Branch and Thomas Shine at NFL Scouting Combine
 INDIANAPOLIS,
Ind. (February 26, 2008) -
Former Huskies Tyvon Branch and Donald Thomas represented the
University of Connecticut football program with pride this past week
at the annual NFL Scouting Combine at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis.
Branch tested on Tuesday along with the rest of
the defensive backs in attendance.
The Cicero, N.Y. native ran the
40-yard dash in 4.31 seconds, the fastest time of the day and tied
for the second-fastest time overall at the entire week-long combine.
Only running back Chris Johnson of East Carolina ran faster,
clocking in at 4.24 seconds. Branch also tied for fifth amongst
cornerbacks in the bench press with 19 reps.
Branch also impressed scouts during the 2008
Hula Bowl week in Honolulu last month. Thomas also played in the
Hula Bowl. After the game he flew to Houston to also participate in
the annual East-West Shrine Bowl.
 On
Saturday, Donald Thomas stacked up favorably against his fellow
draft-eligible offensive linemen.
The
West Haven, Conn. native was second
amongst offensive linemen in the 40-yard dash (5.00 seconds). He
also tied for 12th in the bench press with 28 reps and
was fifth in the 3-cone drill with a time of 7.45 seconds. Perhaps
more importantly for an offensive lineman, Thomas’s 40-yard dash
included the combine’s fastest 10-yard split (1.72 seconds) and the
third-best 20-yard split (2.89 seconds) amongst offensive linemen.
In addition to the measured tests like those
above and having their physical measurements taken, prospects also
perform on-field individual position group drills for the benefit of
general managers, head coaches and scouts, the results of which are
far more subjective. Prospects also take a Wonderlic aptitude test,
a Cybex test, have injuries evaluated and are often individually
interviewed by interested NFL franchises.
The 2008 NFL Draft will be held April 26-27 in
New York City.
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