Hodges enjoys record-setting performance at NFL Combine

Tech tight end among six Hokies who displayed skills in Indianapolis

March 6, 2017

BLACKSBURG – As the NFL Scouting Combine wraps up in Indianapolis, undoubtedly the Virginia Tech alum who helped himself the most was tight end Bucky Hodges.

The Salem, Virginia native set a combine record for tight ends with an 11-feet, 2-inch broad jump, while his 39-inch vertical jump was the best mark by any tight end invited to the event. His 4.57-second 40-yard dash also opened the eyes of many scouts, leading SB Nation to move him up to the No. 23 selection in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft to the New York Giants.

FREAK, FREAK, SUPER FREAKY 🏋🏾

✅ Official 4.57 40 ⏱

✅ TE Record 11' 2" Broad Jump

✅ 39" Vertical - best among '17 TEs#Hokies via @NFL pic.twitter.com/3RXVkPmyF9

— VT Football (@VT_Football) March 5, 2017

Have an #NFLCombine, Bucky Hodges! pic.twitter.com/u1CDCEPLV1

— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2017

In addition to Hodges, here’s a look at some other notable performances. Defensive end Ken Ekanem tied for the third-fastest 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash among defensive linemen at 1.68 seconds. He also posted a 30.5-inch vertical jump and a 115.0-inch broad jump.

Check out the explosiveness of @Ekannibal#Hokies via @PFF_Sam #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/ZgI0wluxxF

— VT Football (@VT_Football) March 6, 2017

Here’s a look at receiver Isaiah Ford running the 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds. Ford registered a 6.94-second mark in the three-cone drill and had a 4.34-second performance in the 20-yard shuttle run.

OFF & RUNNING 🏃🏾

Check out @IAF_1 at the #NFLCombine

Here's his 1st 40-yard dash via @NFLNetwork#Hokies 🦃 pic.twitter.com/fbtpb9rXoL

— VT Football (@VT_Football) March 4, 2017

Running back Sam Rogers was the first Virginia Tech player to take the field at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday. He logged a 4.34-second 20-yard shuttle, while registering a 32-inch vertical and a 114-inch broad jump.

Quarterback Jerod Evans clocked a 4.80-second 40 and a 4.41-second 20-yard shuttle. You can see his 40-yard dash here: bit.ly/Evans40.

Safety Chuck Clark was the final Tech participant in on-field work in Indianapolis, running a 4.54 40-yard dash.

Virginia Tech’s Pro Day is set for March 15. We’ll have full coverage of all the participants and NFL attendees.

– VT –

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