It’s one thing when the Patriots sign a rookie free agent, but it’s something entirely different when he makes the team. Even if it was just for a day, and if he’s headed to IR, they clearly saw something in him. So f-yeah Jeff Tarpinian!

Here’s what National Football Post had to say about Tarpinian:

Former Hawkeye Jeff Tarpinian turned some heads on Monday at the Iowa pro day in front of NFL personnel. With all 32 clubs represented in Iowa City, the linebacker posted some times comparable with defensive backs, according to league sources.

ICONTarpinian posted big numbers in front of NFL personnel at the Iowa pro day.

Measuring in at 6-2, 235, Tarpinian was clocked between 4.48-4.55 in the 40 yard dash and registered times in the pro agility (20-yard shuttle) between 3.85-4.15.

Some other numbers to take note: a 37-inch vertical jump, a broad jump of 10.5 feet and a 3-Cone time between 6.5-6.7 seconds.

Tarpinian posted 47 tackles and saw action in eight games as a senior after battling through injuries, but did make the start at LB in Iowa’s Insight Bowl win over Missouri. He originally came to Iowa as a defensive back and switched to the linebacker position during spring practice in 2007. Tarpinian was also a productive contributor on the Hawkeyes’ coverage units throughout his career.