10. Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa, center
Pro Football Focus graded Linderbaum as the nation’s top center and the best pass blocker in the Big Ten who allowed only three quarterback pressures on 280 pass-blocking snaps in 2020. The 6-3, 290-pound Linderbaum came to Iowa after a terrific prep career in track (throwing the shot put and discus), wrestling, baseball and football. He displayed some of his freakish ability last month at the annual Solon Beef Days in his home state, heaving a 60-pound hay bale 14 feet high to share the title with fellow Hawkeye offensive lineman Tyler Elsbury. That was two feet better than former Freaks king Tristan Wirfs’ winning performance in the 2019 competition. During his freshman year, Linderbaum set the Hawkeyes squat record for a center by doing 590 pounds. He’s also got elite feet. Word is, he’s run a 1.55 10-yard split and was timed at 4.22 in the shuttle — numbers that would rival a good running back. Some first-round corners haven’t run that quick at the combine.One veteran NFL scout told us Linderbaum reminds him of former NC State first-rounder Garrett Bradbury: “Linderbaum has great initial quickness and great balance. He’s never on the ground.”
Bruce Feldman’s 2021 college football Freaks List
Our expanded roster includes 101 players who showcase jaw-dropping physical traits at their respective programs.
theathletic.com
