Illinois Athletics Department Press Release

March 4, 2023

INDIANAPOLIS -- Illinois defensive backs Jartavius Martin and Sydney Brown were on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine on Friday. The defensive backs worked out for the first time during the week-long event, with both Illinois products producing record-setting results.

Projected first round pick Devon Witherspoon did not participate in the day's events due to an injury. His next opportunity to perform for scouts will be at Illinois' Pro Day on March 10.

Jartavius Martin - NFL Combine Results

Jartavius Martin (DB-53), Illini Defensive Coordinator Aaron Henry, and Sydney Brown (DB-42) courtesy Illinois Athletics.

Jartavius Martin had an impressive Friday at the NFL Combine, setting the Illinois Combine record in the vertical jump and posting the 8th-best 40-yard dash time in Illinois' history at the Combine. Martin's vert is currently the No. 1 mark in all of the Combine and ranks tied for fifth in Combine history. His broad jump also set an Illinois record and ranked tied for fourth at this year's Combine. Martin's 40-yard dash is the third-best by any safety.

Sydney Brown - NFL Combine Results 

Sydney Brown's 40.5" vertical is the second-best vert in Illinois' combine history, behind only Martin's, and it was the 14th-best vertical by a safety in Combine history. It was also the 8th-best vertical at this year's Combine so far. Brown's broad jump was the second-best in Illinois history, behind only Martin again, and ranks in the top 15 of Combine participants to date. His 40-yard dash ranked fourth among safeties.