INDIANAPOLIS – Gophers cornerback Justin Walley ran the 10th-fastest time among the 39 defensive backs sprinting in the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine, reaching 23 miles per hour over 4.4 seconds.
But Walley, an experienced ball hawk, pointed to a different strength after he deflected 27 passes in 49 games for the University of Minnesota.
“My IQ,” Walley said. “A lot of the times, it just so happens I’m in the right spot, but there’s a lot of meaning and depth behind where I’m at. I’m pretty much always in the right spot in the right time.”
Walley found himself in front of coaches and executives in formal 20-minute meetings with the Colts, Buccaneers, Rams and Falcons this week. He said he met informally with 15 other teams.
He credited the Gophers as one of a program-record six combine invitees, including offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery, receiver Daniel Jackson, edge rusher Jah Joyner, quarterback Max Brosmer and linebacker Cody Lindenberg.
“We all started out as not that good of players,” Walley said. “I know I wasn’t that big of a recruit, I’m pretty sure Cody wasn’t, and we all developed into some pretty good players. It just shows the culture we have and the dedication we have at the University of Minnesota.”
Walley only ran at the combine because of a right wrist injury that still requires a cast. He said he’s unsure whether he’ll do other testing for NFL scouts at the Gophers' March 19 pro day.
“I get a CT scan the week before pro day,” Walley said. “It all depends on how that goes.”
