Ed McGranahan

Snubbed by the NFL Combine, Dalton Freeman channeled his inner demon into a performance superior to every center and most of the guards evaluated at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis last month.

“Obviously I was a little disappointed,” Freeman said ever so diplomatically after the workout for representatives from every NFL team but Chicago.

“I felt that I deserved to be there,” he said. “I had a great career here, and I think I outperformed most of those guys today.

“Unfortunately I didn’t go, but hopefully I proved to everybody that I deserve to be in this league.”

Former center Dustin Fry, a graduate assistant on the Clemson staff, said Freeman was angry.

“I think it pissed him off a little bit,” said Fry, a fifth-round pick by St. Louis in 2006. “I was when he didn’t get invited. He tested off the charts today. It was impressive.”

Freeman later confirmed he was more than disappointed. “I hope I answered some questions.”

A lackluster week of practice at the Senior Bowl perhaps left a sour impression with scouts, so Freeman prepared with a vengeance.

Playing weight had been an issue, but Freeman felt he needed to be lean to survive in Chad Morris’ scheme so much of the season he hovered between 280 and 285.

Freeman said he hit 295 this week and weighed 291 Wednesday, which Fry said was “perfect.”

His numbers in the skills and drills would have turned heads at Indianapolis. Eight centers were there. Only two offensive linemen – any position – were faster in the 40 than his 4.99. His 114-inch standing long jump was third to two tackles. And only eight players overall including three linemen had more than his 34 reps in the bench press. The best was 38.

“It was one of those things I say I was glad I did it (only) once,” he said.

Versatility should be valuable. At 6-feet-4½ he’s tall enough to be a guard and last week Freeman began working on long snaps for the first time since high school.

“I’ve even had a few tell me to be prepared to play emergency tackle,” he said.

Freeman said he’ll continue to work on his strength and conditioning, possibly visit a few teams for more intimate workouts then return to Clemson before the draft.

One scout privately said he could see Freeman go undrafted then sign as a free agent then wind up playing in the NFL for 10 years or more.

“The hay is in the barn. He’s done all he can do,” said Fry, remembering how the process worked. “He looks good. He’s a perfect weight right now.

“Don’t let your mind run wild on you. Don’t over think things. That was a big thing with me. Just let it happen.”

Fry emphasizes rest because once Freeman signs, it will be non-stop again.

“He’s been going at it since last July,” he said. “He needs to find a little bit of rest time.”