Deacs Shine at NFL Combine
3/2/2020 9:00:00β―AM | Football
It marks the 17th time in the last 18 years that Wake Forest has had a representative in Indianapolis.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. β Three former Demon Deacons put their talents on full display in front of all 32 NFL teams at the annual NFL Combine.
It marks the 17th time in the last 18 years that Wake Forest has had a representative in Indianapolis and the third consecutive season the Deacs have had multiple representatives.
#BeefBoys Back in Indy
Justin Herron got the week off to a strong start on Thursday. The offensive lineman, who broke the school record with 51 consecutive starts, tallied 27 reps on the bench press, which tied the fifth highest mark by any Wake Forest player at the combine.
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It is now back-to-back years that Demon Deacons have flexed their muscle at the NFL Combine. Last year, Phil Haynes finished with 33 reps on the bench press. He went on the be selected in the fourth round by the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, helping Seattle to a playoff berth.
The last time Deac offensive linemen have been selected in back-to-back seasons was Steve Vallos (2007) and Steve Justice (2008).
Strnad Returns to the Field
Justin Strnad showed off his versatility and positional flexibility during his on-field workout on Saturday night. The linebacker made his first return to the playing field after missed the end of the season due to injury.
In front of scouts, coaches and executives from every NFL franchise, Strnad showed his ability to be able to play in space while also running a 4.74 40-yard dash.
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Strnad will look to join Marquel Lee and Kyle Wilber as the third Wake Forest linebacker on an NFL roster.
Bassey Boomin' on Sunday
On the final day of the 2020 NFL Combine, Essang Bassey had one of the most impressive performances by a Wake Forest player in the history of the event. Bassey showed his explosion at the vertical jump and broad jump, recording the second-best mark by a Deac in each event.
Bassey touched 39.5 inches in the vertical jump, which tied for third in his position group and 15th among all players at the NFL Combine. He was equally impressive in the broad jump, leaping 128 inches, tying for seventh in his position group.
In the centerpiece of the NFL Combine, the 40-yard dash, Bassey continued to cement his performance as one of the best in Wake history. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, which tied for sixth in program history. It was the fastest since Chris Givens ran a program best 4.35 40-yard dash in 2012.
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Wake Top Combine Performances
Highest Vertical Jumps:
It marks the 17th time in the last 18 years that Wake Forest has had a representative in Indianapolis and the third consecutive season the Deacs have had multiple representatives.
#BeefBoys Back in Indy
Justin Herron got the week off to a strong start on Thursday. The offensive lineman, who broke the school record with 51 consecutive starts, tallied 27 reps on the bench press, which tied the fifth highest mark by any Wake Forest player at the combine.
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π£ "Justin Herron, Wake Forest"
β Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) February 28, 2020
Flex on em, Justin πͺ#WakeForever | #GoDeacs π© pic.twitter.com/WLt7AialAH
It is now back-to-back years that Demon Deacons have flexed their muscle at the NFL Combine. Last year, Phil Haynes finished with 33 reps on the bench press. He went on the be selected in the fourth round by the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, helping Seattle to a playoff berth.
The last time Deac offensive linemen have been selected in back-to-back seasons was Steve Vallos (2007) and Steve Justice (2008).
Strnad Returns to the Field
Justin Strnad showed off his versatility and positional flexibility during his on-field workout on Saturday night. The linebacker made his first return to the playing field after missed the end of the season due to injury.
In front of scouts, coaches and executives from every NFL franchise, Strnad showed his ability to be able to play in space while also running a 4.74 40-yard dash.
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Quick feet.
β Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) March 1, 2020
Quick feet.
Quick feet.#WakeForever | @jsgarbs π© pic.twitter.com/jJYHQNd2Yr
Strnad will look to join Marquel Lee and Kyle Wilber as the third Wake Forest linebacker on an NFL roster.
Bassey Boomin' on Sunday
On the final day of the 2020 NFL Combine, Essang Bassey had one of the most impressive performances by a Wake Forest player in the history of the event. Bassey showed his explosion at the vertical jump and broad jump, recording the second-best mark by a Deac in each event.
Bassey touched 39.5 inches in the vertical jump, which tied for third in his position group and 15th among all players at the NFL Combine. He was equally impressive in the broad jump, leaping 128 inches, tying for seventh in his position group.
In the centerpiece of the NFL Combine, the 40-yard dash, Bassey continued to cement his performance as one of the best in Wake history. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, which tied for sixth in program history. It was the fastest since Chris Givens ran a program best 4.35 40-yard dash in 2012.
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FLYINGπ¨π¨
β Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) March 1, 2020
Sixth fastest 40-time by a Wake player in NFL Combine history.#WakeForever | @EBassey21 π© pic.twitter.com/N3BOcXSJEC
Wake Top Combine Performances
Highest Vertical Jumps:
- Kevin Johnson β 41.5 (2015)
- Essang Bassey β 39.5 (2020)
- Michael Campanaro β 39.0 (2014)
- Jon Abbate β 38.5 (2007)
- Morgan Kane β 37.5 (2000)
- Kevin Johnson β 130 (2015)
- Essang Bassey β 128 (2020)
- Brandon Ghee β 127 (2010)
- Chip Vaughn β 125 (2009)
- Alphonso Smith β 125 (2009)
- Chris Givens β 4.35 (2012)
- Brandon Ghee β 4.37 (2010)
- Chip Vaughn β 4.42 (2009)
- Eric King β 4.43 (2005)
- Reggie Austin β 4.44 (2000)
- Essang Bassey β 4.46 (2020)
- Michael Campanaro β 4.46 (2014)
- Tommy Bohanon β 36 (2013)
- Phil Haynes β 33 (2019)
- Mike Collins β 32 (2002)
- Morgan Kane β 29 (2000)
- Justin Herron β 27 (2020)
- Chris DeGeare β 27 (2010)
Players Mentioned
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