That Jeremiyah Love ran a 40-yard dash at all at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis came as a pleasant surprise to many.
The Notre Dame running back had little incentive to do so, given that he is widely expected to be a top-10 pick in April’s NFL draft. And he hardly would have been alone in abstaining, with just 10 of the 21 ball carriers who attended the combine participating in the drill.
So when Love reeled off a 4.36-second time on Saturday that ranked second among all running backs, trailing only Arkansas’ Mike Washington Jr., almost no one could have called it a letdown – except Love himself.
‘A little bit disappointing,’ Love said in an interview with NFL Network’s Stacey Dales when asked about his mark. ‘I wanted to run like a 4.2. Didn’t get there, but 4.3 is good. I’m OK with it. Wanted better, but 4.3 is just fine with me.’
Perhaps the only other person on hand not enthusiastic about how Love’s run went: the running back’s dad, Jason. Cameras caught him in the crowd shaking his head after Love’s first attempt of 4.37 seconds, though he was more enthusiastic after the follow-up.
‘He’s never satisfied, just like me,’ Love said with a laugh. ‘He knows my potential.’
Added Love: ‘I honestly believe I could have run a 4.2, but I’m like 214 (pounds) right now. I gotta drop a little bit in weight.’
Love, however, won’t chase that mark at Notre Dame’s pro day on March 27. The ball carrier won’t participate in any testing or drills in South Bend, Indiana, though he does plan to be on hand to support his fellow teammates in the draft, including backfield mate Jadarian Price.