Ohio State’s Coleman ready to shine at NFL Combine

Photos: Kurt Coleman in photos

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By Carlos “Big C” Holmes, Staff Writer Updated 12:23 AM Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Englewood native and Ohio State defensive back Kurt Coleman is prepared to chase his dream of playing professional football.

Toward that end, the Northmont High School graduate will travel to Indianapolis on Saturday, Feb. 27, to take part in the NFL Scouting Combine, the annual invitation-only job fair for prospects entering April’s draft.

Coleman and more than 300 other potential picks will be put through medical examinations and a series of agility tests before all 32 NFL teams. Coleman returned to OSU after the Senior Bowl to train and prepare for his job interview.

“I’m ready to seize the moment,” Coleman said in a phone interview on Tuesday. “I want to show teams what kind of leader I am and that I’m a very smart player. More importantly, I want to show teams that I can play with the best of them.”

The 5-foot-10, 192-pound Coleman has the skill set to play either corner or safety, which teams love. However, scouts want to see how quickly the college safety can get from point A to point B. Coleman addressed the concern over a lack of speed.

“There’s a difference between track speed and football speed,” he said. “If you’re fast enough, good transitioning and efficient with your breaks, no one is going to run past you.

“I believe that’s what coaches are starting to see and understand. You don’t have to be the fastest person out there. As long as you are in good position on every play things will be in your favor. I take pride in being a range rover and in my ability to make plays.”

Coleman finished the 2009 season with 68 tackles, five interceptions and four passes defensed.

“A lot of people are very unsure about what to expect at the combine,” Coleman said. “But I’m confident and not going to waver on my ability. I know what to expect and I think everything is going to be dandy for me.”

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