Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter didn't partake in any of the speed and agility testing at the NFL Combine yesterday, but he certainly showed out at the bench press on Friday.
Trotter is one of the youngest players in the draft at just 20 years old, making him one of the biggest wildcards as well, but his impressive display of strength has helped his case. Trotter topped all linebackers with 27 reps at the bench press, rankings fifth overall including defensive linemen.
Josiah Trotter makes his mark on the NFL Combine at the bench press
Trotter was a transfer from West Virginia, and made the most of his lone year with the Tigers after notching 84 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and two sacks. He feels like his decision to come to Mizzou made a big difference in his football career., and he spoke about it this week.
“You want to be able to go somewhere where it’s going to prepare you for the NFL, play NFL-caliber players,” Trotter said at the combine media session. “I felt that was the place I could play on the national stage. Play some really big games and prepare me for the playstyle. I feel like they did a good job with not only preparing me but also seeing the players and different types of schemes I would see.”
With his age, Trotter will likely be looked at as a project for most teams. Still, his raw talent and family ties to the NFL has him slotted anywhere from a second to third round pick at the moment. If he can develop his coverage abilities, Trotter can be a starter for a long time in the league. And after a strong showing on the bench press, he's likely to see a few more teams come calling for visits.