Temple offensive lineman Kyle Friend wasn’t invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, so he had to wait until his pro day to show off to NFL scouts. Needless to say, after Friend put up 41 reps on the 225-pound bench press Wednesday, he has their attention.
If you’ve never before seen a human being make 225 pounds seem insignificant, watch this video of Friend dominating this drill.
Kyle Friend benched 41 reps at 225 this morning.
Don't ask how. Just watch. #TempleProDayhttps://t.co/tuY0wuH8Qp
— Temple Football (@Temple_FB) March 16, 2016
Interestingly enough, one of his Temple teammates predicted 40 when an NFL scout made an inquiry. Linebacker Tyler Matakevich said the scout scoffed when he made his prediction and mentioned the biggest total in Indianapolis last month was 34, via Aaron Kasinitz of pennlive.com.
Discussing his combine snub, Friend made it clear he didn’t dwell on being left out of the meat market in Indy:
“I’m a person that’s not going to sit around and mope about it,” Friend said. “I used it as a bit of motivation. I controlled what I can control and just moved on. I worked at what I need to do to have a good day today.”
Mission accomplished.
Long known as a “freak” for his physical abilities, Friend came within 10 of the all-time combine record of 51, set by Justin Ernest of Eastern Kentucky back in 1999.
If Friend is drafted, it will likely be on Day 3. CBS Sports has him as a seventh-round talent, and as always his strength is highlighted.