Gators at the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine – Day 4

By Adam Silverstein
February 27, 2010

ONLY GATORS Get Out Alive will be covering the 10 former Florida Gators players who have been officially invited to participate in the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine (National Invitational Camp) in Indianapolis, IN, at Lucas Oil Stadium each day.

Day four of the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine featured the arrival of Florida Gators linebacker Brandon Spikes and defensive ends Carlos Dunlap and Jermaine Cunningham. Each was measured, completed exams, met with the media, underwent psychological tests and continued their team interviews. All three players arrived Friday for registration, pre-exams, x-rays, orientation and the first round of interviews.

Spikes, Dunlap and Cunningham, who will remain on the same schedule throughout the week, have a meeting with the NFLPA on Sunday along with more psychological tests and interviews. Monday, they will complete the workout (timing, stations, skill drills).

Sunday, quarterback Tim Tebow (Group 05, QB19) and wide receivers Riley Cooper (Group 04, WO12) and Brandon James (Group 04, WO19) will complete the combine workout. However, Tebow (and many other quarterbacks) will not throw.

Linebacker Brandon Spikes (Group 09, LB30)
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 249 lbs.
Arm Length: 33 3/8 in.
Hand Size: 10 in.

Pre-Combine Overview: The leader of the Gators’ defense the last two seasons, Spikes is bring, strong and physical. He was hampered by a variety of injuries including an Achilles in 2009 and was suspended for one game because of an eye gouge. Spikes is great against the run inside and is quick enough to make open field tackles with his arms, though he is not fast. He is strong enough to get by blockers, uses his instincts to track down the ball but has some difficulties in coverage.
Strengths: Size, strength, tough, competitive, productive, athletic, instinctive
Weaknesses: Character, emotions, speed, coverage, blitzing

Defensive end Carlos Dunlap (Group 07, DL13)
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 277 lbs.
Arm Length: 34 5/8 in.
Hand Size: 10 in.

Pre-Combine Overview: Large and quick enough to play defensive end in a 4-3 or 3-4, Dunlap excels against the run but is also capable of rushing the quarterback. Many point inconsistencies in regards to his motor, footwork and technique, but he is naturally athletic and powerful with long arms and solid awareness of his position on the field.
Strengths: Size, strength, speed, power, hands, penetration
Weaknesses: Character, work ethic, other inconsistencies

Defensive end Jermaine Cunningham (Group 07, DL09)
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 266 lbs.
Arm Length: 33 3/4 in.
Hand Size: 10 3/8 in.

Pre-Combine Overview: Though he did not receive the accolades, Cunningham was one of Florida’s best defenders in 2009. He is quick, agile and athletic but not overtly fast. Cunningham has been projected as both a defensive end and outside linebacker but must develop as a pass-rusher. His motor and work ethic make up for a lack of bulk.
Strengths: Athletic, agile, productive, quick, durable, tough
Weaknesses: Instincts, size, strength, power

Center Maurkice Pouncey and tight end Aaron Hernandez (Group 03, TE13) were scheduled to compete in the workout Saturday; however, each encountered difficulties with injuries. Pouncey skipped the bench press while Hernandez decided to skip the entire combine workout, which he will make up at Florida’s Pro Day on March 17.

Center Maurkice Pouncey (Group 07, DL09)
40-yard dash: 5.23
Broad jump: 7 ft. 11 in.
Vertical jump, 3-cone drill, shuttle run, kick-slide, bench press: N/A
Measurements Day 3

Touching down in Indianapolis, IN, and checking into Lucas Oil Stadium Saturday were cornerback Joe Haden (Group 10, DB20) and safety Major Wright. They will take their measurements Sunday.

Read about each player’s day-to-day schedule in Indianapolis after the jump!

The event, which will run for six days from Feb. 24 to March 2, consists of more than 300 players being put through a series of drills, tests and interviews while more than 600 NFL personnel in attendance including coaching staffs, executives, player personnel and medical staff look on and evaluate each of them. It amounts to the final job interview these athletes will participate in before the 2010 NFL Draft commences on April 22.

Schedule:
Travel, Registration, Pre-exam & X-ray, Orientation, Interviews
Wednesday – Groups 1-3; Thursday – Groups 4-6
Friday – Groups 7-9; Saturday – Groups 10, 11

Measurements, Exams, Media, Psych Tests, Interviews
Thursday – Groups 1-3; Friday – Groups 4-6
Saturday – Groups 7-9; Sunday – Groups 10, 11

NFLPA Meeting, Psych Tests, Interviews
Friday – Groups 1-3; Saturday – Groups 4-6
Sunday – Groups 7-9; Monday – Groups 10,11

Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), Departure
Saturday – Groups 1-3; Sunday – Groups 4-6
Monday – Groups 7-9; Tuesday – Groups 10, 11

Gators at the 2010 NFL Combine – Days 6, 7
Gators at the 2010 NFL Combine – Day 5
Gators at the 2010 NFL Combine – Day 3
Gators at the 2010 NFL Combine – Day 2

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