General Information: A mini version of the NFL Combine targeted for USF students and those alums and fans that are up to the challenge. The combine drills will be the 40-yard dash, shuttle run, broad jump and three-cone drill. Here is a link to the combined drills done by NFL hopefuls.
Entry Information: Those interested in participating can sign up for the combine on the USF Athletics Facebook Page. If you are a Facebook member (if not, sign up here), simply reply to the note on the USF Combine. Only serious competitors need apply.
What You Win: The winner of each drill will receive a pair of tickets to the USF at Florida State game on September 26.
When: Preliminary competitions will be held Saturday, April 4. The finals of each drill will be held during the Spring Football game on the field at Raymond James Stadium. The winning scores will be displayed on the jumbotron with the best scores from the current USF Football Team.
Eligibility Requirements: High-school students and high school aged individuals are not eligible to compete in this contest per NCAA Rules. High school coaches are also not eligible.
More Information on the Combine Tests:
40-Yard Dash
The 40-yard dash is the marquee event at the combine. It's kind of like the 100-meters at the Olympics: It's all about speed, explosion and watching skilled athletes run great times. These athletes are timed at 10, 20 and 40-yard intervals. What the scouts are looking for is an explosion from a static start.
Broad Jump
The broad jump is like being in gym class back in junior high school. Basically, it is testing an athlete's lower-body explosion and lower-body strength. The athlete starts out with a balanced stance and then he/she explodes out as far as possible. It tests explosion and balance, because he/she has to land without moving.
Three-Cone Drill
The three-cone drill tests an athlete's ability to change directions at a high speed. Three cones in an L-shape. He/She starts from the starting line, goes 5 yards to the first cone and back. Then, he/she turns, runs around the second cone, runs a weave around the third cone, which is the high point of the L, changes directions, comes back around that second cone and finishes.
Shuttle Run
The short shuttle is the first of the cone drills. It is known as the 5-10-5. What it tests is the athlete's lateral quickness and explosion in short areas. The athlete starts in the three-point stance, explode out 5 yards to his/her right, touches the line, goes back 10 yards to the left, left hand touches the line, pivot, and then turns and run five more yards and finishes.
