NFL hopefuls respect Borland but don’t plan to follow his lead
STANFORD — As former 49ers linebacker Chris Borland’s surprising retirement continued to ripple through the football world Thursday, a group of NFL hopefuls took an important step toward the life Borland rejected.
More than a dozen Stanford prospects participated in Pro Timing Day drills for scouts from every NFL team — the last chance for many to improve their status in the upcoming draft.
None expressed concern about the potential dangers of the NFL, despite the shadow cast by Borland, who retired after one year because of the risk of repetitive head trauma.
“I respect his decision,” linebacker A.J. Tarpley said, “but right now, I’m full-go with football.”
Tarpley’s comment’s echoed the sentiment of a half-dozen players interviewed at the conclusion of the workout. Many of them played against Borland, who attended Wisconsin, in the 2013 Rose Bowl.
“As a college player, you know what you’re doing to your body and the longterm effects,” defensive end Henry Anderson said. “But (Borland’s decision) doesn’t really affect anything.
“Down the road, there could be side effects, but I love the game and I’m not going to stop playing until I have to.”
Borland’s decision, announced Monday, was personal for one attendee at Stanford: Former Cardinal linebacker Chase Thomas spent the 2014 season on the 49ers’ practice squad and is friendly with Borland.
“I can’t say anything bad; each guy does what he thinks is right,” Thomas said. “Not everyone is going to agree.
“I definitely didn’t see it coming. Obviously, he was thinking about it, but he didn’t really let on what was inside his head.”
Cardinal coach David Shaw said head trauma has been a topic of conversation “no more than usual” in the wake of Borland’s retirement. Players retire for health reasons “every year on every level,” Shaw added.
“You can’t halfway play football. I’d shake his hand and pat him on the back. But make no mistake, there will be 30 guys lined up” to take Borland’s spot.
Approximately 75 NFL n scouts and executives attended the event, including Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie, coach Jack Del Rio and defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. Scouts and assistant coaches from the 49ers also attended.
Offensive tackle Ann drus Peat, the top Stanford prospect and a likely firstround pick, did not run the 40-yard dash. Nor did Anderson, viewed as a middle-round selection.
Cornerback Alex Carter posted an impressive 40 time of 4.42 seconds, ac- cording to Stanford, while receiver Ty Montgomery clocked 4.46 and safety Jordan Richards covered the distance in 4.49.
Montgomery also dropped 10 pounds after the combine.
“And I was able to sleep,’’ he said. “At the combine, I didn’t sleep. I was up until 1:30 every night and up at 6.’’
Shaw isn’t allowed to n comment on transfers until paperwork has been filed at the conclusion of the academic year. As a result, he declined to discuss the pending arrival of Cal defensive end Brennan Scarlett, who will play for the Cardinal in 2015 as a graduate student. Scarlett’s brother, Cameron, will be a Stanford freshman in the fall.
For more on college sports, see Jon Wilner’s College Hotline at blogs. mercurynews.com/ collegesports. Contact him at jwilner@mercurynews.com or 408-920-5716.