Simulcam shows Xavier Worthy's record 4.21-second 40-yard dash over John Ross
After running a 4.25-second 40-yard dash on Saturday, former Texas standout Xavier Worthy wanted to go again. His goal was simple – he wanted to beat John Ross’ previous record of 4.22 seconds in 2017.
At first, it looked like Worthy tied it, according to the NFL Network unofficial stopwatch. But when the official time came in, Ross’ record fell.
Worthy’s official time came in at 4.21 seconds to make him the official fastest man in the history of the NFL Scouting Combine. NFL Network then showed a simulcam overlay to show the ever-so-slight difference between the two runs, and it was impressive.
After Worthy’s record-setting performance, social media lit up. His coach, Steve Sarkisian, was among the reactions, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate.
“@TexasFootball = All Gas!” Sarkisian wrote, along with a few emojis.
As if the hype wasn’t already building around Worthy, teams know his name now. His 4.22u stands as the best time in the history of the NFL Scouting Combine, and that adds to his potential to work his way into the first round of the 2024 draft.
Worthy is coming off a monster year at Texas, totaling 1,014 receiving yards and five touchdowns. A fringe first-round pick entering the Combine, it’s safe to say he won’t have to worry much about falling into the second round with that kind of speed.
This year’s wide receiver class is a big one. With names such as Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze expected to go in the top 10, there’s sure to be plenty of depth in the later rounds. Worthy, however, might have run his way into the first round.
In fact, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. said in January Worthy and Adonai Mitchell could get into the first round. Mitchell ran a 4.35u 40-yard dash, adding to his case as a Day 1 pick, as well.
“I have to tell you, I like the two Texas kids. I’d put Adonai Mitchell, who was at Georgia, came to Texas — 6-4, 198 pounder, had two touchdown receptions early on in an upset over Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Go to the Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State game, he was uncoverable,” Kiper said. “And he’s got that great catch radius.
“As I said, 6-4, with really good hands. I think he’s a good one. I think when you look at his teammate, Xavier Worthy, who in space can really make people miss. He’s got punt return skills. So I think both of those Longhorns, Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy, in the late first round — at worst, early second round.”