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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 3:11 a.m., Monday, February 23, 2009

NFL Combine: Speed thrills for all but Ohio State's Beanie Wells

By Dan Pompei
Chicago Tribune

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Ohio State running back Chris Wells runs a football drill at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

DARRON CUMMINGS | Associated Press

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INDIANAPOLIS — The story of the second day of combine workouts was speed. Those who flaunted it moved up, and one high-profile player who failed to show much of it moved down.

Connecticut RB Donald Brown. He may have moved into the first round with his performance. One scout described his day as "sensational." It included a 41.5-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-5-inch broad jump and a 11.30-second 60-yard shuttle—all bests for running backs.

Maryland WR Darrius Heyward-Bey. He ran a 4.30 40-yard dash, fastest among wide receivers. He also showed some nice ability to adjust to passes in drills.

Abilene Christian WR Johnny Knox. He sent scouts back to review their notes and study more tape after he ran a 4.34 40-yard dash and caught the ball very well.

West Virginia QB Pat White. He may be undersized, but he showed good arm talent and looked very fluid in positional drills. He also had a 35-inch vertical jump to lead the quarterbacks.

Kansas State QB Josh Freeman. He impressed scouts by throwing a nice, catchable ball and showing good arm strength. He also led the quarterbacks with a 9-foot-11-inch broad jump.

Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin. While running routes and catching the ball, he looked like the best player on the field —which he was supposed to be. He also showed his resiliency by not missing a drill after injuring his leg while trying to adjust to a poorly thrown ball.

Ohio State WR Brian Robiskie. Tested well, not great, but he was excellent in receiving drills.

Ohio State RB Beanie Wells. He ran a 4.59 40-yard dash—not exactly what NFL teams were expecting from a potential top-10 pick. He also looked a little rigid in positional drills, and his hands were just OK.

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