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INDIANAPOLIS — Former Utah State running back Robert Turbin has little to prove to Aggie fans.
In 2011, he ran for over 1500 yards, helped Utah State reach its first bowl in 15 years and was named WAC Offensive Player of the Year.
Arguably, Turbin is the greatest running back in Utah State history. But on Sunday in Indianapolis, he became just another name, trying to prove he belonged in the NFL.
Turbin measured in at 5'10" and 222 lbs. He wowed scouts and coaches early, throwing up an impressive 28 reps on the bench press — tied for most among running backs with Boise State's Doug Martin.
To put Turbin's bench number in perspective, the average number of reps among running backs was 20. It was also more reps than 29 offensive linemen, including former BYU left tackle Matt Reynolds who had 25, and 15 defensive linemen, including former Ute Derrick Shelby with 26.
But the money is made with the 40 yard dash, and his rare combination of size and speed left the NFL analysts nearly speechless. His official 40 time was a 4.50, while turning in unofficial times of 4.44 and 4.4, ranking ninth among the 28 running backs, with Miami's Lamar Miller turning in the fastest official time at 4.40.
Maybe the most important aspect of Robert Turbin's 40 time was he was the only running back over 220 lbs that submitted a time of 4.50 or below. He also finished in the top 10 in the vertical and broad jump. His strong performance over the weekend has almost guaranteed him a third round slot and maybe has catapulted him into the second round.
