Xavier Worthy: Fastest man in football? What to know about the NFL combine record holder

Most Texas fans knew that Longhorn receiver Xavier Worthy was fast. However, they likely didn't predict that he would be setting records at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The Texas receiver set a record by running the 40-yard dash in 4.21 seconds, breaking former Washington receiver John Ross' record of 4.22. Besides those two, only former Titans running back Chris Johnson has ever broken the 4.25 mark.

Worthy, who declared for the NFL draft after Texas' loss in the College Football Playoff, isn't currently projected as a first-round pick but he likely helped himself with his workout. He had 1,014 yards and five touchdowns on 75 receptions in 2023 to help Texas to a 12-2 record.

Here are five things to know about Worthy.

Fastest in college all of football?

The question during the 2023 season was if Texas’ No. 1 weapon was the fastest person in all of college football? Now, we can confirm that not only was the answer yes, but he may be the speediest in all of the NFL the moment he steps onto the field. Some may think his testing speed doesn't equate to game speed, but the tape begs to differ.

His speed popped up when he caught the ball in space...

returned a punt...

or ran his blazingly fast go routes.

Shockingly light

Worthy is the kind of receiver that makes coaches fold their arms and say “Geez, get that kid a sandwich.” He was listed at 6-foot-1, 172 pounds before the NFL combine. After, he was officially measured at an even smaller 5-foot-11, 165 pounds.

In the NFL, there are only a few receivers that are as tall and light as Worthy. Texans WR Tank Dell is one of them and has had a promising rookie season at 5-foot-10, 165 pounds. Tutu Atwell weights the same, is two inches shorter and is a niche weapon for the Rams.

He’s got an arm on him

There was plenty of discussion about Texas’ backup quarterbacks in 2023, specifically centered around Arch Manning, crown jewel of the 2023 recruiting class and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning.

However, fans forget about the Longhorns’ real backup. Coach Steve Sarkisian has shown on multiple occasions that he trusts Worthy to make a tricky throw on occasion. For his brief throwing career, the mock quarterback has completed two of three passes for 68 yards and touchdown.

Nearly a Wolverine

Worthy initially signed with Michigan in 2020, buying into their offensive system and intended to enroll early into the university. He had even bought an apartment in Ann Arbor and would’ve been one of Michigan’s top offensive weapons.

That fell apart after he was told that based on his academic profile, it would be better for him to enroll in the summer program. After about a month of trying to make it work, Worthy moved back home. That’s when Sarkisian swooped in.

He hates the cold

Worthy is not a huge fan of cold weather. Before Texas’ win vs. Iowa State, he made it clear he wasn’t looking forward to dealing with the frigid weather up in Ames.

That’s because the former four-star recruit went to high school Fresno, California and is more accustomed to warm, comfortable weather and Texas heat.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Xavier Worthy: What to know about the combine 40-time record holder