Niklas, Martin, Watt open Combine for Irish hopefuls

Former Notre Dame tight end Troy Niklas performed 27 reps on the bench press (225 pounds) Friday at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, ranking him fourth among tight ends.

Joe Don Duncan of Dixie State registered 35 reps to pace the tight ends. He was followed by Texas Tech's Jace Amaro and Georgia's Arthur Lynch, who each put up 28 reps on the bench. Niklas, a junior who bypassed his senior season, followed at 27 reps.

Former Irish offensive linemen Zack Martin and Chris Watt each registered 29 reps on the bench for 11th among offensive linemen. North Carolina center Russell Bodine put up 42 reps during the testing to lead the position group. Former Michigan tackle Taylor Lewan also had 29 reps.

On-field workouts begin Saturday for offensive linemen and tight ends, as well as kickers, meaning Martin, Watt and Niklas will perform.

Former ND running back George Atkinson III and wide receiver TJ Jones will do their on-field workout on Sunday, while defensive linemen Stephon Tuitt and Louis Nix, along with linebacker Prince Shembo, will work out on Monday.

The combine concludes on Tuesday with defensive backs, which will include former ND cornerback Bennett Jackson.

Coverage of workouts begins each day at 9 a.m. on NFL Network.