The Husky Combine is one of the most exciting events of the offseason. The popularity of athletic testing numbers has skyrocketed over the last 10-15 years, and the yearly event held at Dempsey Indoor captures the attention of Husky Nation. With some of the best all-around athletes the team has had in recent memory, there are some numbers that deserve your attention.
Note: all comparison numbers were taken from this tracker courtesy of steelersdepot.com. Since there was no official NFL Combine in 2021, their numbers were compiled from various pro days across the country. All numbers for timing were taken from their 2020 chart, as the 2020 NFL Combine took place, and used laser timing, which is what the NFL considers an “official” measurement.
The first player we’ll take a look at is Trent McDuffie. He took the top spot on the team in the broad jump, which tests lower-body explosion, with a 10′ 9.5″ leap. When compared to defensive backs in the 2021 NFL Draft cycle, McDuffie’s impressive jump would place him seventh among all DB’s who participated in their various pro days across the country. McDuffie also showed off an insane vertical jump of 41.5 inches, which would’ve placed him in a tie for third among defensive backs in 2021 with the eighth overall pick, Jaycee Horn.
One of the biggest winners of the day was without a doubt, safety Dominique Hampton. The 6,3, 225-pound safety showed up all over the leaderboards, with a 38.5 inch vertical jump, 4.45 second 40-yard dash, and a 10’2.5″ broad jump, which were all top-five among the team. If Hampton is able to earn a starting spot this fall, it won’t be long before NFL scouts are banging down Jimmy Lake’s door to get a closer look at him.
The Huskies will also be looking for a playmaker to step up at wide receiver, and redshirt freshman Rome Odunze tested very well in his first Husky Combine. Most notably, Odunze came in first on the team with an incredible 6.71 three-cone drill, which would’ve placed second in the 2020 combine, behind only New York Jets’ second-round pick, receiver Denzel Mims. He also showed off a 4.45 second 40-yard dash, proving that he has what it takes to be a true deep threat this fall.
Lastly, even though it isn’t an official combine test, offensive lineman Troy Fautanu’s 500-pound front squat deserves a lot of attention. The former four-star prospect has been patiently waiting his turn to start along the offensive line, and while that might not come this fall, he looks like the next superstar in waiting in Scott Huff’s elite group. As he continues to add strength to his exceptional frame and ability to pull in the run game, he’s going to be a monster in the run game.
