Former Boise State cornerback Jerrell Gavins doesn't know what he'll run in the 40-yard dash Thursday in his long-awaited chance to show NFL scouts his skills.
He isn't worried about it, either.
He hasn't run a 40 in nearly two years because of the knee injury that cost him most of the 2011 season and slowed him at times in 2012.
"All I know is I can play football and shut down receivers," Gavins said. "That's all I can say. I've got film on that."
Gavins was overshadowed last season by teammate Jamar Taylor, who has climbed to No. 4 in the cornerback rankings by ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay.
Taylor impressed at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine, and will go through position drills Thursday at Boise State's pro day.
Gavins didn't play in an all-star game or draw a combine invite. He and the other Boise State prospects who didn't attend the combine will perform the same athletic tests done there.
"I've been sitting down too long," Gavins said, "… so I'm ready to display all the things I can do."
Taylor and tailback D.J. Harper, who also attended the combine, will draw most of the scouts' attention.
But Gavins, defensive tackle Mike Atkinson and fullback Dan Paul also are on the radar. Other players expected to participate include linebackers Tommy Smith, J.C. Percy and Dextrell Simmons, defensive lineman Darren Koontz and offensive lineman Brenel Myers.
Paul, who missed the 2011 season with a groin injury, said he feels stronger and faster going into pro day.
"It's been really relieving not having the pounding of practice and to just really get a focus on training and working toward what we've always dreamed of," he said. "… It'll be a fun show."
Gavins is healthy for the first time since he severely damaged a knee in a freak practice accident three games into the 2011 season. He played every game last season, but coaches eased him back into the lineup.
Gavins combined with Taylor and the rest of the Broncos defense to hold opponents to a national-low four touchdown passes against 18 interceptions (four for Taylor, two for Gavins).
"Since high school, I've thought about this day," said Gavins, whose 5-foot-9 frame is a key liability. "Every day I was in the weight room training, I was thinking about having to bench 225 (pounds, the combine strength test). … That's why I don't feel any pressure. I've prepared for this so much and I've been through it so many times in my mind that whatever happens, happens. I just know I can play football."
Chadd Cripe: 377-6398, Twitter: @IDS_BroncoBeat
