NFL Scouting Combine 2013: Marquise Goodwin Aiming to Better Chris Johnson’s 40 Time
By Josh Sanchez
Former Texas Longhorns wide receiver Marquise Goodwin was an Olympic medalist in track and field, so there is little doubt that he is a candidate to test off the charts at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine this weekend. Goodwin displayed amazing straight line speed in Mobile, Alabama at the Senior Bowl. Now, Goodwin is hoping to show off his speed at the combine in the 40-yard dash.
Not only is Goodwin hoping to run an impressive 40-yard dash time, but he is aiming to run the fastest time ever beating Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson.
“I want to run the fastest [40] ever,” Goodwin told reporters on Friday. “That’s my goal. Chris Johnson, 4.24, fully automated, so . . . that’s my goal.
“I’m looking to run the fastest, but I want to prove that I’m more than a speed guy,” he said.
“I can run routes. . . . I’m definitely not a track guy playing football. I’m a football guy that just happens to jump really far. . . . I want to show I can catch the ball away from my body. Anyone can run a 40. . . . Track guys just really have linear speed. I have proved I have more than linear speed. Track guys are known for not being able to catch, for not having good hands. I run routes, get out of my breaks. I can run other routes other than just running the nine. I’m tough. I have taken on hits, I’ve blocked. I even got MVP for blocking one game and I didn’t even touch a ball that game. I don’t think a track guy could go out there and get MVP for blocking.”
If Goodwin can blow up the combine, he will shoot up draft boards.
There is already a lot of buzz about the former Olympian’s game leading up to the draft, so a strong showing in Indianapolis could seal the deal of his fast rise.