Clemson stars Cordrea Tankersley and Jadar Johnson concluded Clemson’s time at the NFL Scouting Combine with impressive performances on Monday as the defensive backs were the last to do the on-field workouts in the five-day event at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
Tankersley shined with his opportunity to perform in front of NFL scouts, general managers and coaches. The All-American cornerback perhaps earned himself some money in doing so when he ran an official time of 4.40 in the 40-yard dash. It was the fifth fastest time among defensive backs.
At 6-foot-1, 199 pounds, Tankersley was one of just two defensive backs over 6-foot-1 to run a 4.40. The other was UConn safety Obi Melifonwu (6-4), who also ran a 4.40.
Tankersley posted times of 7.0 seconds in the three-cone drill and 4.32 seconds in the 20-yard shuttle. He had a 10-foot-1 broad jump and a 29.5 inch vertical.
During the broadcast of the NFL Combine on Monday, NFL Network’s draft analyst Mike Mayock said in the two years he watched Clemson’s cornerback, he saw him play just one bad game, and that was at Florida State this past season.
Tankersley had nine interceptions in his Clemson career and concluded the past season with four interceptions, including two in the ACC Championship Game. His second interception deep in Clemson territory late in the fourth quarter sealed the Tigers’ 42-35 victory over Virginia Tech on their way to the 2016 Championship.
The two-year starter led Clemson with 11 passes broken up to go along with 65 tackles and six tackles for loss.
Tankersley was not the only former Tiger showing out at the combine. Johnson, who got off to a slow start, finished the day strong with good performances in the 20-yard and 60-yard shuttles.
Johnson ran a 4.20 in the 20-yard shuttle, which ranked sixth among all safeties at the combine. He also ran an 11.50 in the 60-yard shuttle, which ranked third among safeties.
In the three-cone drill, Johnson’s time of 6.90 was seventh. He also had a No. 8 finish in the long jump and had a 33-inch vertical, which also ranked eighth overall.
Johnson’s 4.60 in the 40 was not great, but it was not bad either as he finished 12th among all safeties.
This past season, Johnson led the Tigers with five interceptions and had seven passes broken up while earning All-ACC honors. He also had 65 tackles for the national champions.
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