Andre Brown is healthy.
If you don't believe the N.C. State running back, check out his stats from the NFL Combine.
Brown pumped out 24 reps on the bench press (225 pounds), ran the 40 in 4.49 seconds and uncorked a 37-inch vertical leap.
Not bad for a big-sized running back, or what Brown likes to call, a "hammer."
"I'm just trying to show everyone that I'm healthy," Brown said Wednesday. "I want to hush down all the talk that I'm injury prone."
Brown's health, and impressive workouts, have shot him up the draft board. He's expected to go in the second round on Saturday. A big back at 6-feet and 224 pounds, Brown expects to be picked by a team with a speed back in place.
He has worked out for Philadelphia (which features Brian Westbrook), San Diego (LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles) Houston (Steve Slaton) and New Orleans (Reggie Bush)— all situations where he could be a complementary back to a burner.
"I'd love to be a feature back," Brown said. "But the way the game is going, everybody's looking for a tandem situation. You get in where you fit in."
Brown hasn't been a feature back since his decorated high school career at Greenville Rose. He shared the backfield at N.C. State with Toney Baker and Jamelle Eugene.
The biggest question mark has been his health. He missed the final four games of the 2007 season with a broken bone in his left foot. He had a second surgery last April after re-injuring the same foot in spring practice.
He didn't resume running until last August and played through pain in the foot during his senior season. Despite playing at less than 100 percent, Brown led the Wolfpack with 767 rushing yardsin 2008 and seven touchdowns. He added 29 catches for 309 yards and two touchdowns.
Brown's anxious for draft day to get here. He'll watch the draft with his mom, Adrienne Winn, in Baltimore, where he grew up. He'd love the chance to play for the Ravens but he doesn't have his heart set on a particular team.
"I just want to get drafted and get the opportunity to show everybody that I'm a player," Brown said.
Comments
Andre has GREAT potential.
Wed, 04/22/2009 - 23:14 — Z1234567Andre has GREAT potential. Too bad N.C State doesn't know how to use Andre, Tony Baker, and Eugene. Dana Bible is NOT a good offensive coordinator. NC State QB (Wilson) make Dana Bible look like a Offensive guru. I am very Glad for Andre... Good Luck Andre and Go PACK!!!
Good luck to Andre
Wed, 04/22/2009 - 19:26 — JPDOhioAndre has had the potential all along, but I think the injury problems were a good thing for him. It helped him focus and commit to doing the work required in order to excel.
He also benefited from having Tom O'Brien as a coach. I recall O'Brien saying in a press conference that Andre needed to get tougher and spend more time going North-South instead of bailing to the outside.
Good for Andre that he listened, because now he has a chance to reap the rewards. He could have an outstanding NFL career if he keeps at it.
I have no doubt that Andre
Wed, 04/22/2009 - 19:15 — aideanI have no doubt that Andre will be a tremendous runner in the NFL. He runs with tenacity and heart...how many yards did he have against southern miss a couple seasons ago? He was def. healthy bac k then, I know it was over 200.