Cornell Powell, Amari Rodgers impress at Clemson Pro Day

CLEMSON — Trevor Lawrence produced a massive list of impressive stats in his time at Clemson. But he didn’t do it alone. Cornell Powell and Amari Rodgers were a big reason why and they passed the eye test at Clemson’s Pro Day.

On a morning where it is all about speed, agility, and how you look, both Powell and Rodgers passed the exam with flying colors.

Cornell Powell

The former four-star recruit out of Greenville, N.C., checked in at 6-foot and 204 pounds. Clemson’s Pro Day was the end of a journey for a very well-earned career. After getting playing time in his first two seasons, Powell was asked to redshirt in year three and had a quiet campaign in year four. He then became a playmaker in year five.

“Cornell could’ve left,” Dabo Swinney told the ACC Network during the pro day broadcast. “Redshirting him in the middle of his career. He became very self-aware and he wanted to be coached. Had to learn how to compete and play full speed all the time. He stayed and he competed. He’s the ultimate competitor.”

All that work was displayed by Powell at the Poe Indoor Facility. The receiver posted a 4.47 40-yard dash with an amazing vertical jump of 36.5 inches. He is for sure an NFL receiver who brings vertical route-running and some special teams ability to the table. He also looks good with his shirt off.

“It looks like Cornell Powell hasn’t had a carb in a decade,” said broadcaster Jordan Cornette during the special.

Amari Rodgers

After spending two seasons playing outside, Clemson shifted the wide receiver into the slot. The last two years paid off in a major way. Rodgers had 107 receptions in that span and is emerging as one of the best inside receivers in this year’s draft.

“Prototypical slot type guy,” said Swinney. “He’s got great collision balance. High football IQ. Yards after contact, yards after the catch. He’ll be ready the day he gets there to go play”

It wasn’t just wide receiver reps. A big sell for Rodgers at the next level is the special teams value he can bring and the potential to be a gadget player. Rodgers took some reps at running back as his 5-foot-9 and 212-pound frame could easily translate to the position. With a 4.45 40-yard dash, he’s got the speed combined with the quickness to be a playmaker at the next level.