Caleb McSurdy is going to get a chance to show he belongs in the NFL.
The Borah High graduate and standout linebacker at Montana will participate in the NFL Scouting Combine this week in Indianapolis — an annual and increasingly popular event that has been likened to a four-day job interview.
Players are invited to the combine, which has the goal of hosting every player who will be selected in April’s draft. The combine begins Wednesday.
“All I want is an opportunity to make it to a (NFL training) camp,” said McSurdy, the 2011 Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year and an FCS All-American selection as a senior.
“All I want is an opportunity to show that I can play.”
He’s picked the right place. Scouts, coaches and executives from all 32 NFL teams will be in attendance. Players go through a host of tests, including medical and psychological, as well as on-field drills and off-field interviews.
“I’m really, really excited that I got to be one of the guys going to Indy,” said McSurdy, who received his invitation less than three weeks ago.
McSurdy has been training in Arizona in preparation for the combine and Montana’s March 9 pro day.
IDAHO CONNECTIONS
Four Idaho high school graduates have been invited to the combine: McSurdy, OL Mark Asper (Bonneville High, Oregon), DE/OLB Shea McClellin (Marsing High, Boise State) and OT Nate Potter (Timberline High, Boise State).
7 BRONCOS INVITED
• Boise State is sending a school-record seven players to Indianapolis — McClellin, Potter, QB Kellen Moore, RB Doug Martin, S George Iloka, DL Tyrone Crawford and DL Billy Winn.
• Alabama has nine invitees. LSU and Wisconsin have eight each. No Idaho or Idaho State players were selected for the combine.
COMBINE SCHEDULE
• The combine is Wednesday through next Tuesday, but for each player group it is a four-day event. The first day is registration, X-rays, orientation and interviews. The second day is measurements, medical exams, media and psychological testing. The third day is an NFL Players Association meeting, psychological testing and more interviews. The final day is workouts. Live coverage will be available on NFL.com and the NFL Network.
