NFL Combine: Gradkowski hones skills

Workout regimen at UPMC prepares him for combine

Friday, February 17, 2006

Martha Rial, Post-Gazette Former Toledo quarterback Bruce Gradkowski works out yesterday at the UPMC Sports Complex on the South Side in preparation for the NFL combine next week in Indianapolis.

By Paul Zeise, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Bruce Gradkowski was a record-setting quarterback at Seton-LaSalle High School, but he was overlooked by almost every Division I college. In fact, it wasn't until after his senior season -- and only after a coaching change -- that Toledo gave him a scholarship.

Five years, three brilliant seasons and 19 Toledo passing records later, he again finds himself having to answer questions about his ability. And, once again, he is eager to prove he is more than capable of being a big-time quarterback.

Gradkowski, who threw five touchdowns in his final college game Dec. 21, a win against UTEP in the GMAC Bowl, is one of seven players represented by Carnegie-based agent Ralph Cindrich who are working out at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex on the South Side for the NFL combine.

"I feel like I am starting from scratch again," Gradkowski said. "I have to prove myself all over, but that's what these workouts are for, and that's what the combine is for.

"So I'm excited about it because it is another opportunity. And I'm not afraid to do anything. I am going to do all the workouts because I feel like anything I can do will increase my stock, and that's the goal -- to get drafted higher."

The questions about Gradkowski are two-fold -- his size (he is listed at 6 feet 2) and his arm strength. Despite that, he is projected by most scouting services to be a third- to fifth-round pick in the NFL draft. He believes that once he attends the combine Feb. 22-28 in Indianapolis he'll answer any lingering questions about his arm strength.

He said that while he hopes to make a lasting impression at the combine and subsequent workouts, he believes his body of work the past three seasons with the Rockets builds a strong case.

"People talk about my arm strength, but I don't question it at all. And that's why I'm excited to get to these workouts because I can go out and make the throws they want to see," Gradkowski said.

"The system I played in college was high percentage decision-making and short passes, and we didn't throw the ball downfield all that much, but that doesn't mean I don't have the arm strength to do it.

"But, ultimately, you make your name through game tape, and that's really where you get your grade at. All this other stuff is extra, and it is a chance to show them that what they see on film is really what they are going to get."

Since the GMAC bowl, Gradkowski, who graduated in December, has focused his energy on getting ready for the combine. He spent some time in Atlanta working out with former Green Bay Packers assistant coach Zeke Bratkowski efore returning to Pittsburgh to begin an intense six-week program at UPMC.

Joining Gradkowski in the program are Minnesota center Greg Eslinger, Virginia linebacker Kai Parham, Louisville guard Jason Spitz, Wisconsin receiver Jonathan Orr, Michigan State center Chris Morris and Michigan guard Matt Lentz. Parham and Orr are probably the two highest-rated prospects, but all seven are expected to be drafted in April.

The program, under the direction of UPMC's director of sports performance training, Ronald DeAngelo, is designed to increase strength, quickness, speed and conditioning and prepare them for drills and testing at the combine.

"What we're trying to get them to be is as fast as they can be, as quick as they can be and as explosive as they can be," DeAngelo said. "This is unique in that we have everything under one roof -- physicians, physical therapists, sports nutrition, sports psychology -- it is all here in one building."

(Paul Zeise can be reached at pzeise@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1720.)

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Gradkowski's sights set on combine

By Rob Biertempfel
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, February 17, 2006

When Bruce Gradkowski hears his name called during the NFL Draft, he will owe a measure of thanks to Pitt. Five years ago, Pitt refused to recruit Gradkowski out of Seton-LaSalle High School. As a sophomore quarterback, he stepped onto the national stage by leading Toledo to an upset victory against the Panthers.

Now, Gradkowski is using Pitt's South Side training facility as a launching pad for his NFL career. He appreciates the irony of the situation.

"It's fun being back home in Pittsburgh," he said Thursday during an afternoon workout. "It gives you a little extra inspiration to work hard and reach your goals. That game against Pitt, I'll always remember. It was a great time."

Gradkowski is one of seven former college players -- all clients of local sports agent Ralph Cindrich -- who have spent the past six weeks at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex, honing their skills before the NFL Combine.

The four-day Combine begins Wednesday in Indianapolis. Gradkowski's performance there will affect his fate in the NFL Draft April 29-30.

"If you believe in yourself, there's no telling what you can do," Gradkowski said. "I had a goal to play Division I football, and when that calling came, I was right there to jump on it. All I needed was that one shot. That's how I feel right now. All I need is that one shot and I'll be fine."

Gradkowski passed for 9,225 career yards at Toledo -- the only Division I school which offered him a full ride. In 2003, he threw for 461 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-31 win against Pitt.

This season, he matched his career high with 29 touchdown tosses and was named MVP of the GMAC Bowl after throwing five TDs. Most draft gurus project Gradkowski as a middle- to late-round pick.

"He has an air of confidence," Cindrich said. "He may be one of the safest picks in the draft this year. He has smarts, speed, strength and touch." Gradkowski was named co-Player of the Year in the Mid-American Conference, the league whose quarterback legacy includes Ben Roethlisberger, Charlie Batch, Byron Leftwich and Chad Pennington.

"I guess the Steelers couldn't go wrong by getting me, after seeing what the last MAC guy they drafted (Roethlisberger) did this year," Gradkowski said, grinning. "The MAC's brought out some great quarterbacks, and just to be mentioned with those guys is an honor. Those guys paved the way for me and, hopefully, gives me more of a shot."

But to play it safe, Gradkowski has been putting in twice-daily workouts on the South Side. Hardly any of the drills require him to actually touch a football. Instead, he sprints, lifts, jogs and hopes to build strength and speed.

"You make your name from game tape. All this extra stuff will help even more," Gradkowski said. "I have all the game tape; now, it's time to really prove myself. I want to show them that what they see on film is what they'll get."

Rob Biertempfel can be reached at rbiertempfel@tribweb.com or (724) 853-2110.