Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
Hurst also falls into the category of “just show up.” The Michigan star had to sit out the combine after a surprise heart condition diagnosis in the physical eval in Indianapolis. His health became the foremost concern, not just his NFL career.
Luckily for Hurst, doctors cleared him and he was able to work out in front of NFL scouts. The numbers weren’t the crucial part, and in fact, some of them weren’t all that impressive. But those who like Hurst as a prospect won’t be phased.
His relentless style and edge can’t be measured by stopwatches, nor can his hand usage and want-to. I’m not the biggest fan of Hurst as a prospect, but I’m a fan of the kid for overcoming such a potentially scary obstacle.
Getting back on the field couldn’t have been easy. Assuming NFL doctors clear him — and some doctors may feel differently than others — this was a critical step forward for Hurst.