Penn State safety Troy Apke arrived at the NFL Combine with little fanfare — even his invitation was a surprise.
Now, he’ll leave after lighting up social media and garnering praise from NFL legend Deion Sanders.
Apke ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash Monday, the fastest time among safeties and the fourth-fastest among defensive backs. His blazing speed stunned Sanders: “You know why I’m surprised. I can’t say it on TV, but he can run.”
Apke, battling stereotypes as a speedy white safety, was an unknown commodity whom most believed would go undrafted. But, after that performance, teams will have to take another look.