-team selection Ross Scheuerman has been an impressive player since his freshman season when he was named Patriot League Rookie of the Year. A true workhorse for the Leopards, he finished strong in his final game at Lafayette as he gained 304 yards rushing on 45 carries along with three touchdowns against Lehigh at Yankee Stadium. He was invited to both the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl as well as the NFL Scouting Combine where he finished in the top five in both the 20 and 60-yard shuttles. Those results emphasize his quick twitch ability that translates to his elusiveness on the field.

“Probably a C.J. Spiller type of guy,” said Scheuerman on a player he may resemble at the next level. “With similar size between us and speed and I’m able to do some thing as a receiver and in the return game.”

Scheuerman finished his career with 6,381 all-purpose yards during his four year career with the Leopards. He is a weapon in all facets of the game offensively.

Called ‘White Lighting’ and ‘Great White Hope’ by his teammates, Scheuerman is a Caucasian athlete that is usually the fastest guy on the field.

“I get that a lot (being teased about speed),” said Scheuerman. “I just keep proving people wrong with being the fastest guy on the field but I you know I always get jokes from my teammates but that is how it is.”

One of the most versatile athletes available in the NFL Draft a guy like Scheuerman is continuing to build on his career through a great performance at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Edmond Robinson, Newberry, Linebacker

Combine Portfolio

Height – 6’4

Weight – 230

40-Yard Dash – 4.61 (9^th overall at the position)

Bench Press – 20

Vertical – 37” (8^th overall at the position)

Broad Jump – 121”

3-cone – 7.49

20-Yard Shuttle – 4.38

60-Yard Shuttle – 11.81

Robinson quietly put together a very solid NFL combine effort. He ranked near the top or middle of nearly all the categories of the combine drills. More importantly, he showed his athleticism during the drills that can’t be measured with a stopwatch or measuring stick.

“My results say I’m just as athletic as the other guys, the only difference is that I went to a D2 school,” said Robinson. “No matter how hard it seems you can persevere through it. And there was a chip, just wanted to prove that I belong and that I can excel.”

He led the team in tackles (68) his senior season and shows great quickness to pursuit ability on the field in live game action. For a player like Robinson, it was critical to show his success at the small school level can be justified with his athletic performance from the combine. His long athletic frame is something that NFL teams won’t be able to ignore as the draft process continues to move forward.