Oregon State defensive tackle Stephen Paea broke the record for the most repetitions in the bench press at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine today. He hoisted the 225 pound bar an astounding 49 times, four more than the next best number, which had been done three times, most recently at last year's Combine.
Paea is listed as the #5 DT in the draft according to NFL Network's Mike Mayock, but might move up a notch or two off of this very impressive performance. At 6'1" and 303 pounds, he still might need to put on a few pounds before he can play the proto-typical DT position in the NFL.
Interestingly, former Baltimore Ravens undrafted free agent from last year, Will Johnson, lifted the 225 pound weight 47 times at the University of Michigan's Pro Day, which would have been a Combine record had he been invited in 2010. At the same time, he didn't make the Ravens, which might prove that this is more a show of strength that does not necessarily translate into football skills. Of course, at the same time, it certainly doesn't hurt!
See the story with accompanying video at NFL.com.