Former Cal players shine in NFLs annual event

INDIANAPOLIS -- Former Cal defensive back Chris Conte was the fourth and final former Cal football player to participate in the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday. Defensive lineman Cameron Jordan, linebacker Mike Mohamed and tailback Shane Vereen all took part in the combine held at Lucas Oil Stadium earlier during the six-day event that ran from Feb. 24 - Mar. 1.

Conte was among the top defensive back performers in the broad jump on Tuesday by tying for fourth with a jump of 10'7". He also posted 18 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press to tie for 13th among cornerbacks. Conte played both safety and cornerback during his Cal career and was listed as a "defensive back" for the combine.

On Monday, Mohamed equaled Texas A&M's Von Miller for the top time among linebackers in both the 3-cone drill (7.07) and 20-yard shuttle (4.00). Mohamed and Connecticut's Scott Lutrus were tied for second behind Miller at their position in the 60-yard shuttle (11.25). Mohamed was also listed 12th among linebackers in both the 40-yard dash (4.70) and broad jump (9'7").

Jordan also participated in the measurable drills on Monday and had marks in the broad jump (9'9") and 3 cone drill (7.07) that both tied for seventh among defensive lineman, while his 4.70 40-yard dash was 10th and his 4.37 in the 20-yard shuffle tied for 10th.

Vereen was the first member of the foursome to go through the physical portion of the event on Sunday and was especially impressive in the bench press, with his 31 repetitions of the 225-pound weight the second-highest total among running backs. He was also listed among the top performers at his position in the 40-yard dash (8th, 4.50), 60-yard shuttle (9th, 11.58) and 3-cone drill (11th, 6.95).

All four former Bears performed at the combine in front of more than 600 NFL personnel from all 32 teams present, including head coaches, general managers and scouts. The players were put through a series of tests, interviews and measurable drills including the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, 3 cone drill, 20-yard shuttle and 60-yard shuttle. NFL Network provided nearly around-the-clock television coverage of the event. Visit NFL.com/combine for additional coverage from the NFL.

The combine is one of the key tools used by NFL teams in preparation for the NFL Draft, which will take place Thursday-Saturday, Apr. 28-30, 2011, from Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Cal has made a strong showing in the NFL Draft over the years with 25 former Cal players being selected in the first round, including the only two first-round picks from the Pac-10 in 2010 with the selections of DT Tyson Alualu (10th overall, Jacksonville Jaguars) and RB Jahvid Best (30th overall, Detroit Lions). The Bears have had six first-round picks and 32 overall selections since Jeff Tedford became the team's head coach in 2002.