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Winston Shows Off Strong Arm, But Mariota Has Faster Feet

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Florida State's Jameis Winston showed Saturday there's nothing wrong with his throwing shoulder.

On Saturday in Indianapolis, he threw with zip and accuracy, posting the most impressive performance in a six-quarterback group that included Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota. Winston, the 2013 Heisman winner, and Mariota are presumed to be vying to go No. 1 in the Apris draft.

Mariota threw well, too, but wasn't quite as accurate as Winston.

The workouts came one day after ESPN reported doctors were rechecking Winston's throwing shoulder for weakness.

``I actually feel good,'' Winston told NFL Network following the workout. ``The thing is they actually (put a) shot in my shoulder and made it sore a little bit. I was like `You all tried to do that. I've done had this shoulder my whole life and you're going to make it sore.'''

Most of the quarterbacks, running backs and receivers spoke to the media Thursday. Winston came in Friday because of the longer-than-expected medical exam. Players are not usually available to most media members following drills.

Winston didn't just look healthy, he appeared to be at ease on the Lucas Oil Stadium turf.

After completing the workout, Winston traded high-fives with other competitors and the six quarterbacks in the group photo got together for a photo on the field.

``That's just how I am, I can be goofy on the sideline,'' Winston said.

Mariota had the fastest 40-yard dash time among all 15 quarterbacks, 4.52 seconds.

Winston was clocked in a surprisingly slow 4.97 and 4.99 on his two tries, barely beating the fastest offensive lineman. Ali Marpet, a 307-pound tackle, ran 4.98 on Friday.

Mariota also beat Winston in the vertical jump (36 inches to 28.5) and the broad jump (10 feet, 1 inch to 8-7).

But the workouts were not the most enjoyable part of Mariota's week. He got a chance to talk to former Oregon coach Chip Kelly, who is now with the Eagles. Mariota said he had not yet had any formal meetings with Philadelphia, who are believed to have interest in Mariota and may be willing to trade up in the draft to get him.

``The interviews for me were enjoyable because I was able to show some of the knowledge that I learned at Oregon,'' Mariota said, adding that Kelly made no promise of making a move to get him.

Alabama-Birmingham receiver J.J. Nelson had the fastest overall 40, a 4.28, falling just short of Chris Johnson's combine record (4.24). Miami's Phillip Dorsett was next at 4.33. West Virginia receiver certainly helped his case by running a 4.35 while Alabama's Amari Cooper was clocked at 4.42.

Heisman Trophy finalist Melvin Gordon had the fifth-fastest time among running backs at 4.52. Michigan State's Jeremy Langford was No. 1 at 4.43.

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

 

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