FAYETTEVILLE -- Former Arkansas defensive end Trey Flowers hopes the work he's been putting in at the Michael Johnson Performance center pays off this week at the NFL scouting combine.
"He knows a lot about running, the technical parts of running, so I'm open ears just learning from him and doing things to improve my 40 time," Flowers said of the four-time Olympic track and field medalist whose facility is in McKinney, Texas.
Flowers leads a contingent of ex-Razorbacks headed to Indianapolis today for the annual showcase at Lucas Oil Field. The NFL has invited 324 players to the week-long workouts, which attracts dozens of personnel from each of the 32 NFL teams.
Flowers, defensive tackle Darius Philon and linebacker Martrell Spaight all begin their four-day adventure with medical testing, orientation and the start of team interviews. Their groups -- designated 7, 8 and 9 by the NFL -- have on-field workouts, including the 40-yard dash, on Sunday.
Former Arkansas tight end AJ Derby arrived Tuesday and will have on-field workouts Friday. Segments of the workouts are being shown on the NFL Network.
Receivers Dezmin Lewis of Central Arkansas and Donatella Luckett of Harding arrived Wednesday with quarterbacks and running backs and will have on-field workouts Saturday.
Flowers, who signed with agent Neil Cornrich, the representative for Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema, said he's prepared to undergo all physical and psychological testing at the combine, as well as team interviews.
"We went through the type of questions I might get asked and the type of environment we'll be in, sitting in a room with GMs, scouts and things like that," said Flowers, who played in the Senior Bowl last month with Spaight.
Flowers joined a growing list of Arkansas players who have prepped for the combine at the Johnson performance center, following running backs Darren McFadden and Knile Davis.
Flowers said he's prepared to show he can play more positions than defensive end.
"If a couple of scouts want to see me drop back, I might do a couple of linebacker drills just to show my versatility," Flowers said. "I'm well prepared for that."
The seven-round NFL Draft begins with the first round April 30 from the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago. It will mark the first time since 1965 that the draft will not be held in New York City and the first time since 2006 it was not at Radio City Music Hall. Rounds 2-7 will be held on May 1 and 2.
Sports on 02/19/2015