INDIANAPOLIS – North Carolina left tackle James Hurst entered the 2013 season as a project early round draft pick, but after suffering an ill-timed broken leg in the Tar Heels' bowl game, he is rehabbing not only his injury, but also his draft projection.
Hurst, who grew up just outside of Indianapolis, missed the Senior Bowl due to his broken left fibula and won't be able to work out at the Combine this week. However the battle back has been positive.
“The rehab is good, coming along fast,” Hurst said. “I started walking two weeks ago and it feels good walking around here, feeling normal about it. I still have a week before I'm up and running.”
Hurst said he expects to be fully healthy and do a complete workout regimen at North Carolina's pro day on March 25. He understands there will be no second chances; the pro day will be his only chance to impress scouts during the draft process on the field.
“It's my full physical audition,” said Hurst. “Most of these guys will do their stuff here (in Indianapolis). But I feel good that I'll do be doing everything at the University I played at and graduated from.”