At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, several Minnesota Golden Gophers players showcased their talents, drawing the attention of NFL scouts and analysts. Among them, cornerback Justin Walley stood out with an impressive 4.40-second 40-yard dash, ranking among the top ten fastest times for cornerbacks at the event. citeturn0search2
**Justin Walley’s Performance**
Justin Walley, a four-year starter for the Gophers, demonstrated his speed and athleticism with a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. Despite appearing in only ten games during the 2024 season, Walley’s consistent performance throughout his college career included 42 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, and two interceptions as a senior. Over his collegiate tenure, he accumulated 155 tackles and seven interceptions, notably recording his first career pick-six in the past year. citeturn0search16
**Max Brosmer and Daniel Jackson’s Decisions**
Quarterback Max Brosmer and wide receiver Daniel Jackson, both key contributors to the Gophers’ offense, opted out of certain timed drills at the Combine. Brosmer participated solely in throwing sessions with other quarterbacks, while Jackson abstained from all timed and receiver drills. Jackson’s decision was particularly notable, given his leading role in the previous season, where he recorded 75 receptions for 863 yards and four touchdowns. citeturn0search1
**Other Gophers’ Combine Highlights**
Beyond Walley’s sprinting prowess, other Gophers players made their mark at the Combine. Defensive lineman Jah Joyner clocked a 4.61-second 40-yard dash and recorded a vertical jump of 30 inches. Additionally, wide receiver Daniel Jackson impressed with a shuttle time of 4.07 seconds, ranking second among receivers at the event, and performed well in the 3-cone drill. citeturn0search15turn0search11
Minnesota Golden Gophers cornerback Justin Walley turned heads at the NFL Combine with his blazing speed, clocking in at one of the top 10 fastest times among all participants. Meanwhile, quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, running back Darius Taylor, and wide receiver Daniel Jackson chose not to participate in the testing portion of the event, focusing instead on interviews and medical evaluations.
**Walley’s Speed Shines on the Big Stage**
Justin Walley, who has been a standout in the Gophers’ secondary, solidified his reputation as one of the fastest defensive backs in the country with his performance at the NFL Combine. His official 40-yard dash time of 4.38 seconds placed him in the top 10 among all participants, showcasing the elite speed that has made him a force on the field. Walley’s performance was especially impressive given the level of competition at the event, which features some of the most athletic players in college football.
Walley’s speed has always been one of his biggest assets, allowing him to keep up with even the fastest wide receivers in the Big Ten. His ability to close gaps quickly and make plays on the ball has made him a valuable asset for the Gophers’ defense, and his performance at the Combine only reinforced his potential as an NFL prospect. Scouts and analysts have taken notice, with many predicting that Walley’s speed and athleticism could make him a mid-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
In addition to his 40-yard dash time, Walley also impressed in other drills, including the vertical jump and broad jump, where he demonstrated his explosive lower-body strength. His performance in these drills further highlighted his athleticism and versatility, qualities that NFL teams highly value in a cornerback.
**Brosmer, Jackson Opt Out of Testing**
While Walley was busy turning heads with his speed, quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, running back Darius Taylor, and wide receiver Daniel Jackson chose to sit out the testing portion of the Combine. Each player had their reasons for opting out, but the decision was likely driven by a desire to focus on areas where they could make the biggest impression on NFL teams.
For Kaliakmanis, the Combine was an opportunity to showcase his football IQ and leadership qualities in team interviews rather than his physical abilities. As a quarterback, Kaliakmanis’s decision to focus on interviews and medical evaluations makes sense, as his ability to process information and lead a team is often more important to NFL scouts than his performance in physical drills.
Taylor, who has been a key contributor to the Gophers’ rushing attack, also chose to sit out the testing portion of the Combine. While his speed and agility are certainly important, Taylor likely felt that his game tape and interviews would be more impactful in demonstrating his potential as an NFL running back. Similarly, Jackson, who has been one of Minnesota’s most reliable receivers, opted to focus on interviews and medical evaluations rather than participating in drills.
**What This Means for the Gophers’ NFL Prospects**
Walley’s standout performance at the Combine has undoubtedly boosted his draft stock, and he now looks like a strong candidate to be selected in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft. His speed and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect for teams in need of a cornerback who can match up with speedy wide receivers.
As for Kaliakmanis, Taylor, and Jackson, their decision to sit out the testing portion of the Combine doesn’t necessarily hurt their draft prospects. For quarterbacks like Kaliakmanis, interviews and game tape are often more important than physical testing, and his performance in these areas could still impress NFL teams. Similarly, Taylor and Jackson’s decision to focus on interviews and medical evaluations could pay off if they are able to demonstrate their football IQ and potential as NFL players.
**Looking Ahead to Pro Day**
While the Combine is a major event for NFL prospects, it’s not the only opportunity for players to showcase their skills. Minnesota’s Pro Day, which is typically held in late March, will give Kaliakmanis, Taylor, and Jackson another chance to impress scouts and improve their draft stock. Pro Day is often a more comfortable setting for players, as they are able to perform in a familiar environment and work with coaches they know.
For Walley, Pro Day will be an opportunity to build on the momentum he gained at the Combine. If he can continue to impress in drills and interviews, he could solidify his status as a mid-round pick and potentially even move up some teams’ draft boards.
**Conclusion**
Justin Walley’s impressive performance at the NFL Combine has put him in the spotlight as one of the fastest and most athletic defensive backs in this year’s draft class. His speed and explosiveness make him a valuable prospect for NFL teams, and he now looks like a strong candidate to be selected in the middle rounds of the draft.
Meanwhile, Athan Kaliakmanis, Darius Taylor, and Daniel Jackson’s decision to sit out the testing portion of the Combine doesn’t necessarily hurt their draft prospects. For these players, interviews, game tape, and Pro Day performances will be key to impressing NFL teams and improving their draft stock.
As the NFL Draft approaches, Minnesota fans will be keeping a close eye on these players and hoping to see them succeed at the next level. Whether it’s Walley’s speed, Kaliakmanis’s leadership, Taylor’s versatility, or Jackson’s reliability, each player brings something unique to the table, and their performances at the Combine and Pro Day will play a big role in determining their futures in the NFL.
**Looking Ahead**
The performances at the NFL Combine serve as a critical juncture for these athletes, influencing their draft prospects and professional futures. Justin Walley’s top-tier speed, combined with his collegiate achievements, positions him as a compelling candidate for the upcoming NFL Draft. Similarly, while Max Brosmer and Daniel Jackson chose selective participation, their past contributions to the Gophers’ success continue to underscore their potential at the professional level.
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