We know Alabama, USC, Miami and Florida State are going to be well-represented at the NFL Combine every year, but the ability of some programs to produce draft-worthy talent this year may surprise. Today we run down 10 programs well represented in Indianapolis that might surprise the casual observer.
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NC STATE - 7 PLAYERS
Recruiting Rankings: 2013 (No. 47), 2014 (No. 30), 2015 (No. 35)
Breakdown: The Wolfpack are assured of at least one first round pick in former three-star defensive lineman Bradley Chubb, who some think could even land in the top five. But the Wolfpack’s impressive list of invitees doesn’t stop there, with former Rivals100 defensive end Kentavius Street a candidate to break out at the event, as well as prospects such as running back Nyheim Hines and tight end Jaylen Samuels also earning invitations.
VIRGINIA TECH - 7 PLAYERS
Recruiting Rankings: 2013 (No. 23), 2014 (No. 25), 2015 (No. 24)
Breakdown: The Hokies are pretty consistent in producing NFL talent, but having seven invitees still registers as surprising. The group is led by former Rivals250 defensive tackle Tim Settle, who left early for the draft following his junior season. Brothers Terrell Edmunds and Tremaine Edmunds are also expected to attend as is former Rivals100 defensive end Wyatt Teller and former four-star wide receiver Cameron Phillips.
PITTSBURGH - 7 PLAYERS
Recruiting Rankings: 2013 (No. 35), 2014 (No. 44), 2015 (No. 65)
Breakdown: The Panthers didn’t make it to a bowl game in 2017, but that doesn’t mean the roster wasn’t loaded with high-end talent. The most notable prospect in the group is former four-star safety Jordan Whitehead, who many believe will be an early round pick. Several other Panthers are hoping to up their draft stock with solid outings in Indianapolis, including former three-star wide receivers Jester Weah and Quadree Henderson.
UCLA - 6 PLAYERS
Recruiting Rankings: 2013 (No. 8), 2014 (No. 18), 2015 (No. 13)
Breakdown: The Bruins consistently rank in the top 25 of the Rivals.com recruiting rankings and perhaps that’s why head coach Jim Mora was shown the door after a lackluster season in 2017. But that’s why they’re on this list, with six invitees the school ranks among the nation’s best. Obviously former five-star quarterback Josh Rosen is the headliner, but he will be joined by former four-star defensive end Matt Dickerson, former Rivals250 linebacker Kenny Young and former three-star offensive lineman Scott Quessenberry, among others.
INDIANA - 5 PLAYERS
Recruiting Rankings: 2013 (No. 38), 2014 (No. 38), 2015 (No. 48)
Breakdown: The Hoosiers' draft-eligible prospects have been through plenty of ups and downs, including a coaching change. And while the school has shown continued improvement in recent years, placing five players in the combine (as many as Clemson) is still pretty impressive. The group is led by former four-star defensive back Rashard Fant, but also includes under-the-radar prospects such as former two-star tight end Ian Thomas and former two-star athlete-turned-linebacker Chris Covington.
NEBRASKA - 5 PLAYERS
Recruiting Rankings: 2013 (No. 17), 2014 (No. 32), 2015 (No. 31)
Breakdown: Considering the Huskers' rich tradition of producing talent, a year with five invitees might not be the most noteworthy thing in the world. But looking at the Huskers' on-field production that led to the school making a coaching change, it’s still surprising to see the handful of quality NFL prospects. The group is led by former four-star offensive lineman Nick Gates, and also includes former two-star and Tulane transfer quarterback Tanner Lee, as well as former three-star defensive back Joshua Kalu.
ARIZONA STATE - 5 PLAYERS
Recruiting Rankings: 2013 (No. 34), 2014 (No. 21), 2015 (No. 20)
Breakdown: The Sun Devils showed improved recruiting prowess under former coach Todd Graham and the injection of talent into the program surely helped the school have more NFL-caliber prospects. But still landing five players in this year’s combine is notable, especially considering the team’s on-field struggles that led to Graham’s ouster. The group is headlined by former Rivals250 running back prospect Kalen Ballage, and also includes former Rivals250 defensive tackle Joseph “JoJo” Wicker.
SAN DIEGO STATE - 5 PLAYERS
Recruiting Rankings: 2013 (No. 78), 2014 (No. 72), 2015 (No. 74)
Breakdown: The Aztecs have had quite a run of producing quality running backs in their history and this year’s draft class is highlighted by former three-star running back Rashaad Penny. One of the most productive backs in all of college football last season, Penny rushed for more than 2,000 yards while finishing fifth in Heisman Trophy balloting. But he’s not alone in Indianapolis, with his fullback Nick Bawden also invited, as well as former two-star prospect Kameron Kelly, who converted from quarterback to safety in college.
WESTERN MICHIGAN - 4 PLAYERS
Recruiting Rankings: 2013 (unranked), 2014 (No. 59), 2015 (No. 77)
Breakdown: Considering the Broncos' undefeated regular season run in 2013, it shouldn’t come a shock that they have some NFL-caliber players. But even so, four prospects, including a pair of running backs in Donnie Ernsberger (unrated out of high school) and Jarvion Franklin both earning invites is a surprise. Offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor was ranked as a mid three-star prospect in 2014.
JACKSONVILLE STATE - 3 PLAYERS
Recruiting Rankings: N/A
Breakdown: The FCS powerhouse will be well-represented in Indianapolis, with three former players expected to participate. The reason it’s notable to fans of FBS recruiting is because former five-star running back Roc Thomas headlines the Gamecocks contingent. The Auburn signee and eventual castoff found a second home at Jacksonville State and is now poised to be a mid-to-late round pick. For an FCS program to send more players to the combine than several Power Five programs just shows the level of talent in the Gamecocks program.
