Who's USF's strongest? Clebert, easily

Just got a hold of USF's new weekly football notes, and one new feature lists USF's top performances in the strength and agility drills you hear a lot about at the NFL Draft.

Who stands out the most among the big numbers? Defensive tackle Richard Clebert, praised for his work in the weight room this offseason, is listed as being able to bench 540 pounds, a full 100 more than his closest teammates, guard Matt Huners and defensive tackle Julian Riley. More impressively, Clebert is listed as being able to bench-press 225 pounds a staggering 43 times -- the closest anyone else can go is Huners and Riley at 30 times each. As recently as 2005, the NFL combine record was 43 reps, and last year's highest total was N.C. State's Tank Tyler, who wowed scouts with 42 reps.

-- The team's highest vertical leap? That'd be linebacker Sam Miller and defensive tackle Alonzo McQueen at 37 inches each. Just a half-inch behind are running back Aston Samuels, receiver Marcus Edwards and injured receiver Colby Erskin. Edwards has the team's fastest time in the 300-yard shuttle drill (it's five 60-yard sprints), with a time of 43.45 seconds; receiver A.J. Love is second at 44.92, just ahead of receiver Patrick Richardson 44.95. Next fastest? Quarterback Grant Gregory, timed at 45.37.

-- Also listed are the bench-press leaders at each position: at defensive back, it's Mike Jenkins and Jamaal Jenkins at 370 pounds and 21 reps; at defensive end, Jarriett Buie (430, 29); defensive tackle, it's Clebert (540, 43); linebacker is Sam Miller (415, 27); offensive line is Matt Huners (440, 30); quarterback is Gregory (355, 19), running back is freshman Richard Kelly (380, 22); tight end is Ben Busbee (370, 21) and receiver is walk-on Antwon Hanks (365, 20).

OK. That's sure to generate some comments -- all that's missing are the 40-yard times. What impresses you the most here? If Clebert's numbers are legit -- and I had 'em double-checked -- that's a huge boost to his NFL stock next April. Thoughts? Take it easy when posting your own superlatives. On a good day, I'm typing like 60 words per minute. They might not be spelled remotely correct, but we're just talking speed here. Bring it, you hunt-and-peckers ...

Comments

[Matt Sufficool]

Greg,

Is there a possibility that we could see the release in its entirety.

Thanks,

Matt

[G.A.]

USF puts its game notes online, so you guys get to see everything that we do. Here's a link:

http://admin.xosn.com/pdf7/82464.pdf?SPSID=37319&SPID=2981&KEY=CXHCZRCHNLITKAC.20070828125704&DB_ACCOUNT_TYPE=AGENT&skip_agent_menus=NO&DB_MENU_ID=313&skip_agent_info=NO&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=7700

[Dave]

I am surprised that Hanks is the strongest WR. Considering his speed, he might really emerge as a great player. What are his weaknesses?

Also, these numbers ought to get Clebert into the NFL draft if he can replicate them at the combine.

[BiggTipp]

is the link one that i can bookmark that will be updated each week or is it a different url for each game?

[G.A.]

I think that link will change each week, but USF posts it on its official site, so it shouldn't be hard to find by Tuesday each week.

[cee]

combine numbers have nothing to do with success on the field. we will get manhandled by Auburn. blessings sometimes come in disguises; so hopefully, it will end leavitt and the casual USF fans' ego trip.

[Apis Bull]

cee, so only casual USF fans are happy with the direction of the team and all of the so-called, "die hards" want CJL to be fired?

[steve oneal]

cee, so combine numbers(which actually measure athletic ability)have no bearing on a players ability,but stars assigned by publications and journalists opinions are the absolute measure of an athlete and its program!I am a booster,season ticket holder.I travel to road games.I do not like everything about the program, but darn near everything.I don't believe you are a fan. I'm sure I'll see you at all home games. I'll be the fan with the green&gold face and the BULLS logo tattoos on my shoulders.GOOO BULLS!!!