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The vertical jump isn’t a make or break drill in the NFL, but it certainly does a lot to showcase the athleticism of those that possess it. In the SEC, there are certainly some guys that can get up, including Speedy Noil, who finished second overall in the drill.
- Speedy Noil, WR, Texas A&M: 43.5”
- Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M: 41″
- Malachi Dupre, WR, LSU: 39.5″
- Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee: 39.5″
- Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M: 37″
Not only did Noil come in second in the vertical jump, but his broad jump was third place as well. Translation: Noil is a freak, and his small size can easily be made up by out-jumping the defender to the ball. A playmaker on the football field, it’s safe to say that the 5-11 Noil could also posterize some bigger defenders in basketball.
Myles Garrett is the lone defensive end on this list, and his placement above these receivers and defensive backs show just how unique he is. This isn’t even really something that defensive linemen need to be good at, but that’s irrelevant to Garrett, who crushed nearly every test they gave him. Low-hanging balls are easy fodder for the 6-5 Garrett, who is in a position to be the number-one pick in April.
LSU is fantastic at recruiting and developing wide receiver talent – they’re just not great at using them while they’re in Baton Rouge. Though Dupre’s numbers in college aren’t exactly impressive, his athleticism and hands have never been a question.
Alvin Kamara broke onto the scene as a pleasant surprise for the Volunteers last year, and his dynamic game against Texas A&M showed just how versatile he could be. The numbers don’t lie, and his vertical could add to the already known skills he has as a receiver out of the backfield.
Josh Reynolds led the SEC with 1039 receiving yards last season, and his 6-3 frame and 37-inch vertical show that he can go up and get it at the next level.
A former resident of both Baton Rouge and the heart of Crimson Tide country, Will Ogburn handles multimedia content and news coverage for Saturday Down South.
