Cal linebacker Mychal Kendricks has flown under the radar in the run-up to the NFL Draft. He doesn't have typical size of the linebacker, as he has a diminutive height. Even despite winning Pac-12 Player Of The Year honors, it didn't seem like Kendricks was getting the respect he deserved. Kendricks needed to show he could do more.
If Kendricks does end up getting drafted high, he can credit the start of his rise to his outstanding performance at the 2012 NFL Combine.
Kendricks also managed a 39.5 inch vertical jump, a 127 inch broad jump (both top marks for any linebacker overall), and a 4.19 second 20 yard shuttle, earning near unanimous top honors in all those categories. Kendricks was praised by Mike Mayock of the NFL Network for what he did.
Kendricks might very well have put himself on the market as a second-third round pick at the very least. Pro Day will be crucial for him to show what he can do.
To discuss Kendricks with Cal football fans, head on over to the California Golden Blogs. To follow all potential updates about the NFL Combine, check out the SB Nation storystream detailing the event.