Will Henry Ruggs III break the fastest combine 40 of all time?
John Ross has the fastest combine 40 ever but former Alabama receiver Henry Ruggs III is coming for his record.
Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III is set to take the field for the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine in primetime on Thursday evening. Ruggs is already viewed as a consensus first round prospect by draft analysts, and his testing numbers will only confirm what many have already seen on tape from him.
He has big aspirations beyond cementing his status as a first-rounder. Ruggs wants to break the all-time 40-yard dash record.
The 40 record was held by running back Chris Johnson for nearly a decade when he posted a time of 4.24 seconds in 2008 and was the No. 24 pick by the Tennessee Titans.
In 2017, Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross broke the record, with a 4.22-second dash. His time made him the No. 9 pick by the Cincinnati Bengals that year. Ross still holds that record, but it’s definitely in jeopardy with Ruggs having the time in sight.
As a sophomore, Ruggs ran 4.25 at Alabama’s junior pro day. That time first put him on the radar as someone who could potentially leap into the record books.
Earlier this week, Ruggs said his goal was to be the fastest ever. It’s clearly a big priority for him, especially when plenty of his game is predicated on using his speed to create separation. He’s even talked about potentially running an insane 4.19, which is the hand-timed record, held by Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders.
As we wait for Henry Ruggs to go after @WatchJRoss' combine record in the 40 (4.22), let me tell you about the fastest 40s I've ever timed. In 1986, I had Bo Jackson at 4.19 on my watch and three years later in New Orleans, Deion Sanders matched it.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) February 27, 2020
So, the big question remains. Can Ruggs actually break the record Ross holds?
He’s betting on himself.
“I’m always going to bet on myself,” he said during his combine press conference. “I’m very confident in what I do.”
That 4.25 last season has held water over time, and if he’s in the area, it’s entirely possible.
Draft prospects get a ton of time to train to perform their best in the 40-yard dash to improve and perfect their times for the combine. If anyone can break the record, it’s Ruggs.
Beyond running a record 40, Ruggs also hopes to showcase his improved route-running ability and that he’s a complete receiver, not just a burner.
“I want to showcase my catching ability,” he said Tuesday, via Al.com. “My route running has picked up over the years. Show that I’m a complete receiver and I can do everything that you need me to do.”
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