STARKVILLE — Martinas Rankin’s last action at center came with two caveats: he knew it was most likely temporary and therefore would likely never do it in a regular season game. Those reps came in spring practice before his senior season; a year later, Rankin was in the corner of the Palmeiro Center snapping once again, this time trying to play center in the National Football League.
Rankin, widely projected as a talent worthy of selecting in the first three rounds of April’s NFL Draft, was the primary draw to Mississippi State’s Pro Day Wednesday after a senior season at left tackle. Part of Rankin’s training over the winter has been to prepare for any position a NFL team may throw him into, and he’s hoping Wednesday’s position drills showed that.
“I wanted to show that I’m a good football player all-around and I’m going to do what it takes to get on the field wherever I go,” Rankin said. “I’ve heard it all. They continue to ask which one I prefer, but I want to be a guy that can come in and play all five.”
Rankin did so through position drills, the only thing he did on Wednesday. He elected to let his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine stand — 24 bench press reps at 225 pounds — passing on all the other physical tests such as vertical jump and 40-yard dash.
It was there at the Combine that Rankin grew accustomed to having the attention of every NFL franchise. Rankin said he met with at least 26 teams while in Indianapolis and MSU’s Pro Day was attended by all 32 teams, a total of 41 scouts and other staff.
Since then, he has spoken to other former MSU players to get a sense of life in the league.
“It’s a business. Everything you have to work for, nothing comes easy,” Rankin said. “They don’t care what round you came in, it’s all about working.
“Understanding this is a job, this is my livelihood, this is how I have to pay the bills, but at the same time embracing it. This is what i’ve wanted my entire life, this is my dream and it’s right there. It hasn’t hit me yet, but I’m embracing this process and trying to take it all in.”
He’s been able to take on that process with no limitations, having now fully recovered from the ankle injury that sidelined him for four regular-season games as a senior. Rankin said he has been working out on campus to prepare for Pro Day, but the show is about to go on the road: individual workouts with teams will take place in the next week, as Rankin visits the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Baltimore Ravens, the New York Giants and others.
Between now and the draft’s beginning on April 26, Rankin knows what he can work on — the scouts at Pro Day gave him an idea.
“Continue to get stronger in the weight room, continue to work on technique, keep working hard on my versatility and being able to play all five positions,” Rankin said. “I’ve been working on (snapping) a lot; you have to make sure the snap is consistent going to the league. It’s something I’ve been working on off-and-on and something I have a chance to improve at.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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