NFL Combine: Gradkowski Hones Skills
Workout regimen at UPMC prepares him for combine
Friday, February 17, 2006
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.)
• Former NFL Player
