NFL Combine: Kentucky Football Notes, Dates, Times, Event Schedule, TV Coverage
The NFL Scouting Combine is upon us. Be sure to tune in as fans can get a glimpse of former Kentucky Football stars.
College athletes from around the country make their way to Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. Two Kentucky players are hoping to impress.
Stanley “Boom” Williams and Jon Toth are the lone duo from the University of Kentucky who received an invitation to the prestigious evaluation event.
Kentucky’s star Running Back, Boom Williams enters the draft as one of many underclassmen. The Georgia native spent the last three seasons in the Kentucky backfield. Jon Toth is an outstanding NFL Prospect and ranked as the fifth best Center prospect in this years Draft. Williams is currently at 35 overall for running backs on the CBS.com position rankings.
NFL Combine Schedule of Events
Friday-March 3, 2017: Running backs, offensive linemen, special teams workouts, 9 a.m.
Saturday-March 4, 2017: Quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends workouts, 9 a.m.
Sunday-March 5, 2017: Defensive lineman, linebackers workouts, 9 a.m.
Monday-March 5, 2017: Defensive backs workouts, 9 a.m.
The NFL Scouting Combine is a scheduled set of assessment events over a week’s time. Some of the on-field events include: 40-yard dash, Bench Press, Vertical Jump, Broad Jump, 3-cone drill and a Shuttle Run.
Athletes compete for the top numbers as they show off their skill-set in front of representatives from all 32 NFL franchises.
Related Story: The Dark Horse of Kentucky's 2017 Recruiting Class
Television Schedule and Online Streaming Options
The NFL Scouting Combine will be televised on the NFL Network. Fans can tune in to catch some of the action and commentary on each day that the position groups take the field.
Online Streaming Options:
Television Stations
- Dish Network- Channel 154
- DirectTV- Channel 212
Kentucky Players Look to Impress
Many believe that Center, Jon Toth will hear his name called in the 2017 NFL Draft. As the fifth ranked center prospect. Toth is also a projected fifth/sixth round pick.
Rob Rang of CBS.com offered this complete scouting report of Toth:
"STRENGTHS:Good size for center with enough length and agility to project outside to guard for zone-blocking schemes. Possesses a broad-shouldered rangy frame with plenty of room for additional muscle mass. Technically sound pass protector who can absorb bull rushers due to his knee bend and core flexibility and uses good hand placement and foot shuffling to effectively corral opponents. Experience shows in his awareness when adjusting to twists and surprise blitzers. Shows excellent initial quickness in his snap and pop to defensive tackles, including in down blocks.Possesses the body control and speed to release from blocks at the line of scrimmage and climb to the second level, where he shows awareness and vision to locate and latch onto opponents. Looks for work when not covered. Keeps his head on a swivel and plays on the balls of his feet, quickly sliding to assist the guards. Smart, durable player who handles all of the line calls. Has played in 49 career games with an NCAA-best 48 consecutive starts (including the TaxSlayer Bowl vs. Georgia Tech) to cap his career.WEAKNESSES:More of a corral than control type of blocker, lacking much of a power element to his game. Reliant upon his use of leverage and quickness to wall off defenders and create rushing lanes but struggles with physically driving opponents off the ball. At times is too eager to release from his initial block to get to the second level, failing to sustain either long enough to effectively neutralize the opponent. May project better to guard or tackle in the NFL, making him a bit of a project."
Next: Kentucky Football's Top 10 Performers of 2016
A Worried Williams
Boom Williams is does not have a projected draft position on CBS.com at the moment. Williams hopes to impress NFL Scouts at the Combine with his speed and athletic ability. Williams finished his three-year career at Kentucky with 2,511 rushing yards and 18 total touchdowns. Boom will always be remembered as the home-run hitter for this Kentucky offense. Although it is unlikely that the Monroe, Georgia native will hear his name called in the draft, fans can rest assured that Williams will get his shot at the NFL as a free agent.