The NFL Combine brings together the best draft-eligible prospects in the nation for a weekend of rigorous physical and mental evaluation. From the 40-yard dash to the bench press, it’s all about jockeying for position on NFL draft boards come April.
Though for Olathe South High School and Auburn graduate Braden Smith, it meant a little bit more.
The six-foot-six, 303-pound offensive guard gathered pledges prior to the Combine for each rep he put up on the 225-pound bench press, with the proceeds going to Autism Speaks.
Thirty-five reps later – second-most among offensive linemen - Smith raised $3,294 for the non-profit.