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University of Minnesota Athletics
Spaeth and Payne Help Their Stock At Individual Timing Day
4/5/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
TO HEAR MATT SPAETH'S POST-TIMING DAY INTERVIEW, LOG ON TO THE GOLD ZONE.
Gopher tight end Matt Spaeth and receiver Logan Payne definitely helped their stock today as they went through a personal timing day on the indoor field at the Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex.
With 20 NFL scouts on hand along with the Minnesota Vikings delegation of head coach Brad Childress and Vice President of Player Personnel Rick Spielman, Spaeth posted a 4.81 40-yard time and excelled in the shuttle, registering a 4.52 short shuttle time and a 7.05 three-cone shuttle time.
“I thought today went good, especially when you consider what I have been through and the limited time that I had to prepare,” said Spaeth. “I am super happy. I felt healthy, but there was still some anxiety just getting into it. It has been one of those things that I have never had something weight on my mind as much as this process so I am glad it went well and I am glad it is over.”
Spaeth’s testing scores were impressive, but his ability to get through the individual drills put on by the scouts testing his shoulder was Spaeth’s main concern coming into the day. He passed that test with flying colors.
” I think the scouts really wanted to test it and make sure it was strong and it felt good and I had no problem with it,” Spaeth added.
Payne, who tested with the rest of the Gophers back on March 5, gave the scouts another look at what he could do today and made the most of his opportunity by improving his 40 time from the previous timing day and also bettering his shuttle times. Payne ran in the low 4.5’s on his 40 and blazed through the three-cone shuttle by showcasing his agility and fluidness with a 6.66 clocking.
“I really felt good today and I think I was able to show the scouts what I am capable of,” said Payne. “I was happy with my times today but more importantly, they put Spaeth and me through more individual ball-catching drills and route running drills which I think shows more in-game skills.”
Gopher offensive tackle Joe Ainslie, cornerback Trumaine Banks and linebacker Mario Reese also went through a variety of tests and drills on the indoor field.
