2012.02.07
David Wilson, Jayron Hosley get invites to NFL Combine
The final NFL Scouting Combine invitation list is out and four Hokies are on it. As expected, running back David Wilson and cornerback Jayron Hosley, a pair of underclassmen, were added to the group, joining previously-invited receivers Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale.
A total of 231 prospects were on the original list last month, but that didn’t include the record 65 underclassmen who declared for the NFL Draft this year. Here’s the final list, which has 328 names.
The combine, which takes place in Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium from Feb. 22-28, is a chance for NFL general managers, personnel directors and coaches to evaluate prospects for April’s draft. Players go through a series of on-field drills and interviews throughout the week.
For those that didn’t make that cut — a group that includes safety Eddie Whitley and linemen Blake DeChristopher, Jaymes Brooks and Greg Nosal – the opportunity exists to go to one of eight regional combines. They began Jan. 28. The closest to Blacksburg is in Baltimore on Feb. 11.
There is also Virginia Tech’s pro day on campus, which is scheduled for March 15.
Wilson and Hosley are ranked among the top players at their positions. NFLDraftScout.com ranks Wilson third among running backs, behind Alabama’s Trent Richardson and Miami’s Lamar Miller. Hosley is 10th among cornerbacks.
This year’s draft takes place in New York from April 26-28. The first round takes place that Thursday, the second and third rounds on Friday and the final four rounds on Saturday.
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Wilson is going to have some serious competition at the Combine for sure. I haven’t seen the list, and I’m not sure if LaMichael James is going as well, but Wilson is going to have the run for his money, especially in the fastest time portion of the Combine. It’ll be interesting to see how he stacks up against the others.
Also, I am curious to see what scouts think of Coale and Boykin.
Comment by Trevor — February 7, 2012 @ 12:11 pm
James is on the list, just as is Trent Richardson from Alabama. Wilson I think will do fine. His biggest challenge is that NFL teams no longer feel that they need to use a 1st round pick on a running back.
Comment by Hokie92 — February 7, 2012 @ 12:36 pm
The combine is PERFECT for Wilson’s skill set! He won’t break Chris Johnson’s record, but I think he will perform better than any back that will be there this year. That doesn’t mean he is the best back, but he will be able to put on a show in Indianapolis.
Comment by Joe — February 7, 2012 @ 1:56 pm
That’s true, H92, but a stud running back is still as valuable, not as emphatically as Emmitt Smith’s era. Sidney Rice and Maurice Jones-Drew are example of the value of having stud running back, even in a high powered air raid offense. Tight ends seem to be more coveted these days.
Comment by Trevor — February 7, 2012 @ 3:01 pm
@Trevor, the Combine is the least of his worries. Wilson will absolutely dominate the NFL Combine. He’s a freak, and his numbers will definitely help his stock rise. His issue is improving his game between the tackles and getting into the endzone.
Comment by Eric — February 7, 2012 @ 11:21 pm