OxfordPress.com

Javon Ringer put up impressive numbers during his college football career at Michigan State, but he has some ground to make up before April's NFL draft.

Ringer had a decent showing at the NFL scouting combine last month, but the Chaminade Julienne High School graduate wasn't impressed by his performance.

Ringer did 23 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press and he ran in the 4.5-second range in the 40-yard dash. He posted the third-fastest time among running backs in the 20-yard shuttle, running it in 4.11 seconds.

Ringer said he wasn't at 100 percent at the combine because he hurt his knee in the Michigan game in late October and had surgery in January, after the Spartans' bowl game.

"I was trying to stay confident, thinking that I could put up the same numbers I know I can, but that wasn't the case," Ringer said in a recent phone interview. "I tried to explain that to all the NFL coaches because I just had knee surgery five weeks ago.

"While everyone else was training, I was rehabbing and I wanted them to know that. Granted, I didn't put up the numbers I know I can, but that was simply because I wasn't 100 percent."

Ringer's next chance to impress scouts comes at MSU's Pro Day on Friday, March 18.

Ringer's draft stock is holding steady. According to one NFL scout, Ringer did nothing to hurt his cause in Indianapolis, and that he's projected as a late second-round draft pick despite his inability to perform fully in drills.

The 5-foot-10, 205-pound Ringer is an explosive runner with a unique style. He can be a slasher, but also can lower his pads and get physical.

One concern among scouts is the mileage Ringer put on by carrying the ball 370 times for 1,637 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. Ringer finished his college career as Michigan State's second all-time leading rusher with 4,351 yards.

Ringer interviewed with the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals at the combine, and both teams will be looking to address their running back situations via the draft.

When asked about the interviews with his home-state teams, Ringer's enthusiasm was undeniable.

"Personally, I was happy to talk to the Bengals and Browns," he said. "I love home, but I'm willing to play anywhere. However, if I were blessed enough to play somewhere close to home it would really be convenient for my family. I know they would really love to see me play."