DALLAS -- Cornerback Doran Grant wants to call himself the fastest player on the Ohio State roster, but hesitates.
"The tape on that will get around," he said.
Nevertheless, when asked about this display in the OSU football building, Grant acknowledged at the College Football Playoff Media Day that his 40-yard dash time of 4.32 seconds is as good as any on the roster, and legitimately recorded, as well.
"I possibly could be the fastest guy on this team. Braxton (Miller) thinks he's the fastest guy on the team, but I know I'm in the top three," Grant said. "We always talk about it."
The display reflects last year's team, with departed cornerback Bradley Roby topping the list with a 4.26. Roby subsequently ran a 4.39 at last year's NFL Scouting Combine, and was drafted in the first round by the Denver Broncos. If Grant can duplicate another 4.32 at this year's combine in Indianapolis next month, his stock in the 2015 NFL Draft will no doubt be on the climb, if it isn't already.
"I think I'll test fine (at the combine), but right now I'm getting ready for this game," Grant said.
The senior helped contain Alabama star Amari Cooper to a 71-yard night in the Sugar Bowl, preventing college football's best receiver from breaking any big plays -- Cooper's longest reception went for just 15 yards. Cooper, a junior, announced his intention to apply for draft entry Friday.
"I've never seen a receiver stick his foot in the ground with that much explosion," Grant said.
An NFC West scout told College Football 24/7 that concerns about Grant's game at the pro level include his lack of size (5-foot-11, 193 pounds) and length. As for his speed, however, Grant said his 4.32 is no joke.
"It's electronic, it's laser timing," Grant said of Ohio State's recording method. "The number doesn't lie."
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
