Indiana University Athletics
Coleman, Rahrig Work Out on Pro Day
4/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
 Photos | Coach Wilson | Coach McCullough |  Coleman | Rahrig |
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -Two Hoosiers worked out in front of all 32 NFL teams on Wednesday morning in the Mellencamp Pavilion. Running back Tevin Coleman and center Collin Rahrig showcased their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches and personnel.
"The process has been enjoyable, and it's been great to get back to running since I had the injury," said Coleman. "It feels really good to get back to running and being myself again, and being able to cut."
Coleman worked out for a little over one hour on Monday in front of NFL scouts, media members, family members, and his coaches and teammates. Coleman began his Pro Day with the 40-yard dash, which he ran in 4.35 seconds. He also ran several receiving routes in order to showcase his diversity as a skill player.
"I thought it was great for him to catch balls, because even though I know we threw it to him, and he has some catches, I think to show that skill was good," said Indiana head coach Kevin Wilson. "He had a solid 40 time, but he has enough long runs for everyone to know that he has good speed."
Coleman was pleased with how the workout went, and he was glad to have it in front of NFL scouts. "I needed to show that my speed is there, that I can run and cut," Coleman said. "That's what they wanted to see, so I think I showcased that well."
"He's driven. He wants to show everybody that he's the best running back coming out of college this year," Indiana running backs coach Deland McCullough said of his protégé. "He wants to be a Pro Bowl-level running back, and he wants to stay at that level. He has things lined up and goals in front of him that I know he's en route to accomplish."
Wilson has similar regards for Coleman as a player. When talking to the NFL scouts, however, Wilson champions Coleman's character and work ethic.
"The scouts have all done a bunch of homework as is. I like the fact that he had great grades, a phenomenal semester last fall while running for 2,000 yards, and he's a great person," Wilson explained. "I talk more about that because the film and his talents speak for themselves. I talk more about how well he was raised by his dad, the great kid he is, and his work habits.
"Off the field as a person, he is as talented as he is on the field."
Alongside Coleman for Pro Day was Rahrig. He started 36 times and appeared in 40 games in his career and was one of IU's team captains in 2014. Rahrig earned honorable mention All-Big Ten his senior season, and hopes to continue that success at the professional level.
"It went well. It was nice to get moving around and get my feet moving," Rahrig said regarding his workouts on Wednesday. "I thought I did pretty well in the 40 and the position drills, so we'll see come the NFL Draft."
Rahrig has come a long way since his freshman year in 2011, when he walked on to the Indiana football program. He earned IU's Outstanding Walk-On Player of the Year award in 2011, and earned a scholarship after spring practices in 2012. Now, Rahrig has the chance to continue his playing career at the professional level.
"It's really awesome. After five years, coming here as a walk-on and having a chance to perform in front of all of these scouts and NFL teams...it's living the dream that you had as a little kid," Rahrig said. "The process was tough--I went through an injury but came back strong. Hopefully they'll see what I did today and take that for what it is."
The NFL Draft takes place from Thursday-Saturday, April 30-May 2, in Chicago.
