STEINBERG: BEN HLADIK’S 5 CFL COMBINE SURVIVAL TIPS
The imminent arrival of the 2024 CFL Combine, sponsored by New Era, is here! Commencing this Wednesday, this year’s foremost draft hopefuls will converge in Winnipeg, striving to make a lasting impression on scouts and football management across the league.
The combine week stands as a pivotal period for aspiring draft picks. A noteworthy performance can propel a player’s draft stock, whereas a subpar display can have adverse effects.
This scenario resonates with Ben Hladik, the BC Lions’ linebacker, who experienced this firsthand three years ago. Ahead of his selection in the third round of the 2021 CFL Draft, Hladik garnered significant attention at the combine, showcasing his prowess by finishing second in his class with 29 bench press repetitions and clocking a 40-yard dash time of 4.66 seconds. Additionally, he excelled in the broad jump, 3-cone drill, and shuttle run.
Given his recent experience and standing as one of the CFL’s premier linebackers, who better to seek combine advice from than someone who navigated through the process merely three years ago?
The 2024 CFL Combine presented by New Era is upon us! Starting Wednesday, this year’s top draft prospects will get to work in Winnipeg looking to impress scouts and football operations departments around the league.
Combine week is one of the most significant stretches of time for a draft-eligible prospect. A good showing can vault a player up the draft board, while a poor one can do damage the other way.
The former was true for BC Lions’ linebacker Ben Hladik three years ago. Before being taken in the third round at the 2021 CFL Draft, he was a big-time standout a few weeks prior at the combine. Hladik finished second in his class with 29 bench press reps and a 4.66-second 40-yard dash; he also impressed in the broad jump, 3-cone and shuttle.
So, who better to get some Combine tips from than one of the CFL’s best linebackers and a guy who is only three years removed from going through the process?
Prepare specifically for the Combine
“Due to the highly specialized nature of the drills conducted at the Combine, Hladik emphasizes the necessity of precise training.
“When we practiced on the field, I focused extensively on improving my 40-yard dash, shuttle run, and 3-cone drill,” Hladik recounted in our recent conversation. “In the gym, our focus was on preparing for the bench press. We dedicated several months to this preparation.”
Given the specificity of these drills, which may not directly translate to in-game performance, Hladik believes that his targeted training regimen for the Combine played a pivotal role in his impressive performance.”
Take an all-around approach to training
Identifying his strengths and weaknesses before the combine was crucial for Hladik. However, this was merely the initial phase of his preparation.
Hladik expressed confidence in his ability to excel in the bench press, citing it as a long-standing strength along with his prowess in the broad jump and vertical. Yet, he acknowledged the importance of refining his running technique, an area he hadn’t previously focused on until preparing for the combine. Collaborating with a sprint coach proved instrumental in honing his sprinting abilities, ultimately leading to an improved performance in the 40-yard dash.
Despite recognizing his natural strengths, Hladik emphasized the significance of not neglecting them during his training regimen. He aimed for a comprehensive approach, ensuring equal attention to all aspects to maintain a well-rounded skill set for the combine. Rather than resting on his laurels, he sought to enhance his existing strengths even further.
Reflecting on his initial prowess in bench press and broad jump during his university days, Hladik sought continuous improvement. His dedication to combine training yielded tangible results, demonstrating significant progress across various disciplines.
Train with someone else
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Hladik participated in the 2021 virtual combine, altering his preparation compared to previous years. Instead of training at team facilities alongside teammates, he enlisted the help of his younger brother, Bradley, a tight end/fullback at UBC, to endure rigorous training sessions. With Bradley also participating in this year’s combine, Hladik acknowledged the mental boost of having his brother as a training partner. They competed against each other during runs and workouts in Vernon, motivating one another to excel, akin to the competitive atmosphere found in team facilities during combine preparations.
Don’t be afraid to seek outside help
“Each individual inherently possesses strengths and weaknesses across various disciplines. However, according to Hladik, who enlisted the expertise of a sprint coach to enhance his performance in the 40-yard dash, players should not hesitate to seek external guidance to bolster areas requiring improvement.
He emphasizes that running on a football field differs significantly from executing a 40-yard dash. Unless one is breaking away as a receiver, the scenario of running 40 yards straight down a football field rarely occurs. Hence, as a linebacker, the guidance of a sprint coach was invaluable in mastering the proper technique for the 40-yard dash.”
Take it seriously
Hladik’s advice emphasized the importance of taking the combine seriously, as it represents the final opportunity for players to make an impact before draft day.
“Given that I didn’t play my fourth year at UBC, I approached the combine with utmost seriousness because it was my chance to demonstrate that I was still fit and prepared for football. This year, I would certainly approach the drills with the same level of seriousness. Neglecting to do so could leave you vulnerable on the field, with someone else seizing the advantage.”