Jarryd Hayne NFL: Running back coach Clarence Shelmon compares Hayne to former star

JARRYD Hayne’s American-based coach, Clarence Shelmon, is convinced the former rugby league star has what it takes, comparing him to a former NFL star.

FOR TUESDAYS PAPER SEE ADAM MOBBS Jarryd Hayne has visited the Parramatta Eels on their trip to Seattle flying in for 24 hour period and going to The City church service in Kirkland on Sunday morning. Picture: Adam Taylor

JARRYD Hayne’s American-based coach, Clarence Shelmon, is convinced the former rugby league star has what it takes to succeed as a running back/punt returner in the NFL.

Speaking with the Baltimore Sun newspaper, Shelmon said he has been highly impressed by Hayne’s natural skills and speed.

Shelmon, a former San Diego Charges offensive co-ordinator, has completed numerous running back drills with Hayne at Jay Glazer’s Unbroken workout facility.

The ex-Parramatta fullback has also had several kick return sessions, including catching punts from Australians Sav Rocca and Mat McBriar while being tutored by Darren Bennett and former college and NFL wide receiver/kick-off returner Tim Dwight.

Shelmon also compared Hayne to former Seattle, Dallas and Philadelphia running back, Chris Warren.

“I got to work with Jarryd for three weeks and I was very impressed with his skill set,” Shelmon said.

“He has a tall, linear build that reminds me of one of my former players, Chris Warren. Like Chris, he has exceptional hands, good feet and runs tall.

I WANTED TO QUIT NRL YEARS AGO: HAYNE

“I was pleasantly surprised how quickly he caught on for never having played the game before.

“He has natural ball skills and catches the ball naturally. I am convinced he can help a team out immediately in the punt and kick-off return game, and eventually make it as a running back.”

As a projected running back and kick returner, Hayne has visited the Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers.

According to the Sun, the former Test and Origin star has also received interest from the New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets.

Hayne’s USA-based agent, Jack Bechta, says his client is closing in on a deal.

had client/rugby league phenom @jarrydhayne_1 hayne run at the NFL Combine he would have finished in top 5 in running backs based US times

— jack bechta (@jackbechta) February 24, 2015

“As of right now, we have narrowed the field down to three teams and a decision will be made soon,” said Bechta of JB Sports.

“Working with Jarryd has been exciting and I appreciate his patience through this process. He’s a true pro. I’m confident in his abilities and have been extremely impressed with how fast he learns.

“We are still working through a few things and getting close to getting Jarryd in an NFL uniform.”

Hayne recently ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds. His time would rank him sixth among running backs from the NFL scouting combine, including Michigan State’s Jeremy Langford (4.42), Florida State’s Karlos Williams (4.48), Texas A&M’s Trey Williams (4.49), Northern Iowa’s David Johnson (4.50) and Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon (4.52).

The Sun has also reported other teams that attended Hayne’s Pro Day at the University of San Diego or requested video included the Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins.

Hayne also recorded 1.59 seconds for the 10-yard split and 4.29 seconds 20-yard shuttle.

Hayne is expected to formally announce he has secured a deal with Detroit within days.

Originally published as Jarryd Hayne NFL: Running back coach Clarence Shelmon compares Hayne to former star