Former UAB receiver J.J. Nelson runs 4.28, 40-yard dash
J.J. Nelson ran the fastest 40-yard dash time among wide receivers at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday.
Nelson's 4.28 is four-hundreths of a second slower than former East Carolina running back Chris Johnson's record of 4.24.
At 5-foot-10, 156 pounds, Nelson is the lightest player weighed in at the combine since Kansas State's Aaron Lockett in 2002.
As a senior at UAB, Nelson recorded 1,820 all-purpose yards and led the nation in kickoff return average (38.32 yards) and kickoff return touchdowns (4).
"I try to model myself after those guys to help me do everything they did so I can be successful," Nelson told Sporting News. "DeSean Jackson, Antonio Brown, Mike Wallace — those big play, electrifying type of guys.
"I have the ability and speed to blow the top off of a defense. My special teams abilities help me a lot. I try to be myself, be explosive, get into the hole and not let the kicker tackle you."
Video of Nelson's dash can be viewed here.
• Marcus Mariota leads QBs with 4.52, 40-yard dash
