Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

2/10/2012 at 8:21am

Image by Mark Wagner

Jake Bequette is training to improve flexibility and add weight leading up to the NFL Combine.

Jake Bequette ended his college career as an all-SEC defensive end. Opponents respected his ability to rush the passer in the pocket.

NFL teams would like to see more.

Bequette, who is training in California, said teams are interested in seeing how he could fit into a 3-4 defensive system as an outside linebacker. He told TJ Carpenter of Hog Sports Radio that he has tailored parts of his training to helping improve his versatility as a defender.

Coaches at the Senior Bowl had Bequette work almost exclusively at linebacker.

“[Linebacker] is something I played in the Senior Bowl that I wasn’t expecting at the time, but I thought it was a great opportunity," Bequette said during the Hog Sports Radio interview. "By the end of the week I think it really helped me.”

Bequette is hoping to improve his ability to drop into pass coverage and said increasing his flexibility and adding weight are crucial before the NFL Combine later this month. He’s training three times a day, six days a week, a process Bequette described as “grueling.”

“I think it’s going really well,” Bequette told Carpenter.

Teams have already begun interviewing Bequette, who finished his Arkansas career with 21.5 sacks. His final game with the Razorbacks included him winning defensive MVP in the Cotton Bowl after finishing with three tackles, including two sacks and a forced fumble against Kansas State.

Interviews were among the numerous items on the agenda at the Senior Bowl. Bequette described the week as "a madhouse."

Regardless of position, Bequette said he’s worked to show teams his leadership skills. Work ethic and ability to inspire teammates were often cited as strengths of Bequette’s.

“Those are two things I try to relate to teams I do well,” Bequette said on Hog Sports Radio.

Tagged: Hog Sports Radio, TJ Carpenter Show, Senior Bowl, Arkansas Razorbacks, NFL Combine, NFL Draft, Jake Bequette