Arkansas defensive end Trey Flowers strung together an impressive series of game films for NFL scouts to evaluate this fall, including a huge performance against the Razorbacks' toughest opponent of the season in Alabama. But as football season moves into draft season, NFL prospects like Flowers will also have to prove themselves in drills that test their athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine and at on-campus pro day workouts.
Flowers got a jump on that scrutiny this week with a stunning display of athleticism for a 270-pound lineman -- a 55-inch box jump -- that was captured on video:
Of course, the box jump isn't a combine drill. But the way Arkansas coach Bret Bielema sees it, the explosiveness Flowers shows here will translate just fine when it comes to the physical testing that awaits Flowers in Indianapolis: Things like the vertical jump and the broad jump, for instance.
Flowers gave some consideration to turning pro after last season, but in part on the advice of Bielema, he stayed for his senior year. Much like LSU offensive tackle La'el Collins, that decision resulted in a big senior season that has pushed his draft stock in the right direction. Flowers led Arkansas in sacks (five) and tackles for loss (13.5) this year, and broke up six passes at the line of scrimmage. He also played his best in the Razorbacks' biggest games, including a three-TFL, one-sack day against Alabama.
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