NFL Draft: Samaje Perine Out-Lifts Offensive Linemen

NFL Scouting Combine workouts began Thursday afternoon in Indianapolis

Young men will be pursuing their dreams this weekend at the NFL Scouting Combine as they prepare to show off their talents to NFL coaches and executives.

On Thursday the running backs and offensive linemen took to the bench press to show off their upper body strength, and they certainly did not disappoint.

Of the offensive linemen who lifted on Thursday, 4 of the 40 surpassed the 30 rep mark: Isaac Asiata from Utah, Forrest Lamp from Western Kentucky, Aviante Collins from TCU, and Jermaine Eleumunor.

Offensive linemen are expected to dominate the bench press. Running backs on the other hand, not so much.

That is, unless you’re Oklahoma running back Samaje Perine.

Perine not only out-lifted all 29 of the running backs who participated in the bench press, but performed better than 36 offensive linemen by putting up 30 reps on the bench.

Watch Perine attack the bench press on the video below.

Last year at the Combine two running backs (turned fullbacks) benched the same amount of reps as Perine: Andy Janovich and Dan Vitale, both of whom were drafted in the sixth round last year.

Unlike Vitale and Janovich Perine will certainly not transition into a fullback at the NFL level. He’s developed into mid-round draft pick with starting potential in the NFL if given the opportunity.

Later this week and throughout the weekend the remaining prospects will arrive in Indianapolis and compete in similar workouts and drills as they look to move up on draft boards.