When South Carolina’s Clifton Geathers entered the draft, it was greeted with little more than a groan.
Player to watch today: Clifton Geathers
He’s a physical talent at 6-foot-7 and 299 pounds. But Geathers had a down year with just three sacks. He also served a one-game suspension after being charged with disorderly conduct, drunkenness and resisting arrest.
Geathers didn’t have to leave South Carolina after his junior year. His coaches insisted if he returned he’d be a first-round pick.
But that's exactly the reason Geathers is a player to watch. His potential is limitless. He could be a star as a 3-4 defensive end. Or, he could be like his cousin Jeremy Geathers.
Jeremy Geathers, the son of Jumpy Geathers, entered the 2008 draft a year early and didn’t get picked. He hasn’t played a down in the NFL.
For what it’s worth, Geathers’ arms measured in at 37 3/4 inches at the combine, according to Shawn Zobel. That’s longer than renowned lanky defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.
It’s this kind of intrigue that makes the draft so fun to follow. Clifton Geathers could be a star. Or he may never suit up in the NFL. But today at the combine, he can go a long way in determining his fate.
• If you have access to follow the NFL Scouting Combine today, use this as your open thread. Defensive linemen and linebackers will workout today. I probably won’t be around – paying work calls.
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