SDSU Pro Day: Running back Rashaad Penny limits workout, wants teams to know who he is off the field

San Diego State running back Rashaad Penny works out for NFL scouts during the school’s Pro Day. (video courtesy of SDSU & goaztecs.com)

By Kirk Kenney

March 23, 2018 9 AM PT

After running a 4.46 and getting 13 reps in the bench press at the NFL Combine in February, San Diego State running back Rashaad Penny limited himself to shuttle runs, pass catching, a blocking drill and kick returning Thursday during SDSU’s Pro Day before scouts representing 30 of the NFL’s 32 teams.

“I thought I performed well at the Combine,” Penny said. “I mean, 13 wasn’t a great number (in the bench), but it was enough to get me to where I’m satisfied. ...

“Also, with the 40, it was to prove a lot of people wrong, that I’m fast enough to run.”

Penny has been regarded as a second-round prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft, which is April 26-28. ESPN’s Mel Kiper has said he could see Penny rising as high as the second or third running back selected. NFL.com has him rated as the fifth-best back. CBSSports.com rates him 11th among the backs.

Penny said at this point, it’s more important for teams “to know who you are as a person and know just off the field in general,” he said. “They say I present myself well because I’m not a guy with an overego. They say I’m just more confident. That’s how you have to be. Never too cocky. It’s having confidence to come out here and prove people wrong.”

“It’s personality,” Penny continued. “They want to know who you are. I think it’s amazing I get to show my personality to some of these great coaches. Them knowing you I am, and just seeing the person all these guys are (his teammates on the practice field) is amazing. That’s what will take you a long way in the NFL, your personality.”

Mikah Holder reaches new heights

Wide receiver Mikah Holder’s personal best in the vertical jump was 37 1/2, but he jumped an inch higher than that in his first attempt in front of the scouts.

“That really excited me and got my adrenaline pumping,” Holder said.

Then he did even better — posting a 40-inch jump.

“When I finished I let out a lot of excitement. I was yelling and everything,” he said.

It’s just one measure of a player, but Holder said “for a wide receiver, it means a lot. Showing you can go up and get a ball.”

“Do that was huge,” Holder said. “When game time comes, I perform. That’s what I was banking on, and that’s what I did today.”

Holder has not shown up in any draft projections, so he likely will rely on being a free agent signing.

“I don’t have any expectations,” said Holder, who ran 4.52 in the 40. “Whoever wants me, takes me, I’m just excited to go there. I’ll perform my hardest when I get there to earn a spot and make it on a team.

“I’ve had contact with some teams, but I’m not putting my eggs in any basket. I’m just excited to be talking to teams.”

Kameron Kelly improves 40 time

Cornerback Kameron Kelly was out to improve the 4.66 he ran at the Combine.

“I wanted to show that I could run my 40 a little bit faster and that it really was the laser that messed me up,” said Kelly, who posted a 4.56 on the SDSU practice field. “I’m not blaming the laser, but moving my hand a little bit started it early.”

Kelly has been rated anywhere from a second- to fourth-round prospect. His aim is for teams to consider him capable of playing either safety or cornerback.

“A lot of teams looked at me as a straight safety when they watched me work out,” Kelly said. “Now the teams are seeing that I could play corner, that my hips are pretty fluid. ...

“I’ve been telling teams I’m not a drill guy, I’m a football player.”

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