With fastest 40-yard dash among safeties, Nick Cross is latest Maryland football standout at NFL scouting combine
On Thursday, Maryland’s Chigoziem Okonkwo posted the fastest 40-yard-dash time of any tight end at the NFL scouting combine (4.52 seconds). On Sunday, he knew another “crazy” time was coming in Indianapolis.
“Y’all watch what Nick runs today,” Okonkwo tweeted.
What Okonkwo started, Terps teammate Nick Cross finished. His 4.34-second time in the 40 was the fastest of the safeties who ran at the combine, including likely top-five pick Kyle Hamilton (4.59 seconds) and potential first-rounder Daxton Hill (4.38). Overall, just seven players posted better times at the combine.
Cross’ strong day, which could lift him into Day Two consideration in the NFL draft, went beyond the 40-yard dash. His 37-inch vertical jump was the fourth highest of the safeties who tested, and his 130-inch broad jump was the third best. Cross did not participate in the bench press, three-cone drill or 20-yard shuttle.
A three-time All-Big Ten Conference honorable mention, Cross led the Terps last season with three interceptions and two forced fumbles. In 13 games, he also finished second on the team in tackles (66), including 3 ½ for loss, and three sacks, and had four pass breakups.
