McKenrick

The Mentor graduate said he posted a vertical jump of 33.5 inches, and a 9-6 broad jump. He also completed popular combine drills the 3-cone, the short shuttle and 60-yard shuttle but did not get word on his times.

On the bench press, McKenrick put up 225 pounds 12 times, but said he was limited after tweaking his back during presses. That was a factor in his some of his drills after benching, said McKenrick.

In January at the Dream Bowl, an all-star game in Salem, Va., for small-school prospects, McKenrick participated in the event’s combine day and posted similar results. His 40 time was 4.5 seconds, his vertical was 37.5 inches and his broad jump 9-9.

Despite the minor back injury, McKenrick expects to be good to go for the Kent State pro day.

“I’m about 99 percent sure I’ll be there,” he said.

If he duplicates or improves on any of his times, it could be a boon for his draft prospects — if it’s not there already.

Long said prior to this week, the Lions and Colts have visited JCU for information and tape on McKenrick. At the Toledo pro day, the Ravens approached the JCU assistant with questions about McKenrick, as did the Rams and Cowboys. Questions ranged from work ethic to character, and they were impressed by McKenrick’s 40 time.

At Toledo, McKenrick worked at defensive back and linebacker. According to Long, a 49ers scout seemed pleased with McKenrick during linebacker drills. Following his senior season at JCU — where he was a two-time All-America pick — the linebacker switched to safety, McKenrick’s position for a portion of his career at Mentor.

McKenrick measured 6-foot-3 and weighed 215 pounds at Toledo. The weight was seven pounds heavier than at the Dream Bowl. That frame would be ideal for an NFL safety.

He’s continuing to work with Tim Robertson, the strength coach at JCU who also trains athletes at his Speed Strength facility in Chester Township. Work with former Browns safety Donte Whitner has also helped in one aspect.

“I came away very impressed on how natural Mason had become in a backpedal,” said Long. “He’s been working with Robertson and Whitner, and it’s showing on the field.”

McKenrick said he’s heard through chatter there’s buzz surrounding him during the predraft process. So much that there’s talk he could be drafted as high as the fourth round.

Long said a scout at Toledo told him to tell McKenrick to remain “focused on improving and competing in every opportunity he gets. This process (and the draft) is a wild card for small-school guys.”

The next step is March 23 at Kent State.