Wake Forest and the NFL Combine

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – With Essang Bassey, Justin Herron and Justin Strnad set to attend the NFL Combine later this week, it will make 41 Wake Forest Combine participants since 2000.

Over the past two seasons, the Deacs have more NFL Combine invitations than any other North Carolina school. Wake Forest has a been regular at the event. Since 2002, the Demon Deacons have had at least one participant in all but one event, only one other North Carolina school can make this claim.

Two weeks away from the NFL Combine

‣ Since 2000, 4⃣1⃣ Deacs have been invited to the NFL Combine#ProDeacs | #GoDeacs 🎩 pic.twitter.com/wBp9dQHDAS
— Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) February 14, 2020

With Herron set to arrive in Indianapolis today, here is a look at some of the Deacs top performances at the NFL Combine.

Since the start of the new millennium five Wake Forest players have run a 4.45 40-Yd Dash or better. Both Chris Givens (2013) and Brandon Ghee (2010) have run sub 4.40:

Fastest 40-Yd Dash Times:

Chris Givens – 4.35 (2012)
Brandon Ghee – 4.37 (2010)
Chip Vaughn – 4.42 (2009)
Eric King – 4.43 (2005)
Reggie Austin – 4.44 (2000)

Despite having some impressive performances in the 40-Yd dash, historically, the Demon Deacons' best on-field workout has been the vertical jump. Eight Deacs have leaped 37.0 inches or higher and everyone in the top 10 has jumped 35.5 inches or higher:

Highest Vertical Jumps:

Kevin Johnson – 41.5 (2015)
Michael Campanaro – 39.0 (2014)
Jon Abbate – 38.5 (2007)
Morgan Kane – 37.5 (2000)
Brandon Ghee – 37.0 (2010)
Chip Vaughn – 37.0 (2009)
Aaron Curry – 37.0 (2009)
Quintin Williams – 37.0 (2004)
Jessie Bates – 35.5 (2018)
Marshall Williams – 35.5 (2011)

Prior to stepping on the field, the three Wake Forest players will hit the bench press. Last year at the combine, offensive lineman Phil Haynes had one of the best feats of strength with 33 repetitions on the 225 lb bench press:

Most Bench Press Reps:

Tommy Bohanon – 36 (2013)
Phil Haynes – 33 (2019)
Mike Collins – 32 (2002)
Morgan Kane – 29 (2000)
Chris DeGeare – 27 (2010)

#DeacsToThePros
GoDeacs.com will continue to follow former Wake Forest players as they take their next step into the pros. Follow along right here on GoDeacs.com or by following along on our Twitter (@WakeFB), Instagram (wakefootball) and Facebook (WakeForestFootball) channels.

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