Miller, Newsome earn top marks at Combine

In their days at UCF, Bruce Miller, Jamar Newsome and Jah Reid had no problem standing out on Saturdays at Bright House Networks Stadium.

The three former Knights traveled to Indianapolis from Feb. 23 through March 1 to show NFL scouts if they're able to compete at the same level on Sundays.

The Combine, an annual pre-draft event where players take part in a series of skills and psychological exams as well as workouts, gives players a chance to improve their draft stock. It's one of the main events players attend before the NFL Draft in April.

Miller was a top-3 performer overall in the bench press, throwing up 225 pounds an astonishing 35 times. Miller was also a top-5 performer out of all defensive linemen in the three-cone drill, clocking in at 7.05 seconds.

"I thought it was a good week, I could have tested out better, but overall I had a blast," Miller said.

Miller's experience at the combine wasn't highlighted by his stellar performance in the bench press, though.

"The best part for me was the interviews," Miller said. "Getting to meet the coaches and their staff was great. I heard a lot of positive things and got a lot of great feedback on my linebacker drills. I had a great time doing that."

Newsome ranked in the top 15 among wide receivers in the 40-yard dash, clocking in at 4.51 seconds. He was also a top-10 performer among wide receivers in the broad and vertical jump, measuring in at 10 feet 9 inches and 38.5 inches, respectively.

"I'm satisfied but not complacent," Newsome said. "With the Combine going as good as it did, it empowers me to work harder so I can be better."

Jah Reid was a top performer in the broad jump among offensive linemen, ranking in at a second-best jump length of 9 feet 3 inches.

"I just need to keep working hard and continue to prepare for UCF's pro day," said Reid.

Miller, Newsome and Reid's next stop on their journey to the NFL is at UCF's pro day on March 23.

The NFL Draft is April 28-30 at Radio City Music Hall in New York.