The NFL Combine serves as a crucial evaluation platform for prospects entering the NFL Draft. Players can showcase their skills and athleticism to NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers. While prospects like, Drake Maye, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels decided to forgo throwing at the combine, the Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy decided to take the chance.
Worthy’s explosive performance during the 2023 season for the Longhorns has already showcased his undeniable talent and potential. The receiver now electrified the crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium as his blazing speed has officially inked his name in NFL Combine history.
Xavier Worthy sets new 40-yard dash record
Xavier Worthy shattered records with his lightning-fast 40-yard dash, dethroning John Ross and establishing himself as the new sprint king of the Combine. His initial sprint of 4.25 seconds was already impressive, unofficially besting the top time set by Nate Wiggins. However, the 5-foot-11 1/4, 165-pound receiver wasn’t satisfied.
The speedster made his mark on the second try, recording an unofficial time of 4.22 seconds before the official confirmation of his record-breaking 4.21 seconds. Not only did he dominate the 40-yard dash, but also his 1.49-second 10-yard split solidified his status as the fastest at the 2024 event.
“I watched the combine my whole life as a kid. I seen John Ross run that. I never thought I would be on the stage to do that. My trainers told me to be patient. You’ll peak at the right time,” Worthy said afterward.
Xavier Worthy’s outstanding performance extended beyond the dash, with a remarkable 41-inch vertical jump among wide receivers. His broad jump of 10 feet, 11 inches secured him a fifth-place ranking in his position group.
There are no guarantees of success at the professional level, but the WR’s exceptional speed and agility have undoubtedly captured the attention of NFL teams. Even current football icons like Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill and Micah Parsons couldn’t stop wondering at his feat as they chimed on social media to heap praise on Worthy.
Xavier Worthy’s 2023 season in numbers
Xavier Worthy recorded 75 receptions, 1,014 yards and five touchdowns in the 2023 season. His remarkable achievements earned him recognition as a Freshman All-American and the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2021 for Texas. A standout two-time first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2021 and 2023, Worthy also secured second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2022.
The WR’s stock is also on the rise. Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department ranked him as the No. 10 receiver and 57th overall player. The Athletic placed him at No. 46 overall, while Dane Brugler’s mock draft predicts him as the 57th pick. Brugler mentioned Worthy’s explosive burst, breakaway speed, and adept route cutting as key assets.
However, concerns about the young star’s size linger. At just over 5’11” and 165 pounds, he faces scrutiny, particularly from Bleacher Report‘s NFL Scout Derrik Klassen. The scout highlighted size-related worries despite acknowledging Worthy’s ability to stretch defenses vertically.
Before becoming a Longhorn standout, Xavier Worthy’s journey included a detour from a commitment to Michigan. Academic challenges led to his release from the letter of intent with Michigan in April 2021 before ultimately redirecting him to the University of Texas.
