Torain's return highlights ASU pro day
Ex-ASU RB trying to prove he’s healthy
Posted: March 26
By Alex Espinoza
FOXSportsArizona.com
TEMPE – Despite all the injuries and all the setbacks, Ryan Torain still sports a hearty smile.
It was on full display Friday at Sun Devil Stadium, as past members of the Arizona State football team ran drills in front of dozens of NFL scouts for ASU’s annual pro day.
Among the players working out included Torain, who played running back for the Sun Devils from 2006-07. Torain latched on with the Denver Broncos after they selected him with a fifth-round pick in the 2008 draft, but three injuries -- including two to his knees -- have derailed his professional career.
He was in good spirits on Friday, though, and said he is trying to prove that he’s “100 percent.”
“This was the big day for me,” Torain said after his workout. “Just to show all 32 teams at once that I’m ready to play.”
Since 2007, Torain has been riddled with injuries.
Torain’s ASU career ended six games into his senior season because of a fractured left foot, before a broken elbow interrupted his initial preseason with the Broncos in 2008. Torain was able to return later in the season, starting in week 10, but tore his left anterior cruciate ligament after racking up 68 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
His latest setback, a posterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee, led to his release from the Broncos during training camp in August 2009.
Torain said he hasn’t worked out for any teams individually yet, but that he’s staying in shape by working with a local fitness group in Tempe. He said he was pleased with his performance on Friday.
“Mentally, for me, it’s just hard work paying off,” Torain said. “I ain’t there yet, I just got to keep working … I just got to be patient. A couple (scouts) were saying ‘good job’ here and there, but ‘til that paper has my name on it, we’ll be OK.”
Unofficially, Torain’s hand-recorded 40-yard dash time was in the 4.6-second range. During his 2008 NFL combine workout, Torain’s 40 time was recorded at 4.61 seconds.
Torain was one of three former ASU players who graduated before 2009 that participated in Friday’s pro day. Linebacker Morris Wooten, who went unselected in last year’s draft, and defensive back Keno Walter-White also took part in the action.
Former quarterback Rudy Carpenter, now one of four signal-callers with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was also in attendance. Carpenter helped out on a few drills, throwing passes to players.
Wide receiver Chris McGaha, who is battling a hamstring injury, was in attendance but did not participate.
The comments come from either me or Bloom in the offseason. During the regular season on Sundays Jene Bramel will lend his opinions to the news wire as well.
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