The San Diego Chargers signed superstrong guard Vi Teofilo, the team announced Monday.
At the 2016 ASU Pro Day, Teofilo bench-pressed 225 pounds 43 times.
Teofilo wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, but he displayed his power for scouts from at least 20 teams in March.
“The 43 reps he managed would’ve blown away all Combine competition and are more than any player has posted at the event since Dontari Poe recorded 44 in 2012 before getting picked in the first round by the Kansas City Chiefs,” said SB Nation.
“I know if it wasn’t for [teammate Christian Westerman], I wouldn’t be as good as I am today, or as successful as I am today,” Teofilo said. “I think it has a lot to do with him because we go back and forth on everything.”
Such tests don’t tell you how good you are, he said. “But strength on the [interior offensive line] is big time. You’re not dealing with 260-pound dudes. You’re dealing with 320- and 330-pound dudes.”
Teofilo (pronounced TAY-oh-FEE-low) took part in last weekend’s rookie mini-camp as a non-contract tryout participant.
A 6-3, 315-pound rookie from Arizona State, Teofilo played in 43 career games with 40 consecutive starts to close out his career at right guard and was a two-time honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection.
To make room on the roster for Teofilo, the Chargers waived linebacker Brock Hekking (injured) and guard Sebastian Johansson.
Teofilo will wear No. 64.
