Nyheim Hines Hoping To Move Up Draft Boards
Like all of NC State's combine performers, Nyheim Hines didn't run the 40 again, but he did do shuttle work and flash his skills at running back, receiver, and in the return game.
"I thought it was great," Hines said. "I improved on times I needed to, did well in the bench press, caught well, looked fast, looked quick. I thought overall it was a good day."
For Hines, he takes pride in the success NC State had this past season. The former in-state prep star believes the turnout from NFL scouts and personnel proves NC State is building something special right now.
"It's great," he said. "We had seven guys at the combine and maybe one or two more guys should have made it I think. Even overall we had a great team, 9-4 as a team. I don't think we've had a team like that since Mike Glennon was here. It goes to show that coach Doeren is winning the recruiting process and keeping everybody in-state."
After his breakout junior year he had a big decision to make and he chose to enter the draft, mainly because he didn't see a lot of upside with returning for his senior year.
"After talking with my coaches and family it was the best move," Hines said. "I am what I am... I'm 5-8 today, they cheated me on my height, and 198. I'm not going to get any bigger, I'm not going to probably get any stronger or faster. I thought it would be the best move and my coaches and family supported me."
Checking in at 5-foot-8 and 198 pounds, Hines believes he has improved his stock. He has six visits lined up and mentioned specifically Dallas and Minnesota as teams he would be visiting.
"I've heard second or third [round]," he said. "That's kind of what came out after the 40, definitely the second round. I'm really excited. I have to kill these one-on-one workouts, go to the facilities, show who I am and be myself."
Hines grew up following the Wolfpack, and as his sights are now set on his pro future he admits he can't believe his time at NC State is over.
"It's surreal," he said. "When I first got here, it was, 'Wow, I can't believe I'm here.' I actually can't believe I was here more than I am at this point now. Growing up watching Philip Rivers... Mike Glennon was here.
"It's crazy watching those guys and admiring them, and now I'm here trying to get my name on the wall. Seeing them telling me what to do and helping me get better, it's really good."
How will he manage his emotions leading up to the draft?
"I'll hang out with my family, and play video games," Hines said, smiling. "When you play video games you don't think about much.
"I'll pray a lot. I hope I go to the right team who knows how to use me, and I'm hoping to hear my name on April 26th, 27th, or 28th."
