“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”

--Philippians 4:13

little while longer and then headFirst let me start off by thanking everyone that was praying for me this past weekend during my time at the Combine. This weekend was the biggest job interview I have had thus far in my life.

I arrived on Wednesday afternoon in Indianapolis and right off the plane the evaluations on Gerald Cadogan began. That whole day, as well as Thursday were for medical examinations from the NFL team doctors and trainers, to check for any major concerns. I spent a total of about 6 hours at the hospital getting blood work, MRI's, and X-rays just to check to see if I had any medical issues.

Each night after the days work I met with NFL offensive line coaches to talk about my best games and strengths, along with my worst games and areas for improvement. Between the Combine and the Senior game (Texas versus the Nation), I have talked to almost every NFL team.

In the interviews with the coaches you talk about any off the field issues you have (getting into trouble) and why you want to continue to play football. At the Combine they added football tests to see your football knowledge and psychological tests to see how smart you are.

Friday was the bench press test, where you are tested on how many times you can do 225 pounds.

This time last year I was able to do  about 20. On Friday I was able to do 26 reps (the average is around 23-24 reps). This is a personal best for me, and I have to give credit to the strength coach Andy here at the Athlete Performance Institute for his help, and JT and Jeremy my strength coaches at Penn State.

I must give a shout out to Aaron Mummert who has been helping me out a lot to when I am in Portsmouth working out at the Life Center.

Saturday was the big day, this is where you are tested in running, jumping and on offensive line drill work. My times and distances for the shuttle and 3-cone were right around or a little above the average for the offensive line at the combine at the combine.

I ran a 5.12 laser time official (5.08 hand held unofficial) which was the 4th fastest time for offensive linemen at the combine (around 40 linemen were invited to the combine).

I have to thank my dad because he has been teaching me to run since I was little and coaching me up every since. I also have to thank my racing buddy AKA my brother Nate because we are always racing to see who is the fastest, I still hold the title, although he has beaen me a few times.

--Gerald