INDIANAPOLIS – When the big fellas hit the bench, it’s one of the best shows of the combine. And Arkansas OL Mitch Petrus put on the biggest show Friday, tying a combine record (since 2000) with 45 repetitions.

Petrus put up the most by an offensive linemen and tied the overall combine record (both since 2000) with his performance, which was on par with Ohio State DE Mike Kudla (2006) and UTEP DT Leif Larsen (2000).

The rest of the top five included Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung (38), Notre Dame’s Eric Olsen (35), UNLV’s Joe Hawley (35) and Maryland’s Bruce Campbell (34). In all, nine linemen put up more than 30 repetitions, and four others topped out at 29.

Three players didn’t participate in the bench press because of injuries: Florida’s Maurkice Pouncy, Alabama’s Mike Johnson and Ole Miss’ John Jerry.

Most bench-press reps at NFL Scouting Combine (since 2000):

• 45: Mitch Petrus, G, Arkansas (2010)
• 45: Mike Kudla, DE, Ohio State (2006)
• 45: Leif Larsen, DT, UTEP (2000)
• 44: Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State (2006)
• 43: Scott Young, G, BYU (2005)
• 42: Tank Tyler, DT, North Carolina State (2007)
• 42: Isaac Sopoaga, DT, Hawaii (2004)

Most bench-press reps by offensive lineman at NFL Scouting Combine (since 2000):

• 45: Mitch Petrus, G, Arkansas (2010)
• 43: Scott Young, G, BYU (2005)
• 40: Justin Blalock, G, Texas (2007)
• 40: Manuel Ramirez, G, Texas Tech (2007)
• 39: Louis Vasquez, G, Texas Tech (2009)
• 38: Tony Pashos, OT, Illinois (2003)
• 37: Jake Long, OT, Michigan (2008)
• 37: Wayne Hunter, OT, Hawaii (2003)
• 37: Roberto Garza, C, Texas A&M-Kingsville (2001)
• 37: Victor Leyva, G, Arizona State (2001)

– Frank Tadych

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