Seven former Gators football players participated in the NFL combine this past weekend. For the players, the NFL combine gives a big stage to improve their draft stock. For the Gators, Chimere Dike, Montrell Johnson Jr., Elijhah Badger, Jason Marshall Jr., Shemar James, Cam Jackson, Jeremy Crawshaw and Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson took the stage to improve their draft stock. In particular, Chimere Dike, Montrell Johnson Jr., Elijhah Badger and Jason Marshall Jr. balled out in their drills and showed scouts why they deserve to be drafted.
Chimere Dike
The NFL combine proved to be huge for Dike as he took the time to showcase his absurd athleticism. His 4.34 40-yard dash showcases his ability to have top-end speed. Additionally, he jumped a staggering 38.5 inches in the vertical jump. With a 6.82-second 3-cone drill, Dike solidified himself as one of the top athletes in the combine this year. His Relative Athletic Score (RAS) places him near the top of combine performances all-time for wide receivers.
Chimere Dike is a WR prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.80 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 70 out of 3408 WR from 1987 to 2025.
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 1, 2025
Splits projected, times unofficial.https://t.co/PvlY3hk34Q pic.twitter.com/7MxEP9VawC
Montrell Johnson Jr.
Next up, the Gators star running back showed off his athleticism. Measuring in at 5’11 212lbs, Johnson displayed his value as a power back with strong 40-yard dash and broad jump performances. Johnson’s incredible jumping and running ability show why he will be hard to take down in the NFL. Johnson’s RAS also places him near the top of all-time combine performances for his respective position.
Montrell Johnson is a RB prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.73 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 53 out of 1909 RB from 1987 to 2025.
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 1, 2025
Splits projected, times unofficial.https://t.co/6eLDloJRwP pic.twitter.com/ahBR2500ze
Elijhah Badger
One of DJ Lagway’s favorite targets had a solid combine. Although he did not participate in every drill, his 4.43 40-yard dash showed his elite speed. Also, his 35.5 inch vertical jump shows a good ability to haul in jump balls.
Elijhah Badger is a WR prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.27 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 249 out of 3408 WR from 1987 to 2025.
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 1, 2025
Splits projected, times unofficial.https://t.co/GJ4URnHi1p pic.twitter.com/PhHhS60ptJ
Jason Marshall Jr.
The former Gators defensive back looked great in his drills. He assured scouts his ability to stick to receivers with his 4.49 40-yard dash. Also, his impressive vertical and broad jumps display how he will be able to make quick cuts and moves in coverage. However, Marshall did seem a little undersized weighing in only at 194lbs.
Jason Marshall Jr. is a CB prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.04 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 239 out of 2480 CB from 1987 to 2025.
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) February 28, 2025
Splits projected, times unofficial.https://t.co/tn74Hw2uyy pic.twitter.com/CJKamqArkZ
NFL Draft
The strong Florida performances increase the draft stock of many former Gators.
They’ll hope to be taken in the NFL draft starting on April 24.