Running back Alfred Morris is the only FAU player at this year's NFL Combine. (Photo Courtesy of Ralph Notaro/ Owl Pix)
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Ready to run
Former Florida Atlantic running back Alfred Morris gets ready in Indianapolis for his workout at the NFL Combine.
Originally published on
2/24/2012
by
Andy Kent
INDIANAPOLIS – Alfred Morris’ whirlwind month continues this week at the NFL Scouting Combine where he is the lone FAU representative.
Just like in Mobile, Ala. at last month’s Senior Bowl, the Owls’ all-time leading rusher was left alone for the most part by the media during his interview window. Of course he had a few more interview requests in Mobile since he hails from nearby Pensacola, but he has been going non-stop since touching down at the airport here late Thursday afternoon.
First it was a ride in the hotel shuttle to his hotel where he had time to just throw his bags into his room and change into the Under Armour gear he has to wear all week with his group, personal number and name on the back. Then it was off to the hospital to spend anywhere from 3-5 hours getting X-Rays and other exams before coming back to the hotel for a quick dinner and some informal interviews with position coaches.
“I didn’t get done with that until like 11 p.m. and I went to bed around midnight and had to wake back up at 5 in the morning,” Morris said. “I started (Friday) off with a drug test and an MRI and then it was on to the weigh-in and then right after that we went straight to getting evaluated by the team doctors. I didn’t get a chance to eat breakfast but I’m just trying to enjoy the process and it’s been a little hectic, but I’m definitely just rolling with the punches and trying to stay positive.”
When he was finished with the media, Morris was whisked off for psychological testing and more team interviews. Saturday he’ll continue with the psychological testing and interviews and meet with the NFLPA. On Sunday he’ll finally get to take the field and run the 40-yard dash, do the vertical leap and bench press and other drills.
This is the second year in a row an FAU player has been present, with quarterbacks Jeff Van Camp, tight end Rob Housler and wide receiver Lestar Jean participating last year. Former FAU quarterback Jared Allen, now the Owls' tight ends coach, also went through the combine in 2005.
“I’m definitely ready to go out there and do what we came here to do and make an impression with our measurables because I’m tired of all of these sit-down meetings - but I know it’s part of the process,” Morris said. “I definitely want to run under 4.5 and I definitely have all the intangibles that I can play at the next level. We have a lot of talent in the Sun Belt Conference and I feel honored to be here to represent my school and I want to make them proud, as well as my family.”