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Elijah Holyfield was the talk of the NFL Combine Friday, but for all the wrong reasons.
The former Georgia back competed in the 40-yard dash, and he ran a slow 4.78 and finished second to last in the event for running backs. Only Wisconsin’s Alec Ingold had a slower time at 4.89.
Remember, Holyfield left Georgia early and could have returned for his senior year. Sure, some say the NFL Combine is overrated. After all, former Georgia back Terrell Davis even ran a 4.72 40 at the Combine, and he had an illustrious career. Davis had game speed though. The question is whether Holyfield does, but he’s built like a brick house. He put up 26 reps on bench press Thursday, too.
RELATED: Holyfield explains why he left Georgia early
Here’s Holyfield’s 40:
Elijah Holyfield 40 yard dash#NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/bLQP6GKjIO
— The GOAT House (@GoatHouseNFL) March 1, 2019
He also struggled in some drills, too, like attempting to catch this pass below:
This might not be Elijah Holyfield's day pic.twitter.com/U8fuXJvksb
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) March 1, 2019
Nonetheless, media members were talking about Holyfield’s 40-time:
4.79 for Elijah Holyfield is eye opening. His tape didn’t show breakaway speed but thought his power and patience would make up for it. But that’s fail level slow. Not good.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 1, 2019
I think Elijah Holyfield's dad knocked some guys out faster than he ran the 40.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 1, 2019
Two punters and one kicker ran the 40 faster than running back Elijah Holyfield.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 1, 2019
Watched every #UGA game this season, and the Elijah Holyfield 40 time is surprising but not completely so. He’s always been the better at consistent 6-12 yard gains. Deandre Swift was the better breakaway guy.
— Will McFadden (@willmcfadden) March 1, 2019
Elijah Holyfield has not looked good today in Indy.
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) March 1, 2019
What was Elijah Holyfield’s 40 on this play? pic.twitter.com/c2kzUM4Izf
— Dayne Young (@dayneyoung) March 1, 2019
I know we tend to overreact to 40-yard dash times,
but Elijah Holyfield's terrible performance is significant.Here's a list of all the running backs that have ran a 40 yard dash >= 4.70 at the combine.
Not a good list to be associated with.#NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/nEAE7MPNxg
— Jet Set Dynasty Football (@JetSetDynasty) March 1, 2019
Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.
