Michael Crabtree is reconsidering running the 40-yard dash for NFL scouts, the Texas Tech WR told NFL Network during a phone interview.

The National Scouting Combine isn’t run by the NFL, but all 32 clubs pay for the right to gather information here. It’s not cheap, but no teams questions the value.

“It is not a one-man race right now.” – NFL Network Guest Analyst Jon Gruden about this year’s crop of quarterbacks.

One of the more interesting prospects at the combine is Sammie Lee Hill, a defensive tackle from Stillman College. Hill is big (6-foot-3 plus, 329 pounds) and athletic (his vertical jump is 30 inches), and he has the versatility to play in the middle of a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.

Keep an eye on this kid. He could end up as a surprise middle-round pick.

Each story has a backstory. Penn State WR Derrick Williams‘ story is no different.

West Virginia’s Pat White refused to practice at any other position besides quarterback at the Senior Bowl. The decision raised some eyebrows, but it paid off when he was named MVP of the game.

Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis has spent time around cameras his entire life. His father was famed professional wrestler Animal, one half of The Road Warriors (Legion of Doom) tag team and two of his uncles were also involved in pro wrestling.

With Friday being the day quarterbacks, receivers and running backs played “Meet the Press,” there was quite a bit of activity in the media room.

I’ve been doing this combine thing for a long time now, and today I saw a first. In the halls of the Indiana Convention Center, where prospects get poked, prodded and interviewed behind closed doors, were several offensive linemen running 40-yard dashes and practicing their starts. Someone had even put tape down on the carpeted floors for this impromptu track meet.

One prospect is aiming to increase his visibility, another is looking to re-establish his, but both are using the platform of the combine to accomplish those goals.

The first bench press results of the combine are in, and among the offensive linemen, there was Louis Vasquez and everyone else.

As Mike Singletary puts it, in a perfect world, the 49ers would have a clear-cut starting quarterback and a proven commodity at the position. But the 49ers don’t live in that world.

The first official day of the 2009 NFL Scouting Combine started and ended at full throttle. Some of the NFL hopefuls talked about their experience in Indy, while some NFL head coaches and executives spoke about free agency, offseason plans and scouting players.

Connecticut’s William Beatty is considered one of the draft’s best senior offensive lineman, but his weight has been an issue.

Move over Mannings. Another set of brothers is establishing a legacy in professional sports.