TSU's Gaines Impresses at the NFL Combine

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Former Tennessee State offensive lineman Rogers Gaines performed well during the 2013 NFL Combine over the weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Gaines measured at 6' 6", 334 pounds with an arm length of 36 1/4 inches and hands at 10 5/8 inches. He tied for 14th among OL with 28 reps on the bench press and ran a 5.24 second 40-yard dash.

According to Gaines' profile on NFL.com, he, "possesses the tall, athletic build NFL teams like at the left tackle spot, can get out of a two-point stance in a hurry. But he’s no finesse player, as he can land a strong initial punch and is willing sustain blocks around the pocket, finish run blocks through the whistle, and shove opponents standing around as the play goes downfield. FCS defensive ends aren’t going to beat him very often once he gets his powerful hands on their jerseys; if they put up a fight, he uses his great length, flexibility, wide stance and good lateral movement to mirror. Uses his foot quickness for positional run blocking, connecting on reach blocks, as well as getting downfield to shield linebackers."

The Goodlettsville native redshirted his first year at TSU and then played in three games as a freshman and eight contests in 2010 as a reserve. But in his first year as a starter in 2011, Ohio Valley Conference coaches voted him second-team all-conference for his efforts. Gaines was a Phil Steele second-team preseason All-American heading into 2012. He was named to the all-OVC first team as a senior, as well as being a first-team All-American selection by the Associated Press and a second-team All-American selection by The Sports Network.

 

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COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION