Troy Pride Jr. Not Feeling Pressure at NFL Combine
Alabama receiver Henry Ruggs III got his chance at the fastest 40-yard dash at the 2020 NFL Combine on Thursday night.
Ruggs ran a 4.27, which left the door open for Notre Dame cornerback Troy Pride Jr., who runs on Sunday.
"I saw a lot of people run," Pride stated. "I saw his time and he ran great. It was a great 4.27 and I'm happy he ran that. I think he was a little disappointed because he wanted to run faster. He's a burner for sure."
Pride has stated he wants to run in sub-4.3 and he's prepped for this moment for the last eight weeks in Dallas.
"I'm excited for the 40 and I've been at Michael Johnson Performance working my craft and my starts," explained Pride. "I'm excited for the entire process. It's not just the 40-yard dash. It's going to be vertical, broad, 5-10-5, 60-yard shuttle and position work. It's going to be a fun experience."
The South Carolina native has seen his draft stock rise quickly following a dominant performance at the Reese's Senior Bowl. Pride has embraced the hype, but he also still carries a significant chip on his shoulder.
"It's a blessing to have people talk about you," Pride said. "I still have a lot more to prove. I still have a lot more to do. The fact of the matter is I'm still disrespected in a lot of conversations. It's just going to be me proving haters and doubters wrong and do the best I can to prove I'm the best in the country.
"I've never been one to be complacent or average. With that mindset, I'm continuing to compete and grind."
While his speed gets the headlines, Pride has worked and watched a ton of NFL film over the years to help shape his game.
"I mirror my game after a lot of individuals," Pride explained. "Movement wise, I would say Trae Waynes from Minnesota. We have similar movement patterns, but also I can resemble some Jaire Alexander in Green Bay. I try to mirror my game after guys like Richard Sherman, who does really well with his eyes. Josh Norman does well with body control.
"I try to mix it all into a great Troy Pride."
Notre Dame receiver Chase Claypool stole the show on Thursday by running a 4.42 and jumping 40.5 inches in the vertical.
Pride didn't fully admit there were some dinner bets on the table, but he was more than willing to throw some digs at Claypool.
"There might be, but I can't necessarily say that on the record," laughed Pride. "There could be some things in the works, but you never know.
"I don't know if I should continue to feed him at 238. He ran a 4.4. That's a nightmare matchup wherever he goes."
Pride will get his chance to show the country his speed in about 48 hours and he's not feeling any pressure to perform.
"This is fun," said Pride. "This is what you want. I'm running a race. I'm going to put my hand on the line and run. I'm having fun with it.
"Everyone else can stress about it. My mom is stressing about it, but I'm just ready to do it. I was ready to do it when I got here on Wednesday."