Jerome Smith predicted that NFL evaluators would be surprised.

He said that even though his projected 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine was around a 4.6, that his actual number would be different.

And it was. Smith posted an official time of 4.84 seconds, which ranked 30th of the 33 running backs that ran in the combine.

The former SU standout finished the 2013 season with a team-high 12 touchdowns while collecting 200 yards on the ground. He announced his decision to enter the NFL Draft and forgo his final season of college eligibility on Dec. 20, just a week before the Orange beat Minnesota in the Texas Bowl.

CBS Sports has him projected to be drafted in the seventh round, or be signed as an undrafted free agent. His chances of the former took a hit this weekend with a weak showing at the Combine.

Dri Archer from Kent State posted a near-combine record with his 4.26-second 40-yard dash time.

Ryan Hewitt (4.87) from Stanford and J.C. Copeland (4.95) from LSU were the only backs to finish behind Smith.

Andre Williams from Boston College, who led Division I in rushing yards, posted a time of 4.56 seconds.

Smith’s performance on the 225-pound bench wasn’t much better. He muscled just 14 reps, good for 24th out of 26 running backs. He posted a 118-inch broad jump, which placed him 21st out of 33 backs.

His best event was his 36-inch vertical jump, where he found himself just outside the top five for backs.

Overall, though, Smith wasn’t at his best. And it might cost him.

He didn’t return a call for comment on Sunday night.

Smith will have a chance for some redemption before the NFL Draft in May when he participates in SU’s pro day on March 26 at Manley Field House.

Jay Bromley, the only other SU football player at the Combine, will start his evaluation on Monday morning at 9 a.m.

Published on February 23, 2014 at 9:09 pm

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