Sooners Combine Update: Ronnell shines, Big Frank missing
CAMPUS CORNER — Three Sooners were scheduled to be in action today at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis: linebackers Ronnell Lewis and Travis Lewis, as well as defensive end Frank Alexander.
Let’s start with Alexander. The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year curiously tweeted this last night: “Minor setback for a major comeback! Gotta keep my head high and keep on pressing #Godisgood.” He told someone shortly thereafter that he would not be able to participate today.
Alexander played the second half of the 2011 season with a bad shoulder – I believe he said it was a stinger – and it flared toward the end of the season. That could be a culprit, with Alexander and his representation choosing to save any workouts for OU’s March 14 Pro Day. In any case, no Big Frank in Indy.
Like I presumed, Ronnell Lewis started wowing teams Sunday, benching 225 pounds 36 times – more than any linebacker, and second of anyone at the Combine. (Michigan center David Molk currently has the high mark, at 41.)
Lewis followed that up Monday with a 4.68-second 40, solid considering he is one of those end-linebacker hybrid types. I was surprised Lewis did not fare better in the vertical (31 inches). You just about expect him to do anything, jump over the vert keys or something, given how gifted he is.
One of the analysts there, National Football Post’s Dion Caputi said, Lewis “had a very nice overall workout” and “was one of the real winners” Monday. That’s not surprising, based on the type of animal Lewis is. He’s built for stuff like this. How did he do when he spoke with teams? How would he fit as an NFL linebacker? Those are the pressing questions about Lewis, R. exiting this week.
Just saw on NFL Net that Travis Lewis tweaked a hamstring in his first 40 run. NFL.com says his first run was a 4.88 (yeesh!), so we’ll assume the leg surely had something to do with that. Remember that teammate Don Stephenson, an offensive tackle, ran a 4.91 on Saturday.
That’s a blow for Lewis, who obviously had intended to go through the drills. Pressure will be turned up for Pro Day in Norman. Earlier, he did at least turn in a 10-foot, 2-inch broad jump, sixth among linebackers. So he might let that stand.
The only Sooner left to perform tomorrow is cornerback Jamell Fleming. I doubt he’ll set a lot of high/low numbers in the workouts, but I’ll bet scouts like the way he works in the ball/hip drills. He earned a lot of high marks for his Senior Bowl practices. Curious to see what the buzz about him is after Tuesday.
