Mays recorded an unofficial time of 4.24 on his first attempt. Wow.

That time, if it stands, would tie Tennessee running back Chris Johnson for the fastest time recorded in combine history. Mays’ time is even more impressive due to his incredible size, 6-foot-3, 230-pounds.

“If a man runs a 4.24 here at 231 pounds, all these egos in these bleachers are thinking, ‘I can work with that,’” said NFL Network analyst and a guy that knows something about having elite speed, Deion Sanders.

There were talks that the USC safety could be slipping into the second-round range, but his unbelievable time could have just secured him a spot in round one.

Mays will need to continue his performance during on the field drill to answer questions about his ball skill and fluidity in his hips. Mike Mayock pointed out that the fast 40 time does not automatically mean elite player.

“I know he’s a specimen,” Mayock said. “I know he’s an unbelievable athlete. I know he’s a freak. I get all that. What you’ve got to see on tape is him making a play. You’ve got two picks in three years. You’ve got to get around the football more often.”

UPDATE: Taylor Mays ran the fastest time of any defensive back at this year’s combine, however, his official time was adjusted to a 4.43.

“I’ve seen what people are saying about me on TV.  It’s hard to sit there and watch when they talk about top-five running backs and I’m not one of them. Where’s the love?  They say ‘Toby can’t play running back at the next level.’  I want to show them at these drills.  I’m going to show the people that I can a lot better than they expected,” said Gerhart.

One of the major concerns surrounding Gerhart is his long speed. He is a physical runner with excellent vision and balance, but scouts wanted to see how he timed at the combine.

Perhaps no player had as much riding on the 40-yard dash as the Gerhart. After his first unofficial time, the 2009 Doak Walker Award winner did not disappoint. He ran posted a time of 4.53 seconds.

The time answered a lot of questions surrounding Gerhart and he should see his stock secured in the second-round range.

Courtesy of Athletic Republic

The 2010 NFL Scouting Combine gets underway tomorrow in Indianapolis. While the combine isn’t the only piece of the puzzle in determining a top draft prospect, it can improve a players stock if they answer questions about athletic ability.

One player who can make a big impact this weekend is Stanford running back Toby Gerhart. Gerhart was one of the most productive athletes in college football this past season, however, he is currently projected as a third-round pick due to his lack of explosiveness. There is no questioning Gerhart’s vision and overall ability, but his lack of breakaway speed could turn some teams away and have others looking at moving him to fullback.

Gerhart looks at this as a great opportunity and he will be looking to make the most of it.

The combine is nerve-racking, but it’s a great opportunity to showcase myself,” Gerhart told Lynn Hoppes of ESPN.com’s Page 2.  “I want to be there with other running backs.  I want to compete against them.  I want to show the GMs, the owners and the coaches. . . .

“I’ve seen what people are saying about me on TV.  It’s hard to sit there and watch when they talk about top-five running backs and I’m not one of them. Where’s the love?  They say ‘Toby can’t play running back at the next level.’  I want to show them at these drills.  I’m going to show the people that I can a lot better than they expected.”

The Stanford product has been working this offseason with Athletic Republic to improve his speed and agility for the “Underwear Olympics” — a term that the folks at ProFootballTalk.com so often use.

While speed is not the only thing that makes a solid NFL running back, it catches the eyes of scouts and NFL personnel. If Gerhart goes into the combine and puts all of his hard work on display, he could work his way into the top five running backs in this class.

1. C.J. Spiller, Clemson

Spiller is an explosive back that has scouts drooling. He has drawn comparisons to current Saints running back Reggie Bush, but Spiller has a more solid build and his legs don’t go dead on first contact like Bush. Spiller also has added value with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield and he will contribute in the returning game.

As a receiver, the Clemson back runs excellent routes and has great hands. He would be a perfect change of pace back and will be utilized in many positions. You could see Spiller in the backfield, lined up at slot or even split out wide.

Spiller will need to work on his pass protection and he isn’t going to be effective around the goal line, however, his explosiveness and versatility along with his patience and vision will land him in the top of the draft.

Grade: Top 15 pick
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2. Ryan Mathews, Fresno State

The nation’s leading rusher Ryan Mathews, unlike C.J. Spiller, has the size (5′11, 220) to become an every down back in the NFL. He has incredible footwork and balance. He proved during his time at Fresno State that he can handle the main load while still maintaining his speed.

Mathews will need to improve as a receiving threat, but he is a very reliable ball carrier.

What he lacks in the receiving game, Mathews more than makes up for it with his ball security and toughness. In his 535 career carries, Mathews only allowed the ball to hit the turf three times.

Mathews runs with power and he still has the ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces. If Mathews see a gap he will beat the defender to the spot and take the ball all the way to the endzone.

Grade: Top 25 pick

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3. Jahvid Best, California

Jahvid Best has been out of action since November 7 when he suffered a serious concussion against Oregon State. Best is another speed back, which this class is heavy on.

He has elite speed, but what makes him dangerous is his ability to maintain that speed in and out of the cuts. Best always keeps his feet moving and that allows him to pick up some extra yards. He does need to get stronger and run with more power, but with his elusiveness and vision, Best will be able to find the hole.

Best also brings the added value as a receiving threat. He has soft hands and is brilliant in open space. He runs with a low pad level that will make him a challenge to bring down for defensive backs.

Grade: First-round pick

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4. Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss

McCluster is the most exciting player in this year’s draft. He is the jack of all trades and has really seen his value skyrocket in the offseason. McCluster blew scouts away at the Senior Bowl with his ability to play both running back and wide receiver.

With his lack of size (5-foot-6, 165-pounds), McCluster will likely be drafted as a running back and could see himself filling the “Darren Sproles” role for an offense. The running style is similar, however, the Ole Miss back is a much better passing threat than Sproles.

McCluster will be highly valued with his home run ability. Offensive coordinators will be lobbying to take this guy in the teams war rooms on draft day.

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5. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech

Dwyer is one of the top power backs in this year’s class. At 235-pounds, he runs with incredible power and will not shy away from contact. Dwyer had 517 carries during his time at Georgia Tech and he never recorded a fumble in his collegiate career.

His numbers are not as eye-dropping as some other prospects, but that is mainly due to his role in the Yellow Jackets triple-option offense. Dwyer served as the fullback where most of his work was done inside the tackles.

While his numbers may have suffered, his leg strength and bruising running style was highlighted.

Grade: mid to late second-round pick

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Some fans have released a “tribute” song if you would want to call it that. The song is sung to the tune of Soul Asylum’s Runaway Train.

“Runaway Lane” is quite the catchy tune. Lines such as, “You’re lucky that Monte Kiffin is your dad” and “the PAC 10 is what you’re cravin’, you had no chance against Urban and Saban” leave you both nodding your head and chuckling at the same time.

There is a video included that features some surprisingly impressive — and hilarious — images to accompany the song.

Enjoy!

Click to enlarge

It is common knowledge that Pete Carroll is leaving his job at the University of Southern California to head up north and coach the Seattle Seahawks. Carroll’s charity – A Better LA — will be staying and the organization is has taken to one of the Internet’s top comedy websites, FunnyOrDie.com.

A Better LA and Carroll have teamed up for this video which also features Rob Riggler from The Hangover and Funny People’s Aubrey Plaza. The video is to promote a comedy benefit for A Better LA that will include the likes of Will Ferrell, Nick Swardson, Demitri Martin, Tenacious D and others. 100% of the ticket revenue will go to the American Red Cross to aid in Haiti relief efforts.

“After careful thought and deliberation, I have decided to withdraw from Stanford University for the winter quarter in order to fully devote my energies towards the pursuit of my dream of playing in the NFL,” Gerhart said in a statement. “While I certainly will miss patrolling left field on the Sunken Diamond or running through the gaping holes created by my O-linemen on the gridiron at Stanford Stadium, I will forever cherish the camaraderie, friendships, and memories that I forged here at Stanford with all my friends, teammates, and coaches.

“I want to give special thanks to Coach Harbaugh for resurrecting the program, running backs coach Willie Taggart for making me the player I am today, and the Tunnel Workers Union (O-Line) for doing the dirty work which made my life easier. We’ve been through a lot of adversity during my time here, but I’m extremely proud to have been part of the class that brought Stanford football back to national prominence.

“Most of all, I wish to thank the entire student body, and Stanford fans everywhere, for the tremendous support and boundless enthusiasm they have shown us over the past four years.

“I have been blessed to have spent time at this special place and have seen first-hand how the Stanford family takes care of not just its own members, but the disadvantaged and underprivileged within our community as well. Because of that, I urge Stanford fans everywhere to join me in extending a helping hand to the devastated citizens of Haiti. They need our help now. Whether it’s a small donation of food, bottled water or medical supplies, a monetary gift to the United Nations or the Red Cross, or volunteering whatever aid you can provide, please do so. Keep all those affected and providing rescue in our thoughts and prayers.”

Gerhart rushed for a school record 1,871 yards — averaging 5.5 yards per carry — and lead the nation with 27 touchdowns this season. For his career, Gerhart totaled 3,522 yards rushing and 43 touchdowns.

The former Cardinal star is currently projected as a mid-second to third round selection.

Arizona junior tight end Rob Gronkowski missed all of the 2009 season with a back injury, but that hasn’t stopped him from forgoing his final year of eligibility to declare for the 2010 NFL Draft.

ESPN’s Joe Schad reported the news and also stated that doctors have medically cleared Gronkowski to pursue his dream.

Despite his injury, Gronkowski is looked at as one of the premier tight ends in this year’s draft class. He could hear his name called in the second or third round.

The former Wildcat joins Aaron Hernandez of Florida and Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham as early entries at the tight end position.

Left to right: Dan LeFevour (C. Michigan), Tony Pike (Cincinnati), Sean Canfield (Oregon St.)

lt was announced today that Oregon State’s Sean Canfield, Central Michigan’s Dan LeFevour and Cincinnati’s Tony Pike have all accepted invitations to quarterback the North team during the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

“These three outstanding quarterbacks have certainly proved that they belong in the Senior Bowl,” Senior Bowl President and CEO Steve Hale said. “All three put together impressive careers and we are looking forward to watching them compete here later this month in front of the entire National Football League.”

In an official press release, the Senior Bowl showcased some of the three signal callers accomplishments.

Canfield earned first team All-Pac-10 honors his senior season after throwing for 3,271 yards and 21 touchdowns. His 251.6 passing yards per game was tops in the Pac-10 and he ranked second in the league in passing efficiency at 141.9. He led the Beavers to an 8 and 5 record and Las Vegas Bowl appearance this season while setting the school mark for completion percentage (67.9). The lefty finished his OSU career with 5,970 passing yards and 38 touchdowns, both of which are fourth on the school’s all-time list.

LeFevour, a first team All-MAC pick in 2009, will be making his second trip to Mobile this month after claiming Most Valuable Player honors in the Chippewas’ double-overtime victory over Troy in the GMAC Bowl. The 6-3, 228 pound quarterback is the only player in NCAA history to pass for 12,000 yards and rush for 2,500 yards in a career. He is also a scoring machine, accounting for 150 career touchdowns (102 passing, 47 rushing, 1 receiving) in his illustrious career—the most in Bowl Subdivision history.

In 2009, LeFevour won the Vern Smith Leadership Award (MAC Player of the Year) and was a finalist for the Unitas Golden Arm Award, the Manning Award, the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award, and the Wuerffel Trophy. He finished his career with 12,905 passing yards and 2,948 rushing yards. He ranks second in FBS history in total offense (15,853) and joins fellow Senior Bowler Tim Tebow of Florida as the only other player to pass for and run for 20 or more touchdowns in a single season.

Pike was a first team All-Big EAST selection in 2009 after leading the conference with 2,520 passing yards. Despite missing three games due to injury, Pike also led the Big EAST in total offense—averaging 252.6 yards per game. The 6-6, 225 pound quarterback threw 29 touchdowns this season and helped the Bearcats to a perfect 12-0 regular season finish and Big EAST conference title. For his career, Pike threw for 5,018 yards and 49 touchdowns, finishing fourth and second respectively on Cincinnati’s all-time list.

“I just hope to expand on what I did my senior year,” Oregon State QB Sean Canfield said. “Coming into the year not a whole lot of people knew who I was, but each week it became more and more of a reality that I would get a chance to play at the next level. I’m looking forward to showcasing my skills to all the scouts and teams. Throwing the football is something I love and hopefully I’ll show scouts that I can make all the throws and make the reads in a pro-style system which I was groomed in by Oregon State coach Mike Riley.”

“This is a great opportunity and the finest way to showcase my talents against the top players in the nation,” LeFevour said. “I think once I get down there and show that I belong with the guys, it will be a great experience, a lot of fun and a lot of hard work too.”

The Senior Bowl will take place on January 30th at 3:00 pm E.T. It will be televised on the NFL Network

“I’m staying,” Gable said. “I think it’s better for me to end off on a good note.”

When asked about new head coach Lane Kiffin, Gable responded, “Not everything is going to be the same. It’s going to be good. It’ll be a new energy because it’s a new coach. We just have to buy into it.”

Gable had grown unhappy with his carries and was eying a potential move to the NFL.

However, fellow running back Joe McKnight announced earlier this year that he would bolt for the NFL, which should create more opportunities for Gable.

Gable has played under Lane Kiffin before. It was his freshman season back in 2006 where he had the most carries of his career (111) that year. Kiffin was the team’s offensive coordinator.