Buzz grows as McFadden runs 40 in 4.27

By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Contact)

Darren McFadden, the two-time Heisman runner-up from Arkansas, ran a 4.27 in his first go at the 40-yard dash Sunday in Indianapolis, giving him the fastest time in the event so far.

McFadden's time drew praise from NFL Scouting Combine veterans.

"That's the kind of time that most people who go to this event will talk about for years to come," said Vic Carucci of NFL.com. "I think it exhibits what a lot of us thought he was about 'dominance.'"

McFadden's official time was later adjusted to 4.33, making it the second-fastest time of all the running backs, behind the 4.26 run by East Carolina's Chris Johnson. McFadden flashed a toothy smile to the NFL Network cameras after his run, then sat down by Arkansas teammate Felix Jones, who posted an official 4.47 himself, tied for the ninth-best time among running backs.

A few minutes later, McFadden ran again, posting an unofficial 4.33.

"He blew it open on everybody today," said one veteran NFL observer. "And not only that, he went back and ran again. There's no way he drops below No. 3 to the Falcons now."

Former Razorback teammate Peyton Hillis ran a 4.58.

For more information see Monday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.