Trio of Notre Dame defensive backs take on the 2020 NFL Combine
INDIANAPOLIS—Day two of the 2020 NFL Combine is underway at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Of the nine Notre Dame players invited to the scouting event, a few were in action today, showing off their skills in front of NFL scouts.
The defensive backs trio of Alohi Gilman, Jalen Elliot, and Troy Pride Jr., who led the Irish to a Camping World Bowl victory a few months ago, are now looking to the next step.
Pride, known as one of the fastest players at the combine said he’s hoping to translate that speed to the field for his 40 yard dash.
“When you’re in competition, you put everything you have in to everything you do. 40 yard dash is what other people put a lot of stock in, but for me, it's when I touch the field,” Pride said.
Gilman, who chose to leave Notre Dame early, is embracing the underdog role, something he said he’s had to do his entire life.
“This has been honestly the story of my life. Coming from high school, underrated guy, going to the Navy my only offer out of high school, guys didn’t even think I would play there. Going to Notre Dame had to earn my stripes there as well. I know what type of player I am and what I bring to the table and when I get in to the league, I’ll be able to make a statement,” Gilman said.
Elliot brings a physicality we’ve seen in past years for Notre Dame defensive backs.
The 4-8 freshmen season he was a part of for the Irish taught him a lot about mental toughness as he goes through the scouting process.
“The character of a man is tested through trials. That was the moment that our 2016 class, myself included that really took off in that leadership role and knew that we had to be the change, we had to be a difference,” Elliot said.