Oher Turns In Strong Workout

All-Southeastern Conference offensive tackle Michael Oher headlined the Mississippi Pro Day as the first-round draft prospect improved his previous 40-yard dash and bench press test numbers from the NFL Scouting Combine. According to Gil Brandt of NFL.com, Oher ran the 40-yard dash in 5.16 and 5.24 seconds after clocking a relatively pedestrian 5.32 time in February at the Combine. Plus, Oher bench-pressed 225 pounds 23 times, after managing just 21 at the combine. That number is still lower than most top offensive tackles. With every NFL team represented at the workout, including New Orleans Saints director of college scouting Rick Reiprish and Green Bay Packers director of player personnel John Dorsey, the 6'5", 306-pounder drew compliments for his “great footwork,” per Brandt. “I helped myself big-time today,” Oher told reporters following the workout. “It was more comfortable doing the tests here. This is home.” Oher’s tough childhood and his vast athletic potential were profiled in The Blind Side, a book by Michael Lewis. Meanwhile, defensive lineman Peria Jerry, another projected first-round pick, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.98 seconds. He also posted a 31-inch vertical leap and bench pressed 225 pounds 28 times.