University of Cincinnati offensive guard Jason Kelce posted the best 40-yard dash of any offensive lineman at the NFL scouting combine, clocked in 4.89 seconds.
What made it more impressive is that Kelce was dealing with severe stomach pain that was recently diagnosed as appendicitis, undergoing a successful appendectomy two days ago.
"He's expected to make a full recovery," agent Scott Smith told National Football Post today. "We're jsut glad we got the proper diagnosis and now he's doing well. The surgery was a success, and he's progressively feeling better now.
"He'll be fine. We're just glad we caught it and got it taken care of. He's not going to be able to do his Pro Day, but he did everything at the combine. He does have some visits lined up and will be able to travel."
Down to 280 pounds at the combine from his normal weight of 295 pounds after not being able to eat for days, Kelce posted the top 20-yard shuttle (4.14 seconds) and three-cone drill (7.22) at his position.
"He had been really sick before the combine and he went to the doctor and they thought it was a stomach virus and hoped it would clear up," Smith said. "He felt a little bit better by the time of the combine, but had lost 15 pounds after not being able to eat for four deays. He went out and ran and put up awesome numbers and we were really impressed.
"He was training and then he had another episode and felt horrible. His stomach was hurting and we knew it was something more significant. He went to the hospital, did all the tests and it was confirmed he had bad appendicitis. It had been progressing for weeks and all the symptoms lined up from the combine. It was pretty impressive that he was able to do what he did in that state."
The two-time second-team All-Big East Conference selection has played both center and offensive guard, making the transition to offense after walking on at linebacker five years ago.
Now, Kelce is working to regain his health following the surgery.
"He'll make a full recovery within two to three weeks and should be able to go about his business," Smith said. "The timing is never good for something like this, but we're just glad he's going to be okay."
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