2014 NFL Combine: Dri Archer comes up just shy of Chris Johnson’s 40-yard dash record

Like two one-hundredths of a second shy.

by Jeff Gray

Feb 23, 2014, 9:30 PM UTC

Michael Chang

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Kent State running back Dri Archer didn't break the NFL Combine record for 40-yard dash like he promised, but he came pretty close.

Archer posted an official time of 4.26 on Sunday, just shy of Chris Johnson’s record 4.24. That was still good for the fastest time of any other prospect so far at this year’s Combine.

Finishing up in second was Georgia Southern’s Jerick McKinnon, who was a part of the first-ever FCS team to beat Florida last season and ran a 4.41.

Filling out the top five were Missouri’s Henry Josey (4.43), Oklahoma’s Damien Williams (4.45) and Mississippi State’s Ladarius Perkins (4.46). Notre Dame’s George Atkinson, UNLV’s Tim Cornett, West Virginia’s Charles Sims, Stanford’s Tyler Gaffney and Washington’s Bishop Sankey were the only other backs under 4.50.

Oregon speedster De’Anthony Thomas was originally clocked in at 4.34, but the official count revealed a more disappointing 4.50.

Ka'Deem Carey out of Arizona, considered by some to be the top running back in this year's class, didn't help his draft stock with a 4.70. That could open the door for Auburn's Tre Mason, who ran a 4.50, or Baylor's Lache Seastrunk, who followed up his impressive broad jump with a 4.51 40.

Unfortunately for Carlos Hyde, he pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring strain after his first heat, which could cost him draft position.

Shame to see Ohio St. RB Carlos Hyde pull up w/ hamstring injury at #NFLCombine. Could've solidified himself as top runner and 1st Rounder.
— Scott Wright (@DraftCountdown) February 23, 2014