Former Hawaii football player Mike Edwards has learned the NFL Scouting Combine is about numbers.
Speed is measured in hundredths of a second over 40 yards. Strength is assessed in bench-press repetitions of 225 pounds.
Names are digits. For the next three days at the combine, Edwards is "DB 11." That ID code is written on his Under Armour T-shirts and sweatshirts, as well as medical forms.
"I’ve got two No. 1s," he mused.
Edwards, like other defensive backs, spent several hours at an Indianapolis hospital Saturday, where they underwent a variety of medical tests. Edwards said he underwent an X-ray and an MRI on his surgically repaired left shoulder. He underwent an operation in January 2012 and, although there was some discomfort in the middle of this past season, no additional surgery was recommended.
"The shoulder is OK," Edwards said. "Everything has been good. They did another MRI on my shoulder to make sure everything is good."
Edwards was invited as a cornerback and kickoff returner. He will participate in defensive back drills, as well as all of the measuring disciplines.
Edwards, who had trained in Arizona the past two months, said his goal is to bench press 225 pounds at least 18 times.
At UH, he repeatedly ran 40 yards in less than 4.5 seconds. His goal is to run a sub-4.4. In Arizona, he worked on his push-off and arm motions.
"We’re shooting for the stars in the 40," Edwards said.
Edwards had extensive interviews with three NFL teams on Saturday. More interviews are scheduled for today. Despite the hectic schedule, Edwards said, "You try to get as much rest as you can. You’re not going to get as much as you want. When you can, rest up."
Edwards shares a room with former Utah State cornerback Willie Davis. He spent some time briefly with former UH punter Alex Dunnachie and long-snapper Luke Ingram. Dunnachie is one of seven punters invited to the combine. Ingram is the lone long-snapper. Dunnachie participated only in punting drills. Ingram performed snapping drills. Ingram ran the 40 in 5.05 seconds, benched 225 pounds 24 times and had a broad jump of 8 feet, 10 inches. Dunnachie and Ingram completed their combine workouts Saturday afternoon.
