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OSU linemen improve on their 40-yard dash times
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sportswriter
Published on Saturday, Mar 08, 2008
COLUMBUS: Ohio State right tackle Kirk Barton wanted to show the NFL ''they're not buying a lemon'' after his arthroscopic knee surgery.
Defensive end Vernon Gholston, who turned in one of the best workouts at last month's combine, wanted to show that it wasn't a one-time feat.
Both accomplished their goals Friday during OSU's Pro Day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Barton was so thrilled afterward, he vowed to buy dinner for Eric Lichter, the Buckeyes' director of football performance.
Projected as a top 10 pick in the April 26 draft, Gholston, 6-foot-3 and 266 pounds, ran the 40 in 4.58 seconds and said he slowed down after 20 yards because he felt something in the hamstring he first pulled Monday. He also hit 42 inches in the vertical jump, getting ''more leg explosion.''
Pro scouts were buzzing in Indianapolis after Gholston, who said he will work out for the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets on Monday, ran the 40 in 4.67 seconds (third among defensive linemen) and topped his position group with a 351/2-inch vertical.
Asked why he ran again, Gholston said, ''A lot of the times I saw were in the 4.6 range and I know I wasn't in that range; 4.5 is what I wanted to push for.''
That didn't surprise Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Heacock.
''He's a very competitive person,'' Heacock said. ''He wants to do the drills because he's not satisfied with what he did, even though everyone else told him he excelled.''
Barton, a Perry High School product, was motivated because he suffered a knee injury at the Senior Bowl and had an arthroscopy Jan. 24. He had only three weeks to train for the 40 with Lichter.
With Lichter working on his starting technique, Barton said, he trimmed about two-tenths of a second off his 40 time and ran it in 4.95 seconds.
''I was disappointed I couldn't run at the combine because I thought I'd be able to put up some great times," Barton said. "When you step up to the plate in front of all the scouts and are able to pop off a 4.95, it's exciting. It upgrades your status. I'm expecting to get some individual workouts from some offensive line coaches based on those times.''
He said he also hit 311/2 inches in the vertical jump and had good shuttle clockings. At the combine, Barton lifted 225 pounds 34 times, third among offensive linemen.
Barton said he watched the movie 300 Thursday night to get pumped up for the workout.
''I'm a big fan of that movie,'' he said. ''It was kind of like I was in the phalanx today and I couldn't let my mom and sister down.''
Projections vary on where, or if, Barton will be drafted. He knows the compensation is not the same between the second and seventh rounds.
''You try to get as high as you can,'' he said. ''All you really want is a chance, and I think I earned that today. I opened some eyes.''
Linebacker Larry Grant, Ohio State's only other combine invitee, also ran the 40 again, hitting between 4.58 and 4.67 seconds.
''I'll take the 4.58 any day,'' Grant said. ''I'm pretty excited. I had a lot of fun. I just hope I get drafted. If I make a team, I'm pretty sure I can contribute.''
Barton proudly sported new athletic apparel from Under Armour, with whom he signed after the combine.
''For a lineman, you just get apparel unless you're Joe Thomas,'' he said of the Browns' left tackle, the No. 3 pick in the 2007 draft. ''I'll take it. They were interested in me.
''Under Armour makes khakis now that the coaches wear. They're like $130 pants. I don't have to buy khakis anymore, underwear, socks. This knocks out all the little stuff that used to grab at your bank account.''
But Barton said he won't big-time his OSU friends.
''Any time you guys want to meet at Subway for dinner, I'll be around,'' he said.
Marla Ridenour can be reached at mridenour@thebeaconjournal.com. Read her Browns blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/browns/.
COLUMBUS: Ohio State right tackle Kirk Barton wanted to show the NFL ''they're not buying a lemon'' after his arthroscopic knee surgery.
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