Combine Notes

Cullen is put through his paces.

Bergstrom had a decent showing at the combine, as he tied for 3rd on the bench press (32 reps), tied for 9th in vertical jump (29.5"), and tied for 13th in the 40 yard dash (5.27 sec). He graded out at 51.2, barely ahead of Cullen (pictured), who got a mark of 51.0. Cullen finished 5th in the 20 yard shuffle (4.59 sec) and 7th in the 3 cone drill (7.58 sec).

Shelby graded out slightly higher than his counterparts at 53.7. He was 3rd in vertical jump (35.5"), tied for 9th in the 3 cone drill (7.09 sec), and tied for 11th in broad jump (9'8"), but his lackluster time in the 40 yard dash (4.96 sec) has Tony Pauline of SI.com putting him in the slider category.

The best combine performance by an athlete with Utah ties was put up by Utah State running back Robert Turbin. He tied for 1st on the bench press (28 reps), took 4th in broad jump (10'2"), tied for 8th in vertical jump (36"), finished 9th in the 40 yard dash (4.5 sec), and tied for 14th in the 20 yard shuttle (4.31 sec) for an overall grade of 74.5. Fellow Aggie Bobby Wagner, a linebacker who figures to be the first player from a Utah school selected in the draft, was unable to participate, as he was hospitalized with pneumonia.

Under Way

Tony Bergstrom, first team All-PAC-12 O-line

The NFL Combine gets under way today, and three former Utes have been invited to participate: Tony Bergstrom, John Cullen, and Derrick Shelby. All three linemen were all- conference selections in the PAC-12 this season. Bergstrom has been rated the 10th best offensive tackle in the 2012 class, and is being projected as a 4th round pick. He's also included in the top ranks of guards by Eric Edholm of ProFootballWeekly.com. Cullen, a second team All-PAC-12 selection, is not listed in the few seven round mock drafts currently available. Their prospects resemble those of last year's participants, Schlauderaff (drafted and traded) and Taylor (undrafted free agent practice squad member).

Shelby is likewise unlisted in full seven round mocks, which is odd considering he was named the national defensive player of the week by the Walter Camp Football Foundation for his play against Pitt. He has been mentioned as a sleeper to watch by Matt Rybaltowski, the Titans correspondent for CBSSports.com. I'd love to see him end up in Tennessee!

Perhaps the biggest name of the bunch is the one that isn't on the list - that's because Star Lotulelei is returning to Utah for his senior season. Lotulelei was also named first team All-PAC-12, and he won the Morris Trophy following a stellar campaign as a junior. The Morris Trophy is voted on by the opposing linemen in the conference, making it true recognition of a player's impact on the field. For comparison, USC's Matt Kalil won the Morris Trophy for offensive linemen, and he is currently projected to be the third overall pick in the draft this April. Lotulelei likely wouldn't be picked that high, but after another outstanding season at Utah he could really make a name for himself!