Former Utah DT John Penisini Records Impressive Bench Press At NFL Combine

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Former Utah Utes defensive tackle John Penisini recorded a great result in the bench press at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine. Penisini showed off his strength to the NFL scouts in Indianapolis.

The West Jordan, Utah native also competed in the vertical jump and the 20-yard shuttle drill but did not run in the 40-yard dash.

Penisini told KSL Sports that he decided to run his 40-yard dash during Utah’s Pro Day on March 26.

The NFL hands out prospect grades to each participant in the Combine that is based off of everything they do. The grading scale is from 5.0 to 8.0. An 8.0 grade is considered a perfect prospect. Penisini was given a 5.80 grade from the NFL which is considered a “backup/special-teamer.”

Penisini’s Combine Measurements

Here is what the NFL measured on Penisini.

• Height: 6-1
• Weight: 318 lbs.
• Arms: 32 7/8″
• Hands: 10 1/2″

.@Dub_jayy_boy on field at the @NFL combine 👀

Watch on @nflnetwork | #UtesInTheCombine pic.twitter.com/Vk4pCkjc8J

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) February 29, 2020

Bench Press

Penisini recorded 23 reps of 225 lbs. on the bench press at the Combine. That performance was tied for 10th among the defensive linemen. His teammate at Utah, Bradlee Anae had two more reps than Penisini with 25. Ohio State DL DaVon Hamilton posted the most reps on the bench press with 33.

Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa and Raequan Williams from Michigan State had the least amount of reps on the bench press among the defensive linemen with 17.

"Once you do that and buy in, you end up at places like [the NFL Combine.]"@Dub_jayy_boy on how Utah's program is run. #UtesInTheCombine pic.twitter.com/4LVCZQKs93

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) February 27, 2020

Penisini leaped 25.5 inches in the vertical jump and recorded a 4.93 time in the 20-yard shuttle.

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