Marshawn at the Combine
Just watched it on NFL Network. Marshawn at the Combine. Running the 40. First time, unofficial, 4.52. Second time, unofficial, 4.49. About 6th or 7th best. Peterson ran faster. Fastest time, 3.32 (IIRC) was Chris Henry of Arizona. Slower than expected, I think, but Marshawn is not a pure speedster.
His running style was crazy. Most people pump their legs as fast as humanly possible during the sprint. He galloped down the 40 meters with this huge stride. The announcer (Rich Eisen) made an odd sound when Marshawn started running. It sounded like an involuntary laugh combined with an attempt to stifle the laugh. An odd sounding grunt, really. I think it was because a)Marshawn looked to be running super slow, b)he had a crazy looking style, and c)he personally hates Cal and wants us to fail. Or mostly just B. But then Marshawn busts out with a 4.49, unofficial. So, that’s good.
We’ll have to wait for the official times later, I think.
Marshall Faulk was an announcer and said that Marshawn looks to be a natural back. He runs with a wide base, which is what you want for a back. They talked about the differences between manufactured speed and functional football speed. Marshawn clearly has the latter.
It was good to see Marshawn run. I hadn’t see him do anything in months. And to see his legs pump like that brings back great memories. Especially of the Cal-UDub game when he would juke his legs to make people miss. while maintaing amazing balance and forward speed.
On NFL Network’s RB big board, they have him listed 2nd behind Peterson. To be expected. I think Marshawn will have a better career, though. Or at least I hope so!
