Can a bad performance at a Nike SPARQ Combine hurt my stock?
No, because of the “scratch rule.” ESPN RISE and Nike care about the athletes first. If an athlete does not like a particular mark, the time or mark may be scratched from the results. Even so, college coaches put more emphasis on how players perform in pads. A disappointing time in the 40 will not lead to colleges dropping a player. At past Nike events, running backs and wide receivers have run 4.8’s and linebackers run 5.2’s and still sign with major D-I programs. Current New Orleans Saints standout linebacker Jonathan Vilma clocked a 5.0 40-yard dash at a Nike Football Camp when he was in high school, and obviously the seventh-year All-Pro and Super Bowl champ has not let that slow him down. Use your times, marks and SPARQ Rating to honestly evaluate yourself as a player and see where you can work to improve your athleticism through Nike SPARQ Training.
