Originally published on sportingnews.com. Read full article here.
INDIANAPOLIS — The most important workouts of the year for top draft prospects takes place this weekend at the NFL Scouting Combine.
That’s not the case for Brett Toth.
The standout offensive lineman knows the numbers posted in events like the 40-yard dash and bench press are critical components in the talent evaluation being made by NFL teams. Toth, though, is far more worried about conquering two other physical challenges in the coming weeks.
And understandably so.
As part of his obligations as a West Point cadet, Toth is required to pass the U.S. Army Physical Fitness Test — including a two-mile run in 15 minutes or less — and complete an 11-segment indoor obstacle course that he admits “kicks my butt just about every time I do it.”
The 6-5 Toth reported to the Combine at 290 pounds, which is 15 pounds below his college playing weight, because being lighter will make the military testing easier. Toth did not participate in any of the Combine drills for offensive linemen Friday but will have a workout for NFL scouts before April’s draft.
Toth said he prepared as best he could for the Combine at Parisi Speed School in Fair Lawn, N.J., while keeping in mind his football training could only go so far.
“I can see the transfer over between the agility (drills), the sprints and quick-twitch drills,” he said. “But what’s actually difficult are the explosive drills and strength drills because that doesn’t really carry over as much (to military testing).”
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