After stepping into the starting running back role for the UCF Knights last season, Myles Montgomery is now preparing to take the next step toward the NFL.
Although he was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, Montgomery had a major opportunity to showcase his talent at UCF's pro day in front of representatives from 29 NFL organizations and more than 60 scouts.
One of the most important aspects of his day was the 40-yard dash, and Montgomery delivered. He ran a 4.39, a time that would have ranked fourth among running backs at the combine. He also posted 22 bench reps, which would have tied for third, along with a 10-foot-4 broad jump, also tied for third. His 4.25 shuttle time would have ranked first among running backs who participated at the combine.
Montgomery also put together a productive final season at UCF. He played in 11 games and made 10 starts, rushing for a career-high 705 yards and four touchdowns on 143 carries. He added 17 receptions for 182 yards, both of which were also career bests.
Following his pro day performance, Montgomery met with the media. Here is what he had to say.
(Photo: © Rob Gray-Imagn Images, USA TODAY Sports)
On how Pro Day went for him today:
"Really good. Good time to be back out with the fellas, show what I can do in front of the scouts. So had some fun today."
On what he thinks he showed today:
"Exactly what I knew and what they didn't know. So I think I kind of left my mark today and I opened some more eyes."
On any instant feedback from teams:
"Yeah, it was some from some teams that was back there."
On his dream:
"Make it to the NFL, some money, change my family's life. That's the dream."
On his 40-yard dash performance and the reaction:
"I'm waiting till the official numbers come out, but what you think you had to be like 4.3 something. I heard a lot of scouts and stuff saying 4.6. I don't know where that came from. They seemed more surprised than I was. So I already knew I had it in me the entire time. But it was just a matter of getting on the stage and being able to show it."
On the process since the end of the season:
"I've been running the 40 since December. I was really bad at it at first and I kind of got good. My second one you can hear me. I was like, 'Oh yeah, that's the one.' While I was running, but it was just out of instinct. You've been doing it for so long like you know what a good one feels like."
On going through the process with Jaden and being back together:
"It's been good to see my brother again, man. It felt like we went back to doing individual beginning of practice all over again. So it was pretty good to see Jaden again. And I love Jaden."
(Photo: © Rob Gray-Imagn Images, USA TODAY Sports)
On what's next in the process:
"Now is usually the visits and other workouts and things of that nature."
On how many teams he's talked to so far:
"I've talked to quite a bit—mainly from the Hula Bowl. I was like 17 or something like that. And obviously a few more have come and I'm pretty sure once I check my phone my agent's going to be texting me hopefully more teams."
On what kind of player a team gets if they take a chance on him:
"I only have one starting season under my belt, so I have the least amount of work on my tires. So I still have a lot more to go. They're going to get somebody who's going to embrace their role whether whatever it is on and off the field and try to help the team continue to win ball games."
On which drills stood out besides the 40:
"I specifically focused on the 40 just because that was from my agent's feedback. That was mainly what all the people were worried about. So I've been running a 40 just about every day or every other day since December. That's really what I honed in on and I think my work paid off today."
On seeing younger wide receivers like Waden Charles, and Duane Thomas step up as leaders:
"I don't know if you guys remember, but a while ago I already said they've been doing that—especially Wayd. So I already knew they were going to be vocal leaders and things like that when they were freshmen out here running sprints. They're the only freshmen speaking up, getting on people. So I can't wait to see what they're going to do. Sky's the limit for them boys."
On where he sees the UCF program headed under Coach Frost:
"We're going to go as far as we want to go. I'm glad I'm able to sit back and be a fan. I'm going to have a different fan experience just because I'm able to come watch practice unlike other fans and I know a little bit more about what's going on in the building than other fans. So I'm just glad to be a fan at this point. I can't wait to watch them."
On Taevion Swint and what fans can expect from him this season:
"Just like AG, way better than I was as a freshman. He had those freshman legs before he got hurt when we were in those Indy drills. He's going kind of too fast. But that's a speedster. It's going to be Jaden 2.0 if not better. I'd go out on the limit."
On AG (a walk-on true freshman) and his development:
"I'm proud of AG. Was it yesterday me and J working out? I went to the locker room and I don't remember what running back it was—the locker room was dirty. I sent a picture to AG. I said, 'This is your fault.' Just kind of getting on him. Me and Coach Beal teased him all the time. But I love AG, man. I cannot wait for him as well."
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