Xavier Worthy has yet to enter the National Football League but is already turning heads after the NFL combine.
The Texas Longhorns wide receiver is alone at the top of the summit of the 40-yard dash in all levels after completing the run for 4.21 seconds.
A 40-yard dash run is conducted by leagues, pro and amateur, to measure a player's speed and acceleration for scouts to see.
This used to be conducted only for running back, wide receiver, and defensive back but is now applicable to any position.
The 40-yard standard is based on the average distance of a punt and the time it takes to reach that distance.
This record should make Worthy a more "worthy" NFL 2024 draft prospect. Currently, the 20-year-old is projected to get drafted in the third round.
For now, he can savor the distinction.
"I just broke the record. It still doesn't feel real," Worthy told reporters after his historic moment.
"Man, just a blessing to be able to do this in front of all these fans, with all these peers I'm with."
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His skinny frame is the biggest knock on his talent, with many pointing to it as a suspect for his struggle with pressure. He is also said to have a poor showing in aerial battles or fighting through contact.
"With an ability to weaponize his burst and breakaway speed, Worthy can win deep, separate out of breaks with full-speed route cuts or stick his foot in the ground and fly with the ball in his hands," NFL analyst Dane Brugler said.
"He tracks the ball well, but he won't win many 50-50 situations and needs space at the catch point to be effective."
Xavier Worthy draft profile
While it is true that Xavier Worthy has his share of weaknesses, he played at the top level in college.
As part of the Texas Longhorns, he is renowned for his hyper-elite explosive capacity-zero to 100 quick. He is also described as having wicked foot speed and lateral, allowing him to burst through defenses on a straight line or curvilinear path.
Top 3 fastest 40-yard dash and how their NFL careers turned out
Before Worthy, John Ross had the fastest 40-yard dash with 4.22 seconds in 2017. He was drafted ninth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals and spent six years as a regular member of an NFL squad.
He is now a practice squad member of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Chris Johnson owns the third-fastest 40-yard dash at 4.24 seconds, which he set in 2008.
The 2008 24th overall draft pick by the Tennessee Titans had a relatively great NFL career. He won the 2009 Offensive Player of the Year award in 2009 and bagged three straight Pro Bowl titles starting from his rookie year.
Can Worthy's record translate to a promising NFL career?
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