That should read "the magic number for black corners is 4.60." The "magic number" for White safeties and receivers is 4.40. The magic number for White running backs is 4.50 -- Toby Gerhart ran a 4.51 at the Combine at his size and still there was clamoring to move him to fullback. Matt Jones ran 4.37 and still BSPN listed him as a tight end during their draft coverage in 2005. I'd imagine the "magic number" for a White cornerback would have to be 4.30 or faster, and even then he'd be moved to safety in the NFL.
I still remember Brian Leonard at the combine and Dick Vermeil's full bore caste comments. Marshall Faulk playing the role of scared negro dat de white man gunna tak his pozition as well. This is also back when I had some faith that Mayock would be a game changer and opponent of the caste system - boy was I wrong! I just did a quick google search and someone actually transcribed the whole commentary. The caste system in a nutshell:
The following discussion took place when Brian Leonard was doing his vertical leap.
Mike Mayock: began pointing out that Leonard made a statement by losing 12 pounds after the season in preparation for the Combine. “He said, ‘I’m a tailback. That‘s what I want to be. I’m gonna come out, I’m gonna run, I’m gonna lift, I’m gonna show you I can play tailback at the next level.’ I believe that’s what he wants to be.”
Dick Vermeil: he’d be better off putting 12 pounds on and go to 250.
Rich Eisen: *laughs*
Marshall Faulk: *laughs* “There’s a shortage of good fullbacks. There’s a shortage of ‘em.”
Dick Vermeil: *laughs* “Oh, he’s right. Ask Marshall, when you’re playing a good one, you love ‘em boy.” *laughs some more*
Marshall Faulk: “They’re hard to find.”
Dick Vermeil: *more laughter*
Mike Mayock: “But let me ask you a question… But what if he’s talented enough to be a tailback? Aren’t we shortchanging the kid?”
Marshall Faulk: “Then you become a REALLY good fullback. Because you can read where the running back is carrying the ball.”
Dick Vermeil: *laughs*
Rich Eisen: “He had a 34 and a ½ inch vertical leap.”
Dick Vermeil: “Yeah, but the competition at that same position is totally different.”
Rich Eisen: “34 and a half for Brian Leonard.”
Incidentally, Leonard’s verticals was slightly higher than average for running backs. He leads the running backs in the bench press, with 28 reps of 225 pounds.
When it came time for Brian to run the 40, here was the discussion as Leonard did his thing…
Mike Mayock: “Okay coach, here comes your fullback and my tailback. Let‘s see what he does, alright big guy?”
Marshall Faulk: “Well, his time is going to let us know what position he is.”
Mike Mayock: “He’s got quicker feet, better feet than you give him credit for. When you put the tape on and watch him make a cut in the hole, I think you’ll be surprised.”
Dick Vermeil: “But he was not their starting running back.”
Mike Mayock: “He was for three years. They’ve got a real special sophomore named Ray Rice.”
Dick Vermeil: *laughs* “Yeah, okay. And the special ones usually play in the NFL.” *laughs some more*
Marshall Faulk: *laughs*
Mike Mayock: I still… Yeah, okay... We’ll see.
Marshall Faulk: *laughs* His time will tell let us know what position.
Dick Vermeil: I hope he does. I’m not against him at all, I just know there’s a tremendous need for fullback players.”
Mike Mayock: “He’s not a great blocker.”
Rich Eisen: “Well, as you just saw, he’s clocked in at 226 pounds here in Indianapolis, and we’ll see what he does in this 40.”
Mike Mayock: I think he had 28 reps at two and a quarter, and he had 205 receptions as a running back in college.”
~Brian runs~
Dick Vermeil: “Well, pretty good. Probably a 4.6 there, a 4.7... ”
Mike Mayock: “I think he’s… I want to say…”
Rich Eisen: “How about a 4.49?”
Dick Vermeil: “That’s alright.”
Rich Eisen: “How about a 4.49?”
Mike Mayock: “Okay coach, what is he now? Tailback. Fullback?”
Marshall Faulk: “Guy might be a situational halfback.” *laughs* “Might be a situational halfback.”
Dick Vermeil: “I hope whatever he is…”*stunned silence*
Mike Mayock: “Or a West Coast fullback, where he can catch the football. This guy catches the football as well as any back in the country.”
Marshall Faulk: “He could be that.”
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The very next back was Marshawn Lynch, who ran a 4.52... Vermeil said, “That’s fast enough. Believe me.”
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Brian runs a 4.49, no comment. Marshwan runs a 4.52 and "hey, that's fast enough".
I mean, it just really seems like people are short changing the guy.
