Approximately twelve NFL teams showed up on the campus of West Point this afternoon (4pm) to evaluate Army Black Knights’ offensive tackle, Brett Toth. The 6-foot-5, 305 pounder, who attended but did not participate in the NFL Combine held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Center Township (IN) on February 27th due to a foot injury.
Initially it was thought that Toth would be the only participant, but wide receiver Jeff Ejekam also took part in some of the activities/testing, as both players were joined by their coaches and teammates, who encouraged and supported them throughout today’s events.
But for Toth, he participated in every event which started with the Bench, Jumps, Forty; L-Drill; Shuttle and then on to Positional Drills
GoBlackKnights.com had an opportunity to chat with the offensive tackle surrounding today’s performance, with a brief one-on-one Q&A
GBK: Although you attended the NFL Combine last weekend, you didn’t participate because of a sprain foot injury. First and foremost, how is the injury and did it effect anything that you did this afternoon when it comes to testing?
Toth: No it did not. Again, on one of the MRIs, they took precautionary MRIs and X-rays and I believe that found stress fracture in one of my metatarsals. But we looked at it once we got back (West Point) and I’m perfectly find and feel that I can still hit some PRs later.
GBK: Basically, you were the only participant today ... what did that feel like being in front of NFL Personnel, along with others onlookers as the sole participant?
Toth: For starters and as I pointed out, that it’s weird ... no matter how comfortable you might be seeing the same faces, you know it’s the 4th time (Shrine Game, Senior Bowl, NFL Combine, Pro-Day) that I have seen some of these scouts ... but as a lineman, you don’t want that many eyes on you when you do something wrong {laughter}.
It’s kind of interesting, but I want to thank my team, because they came out and supported me through the entire process.
GBK: From a testing perspective, can you give us your self evaluation of your performance today?
Toth: Again for spending all the weekends I have in the past month and I’ve down to the Parisi Speed School in Fairlawn, New Jersey. They’ve been doing an excellent job just helping me get ready ... get by mind right, get my body right.
You come out to these things and you know what your average is and you know where your PRs are and you are always trying to top them. Today, specifically I didn’t hit as fast I wanted to in the 40. Some guys clocked me right under five and some guys right over five.
I didn’t feel as loose as I could have been and the jumps I aimed for 26 and only got about 25 1/2. I had a 9 on the broad, but I didn’t stick it and your mind is on the results that you didn’t hit.
But did better than average on most testing days.
GBK: Clearly you have caught the attention of NFL personnel, from your football career at Army West Point, followed by your performance in both the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl. What teams are you hearing from the most at this time with the possibility of being drafted by them?
Toth: It’s always interesting just because it’s a unique situation dealing with the two-years off possibly and the circumstances following graduation. Some teams it depends on how many picks they get, as well as the compensatory picks. Also their needs ... if a position is filled for the next few years, where I can come in and get some depth at that position. It’s kind of a future pick.
As for team wise ... I’ve talked to a bunch of them and I feel like I wouldn’t be giving them due credit, because they’ve all been good to me. They all have understood the situation, what I’m doing and I feel like I can go to anyone of the franchises.
