The NFL Scouting Combine — the annual pre-draft gathering for prospects and NFL scouts, coaches and executives — begins Wednesday in Indianapolis.
A school-record seven Boise State players have been selected to participate in the event. Former Borah High and Montana star Caleb McSurdy will also be at the event. Here’s what to expect from the eight players:
OT NATE POTTER
-- What to expect: Potter, who attended Timberline High before going to Boise State, was not invited to any college all-star game. That makes this week a bit more important for him. Can Potter, a first-team All-America by the Football Writers Association of America as a senior, convince scouts that he can play left tackle in the NFL, a coveted position? Or will Potter, who played left tackle at Boise State, profile as a right tackle or a guard, positions that carry less importance?
-- Schedule: Lifts Friday, works out on field Saturday.
QB KELLEN MOORE
-- What to expect: Another week of Kellen bashing. The winningest quarterback in FBS history at Boise State, Moore should excel at the less public parts of the combine — testing and interviews. But Moore is unlikely to post superior times in the running drills or wow scouts with his arm strength, so much of the commentary is likely to focus on what he can’t do.
-- Schedule: Lifts Saturday, works out on field Sunday.
RB DOUG MARTIN
-- What to expect: Martin to climb up draft charts by impressing scouts with his measurables. Martin had a good week at the Senior Bowl and is already considered by some to be the second- or third-best running back in the draft. The former Boise State back can solidify that spot with a good showing in Indianapolis — and he should.
-- Schedule: Lifts Saturday, works out on field Sunday.
DE TYRONE CRAWFORD
-- What to expect: Many observers of the Boise State defensive lineman think his best days will come in the NFL. Crawford, who played in the East-West Shrine Game, is being projected as a potential second- or third-round draft choice. It will be interesting to see what Crawford weighs at the combine. He was listed at 6-foot-4 and 273 pounds at Boise State. If he is much heavier than that, he could also get looks at defensive tackle.
Æ Schedule: Lifts Sunday, works out on field Monday.
DE/LB SHEA MCCLELLIN
-- What to expect: The former Marsing High and Boise State standout is an intriguing prospect. Most projected him as an outside linebacker/defensive end, someone who would fit well in a 3-4 defensive alignment. But McClellin showed his versatility at the Senior Bowl, playing inside linebacker. That versatility could really improve his draft stock, especially if McClellin times well at the combine.
-- Schedule: Lifts Sunday, works out on field Monday.
LB CALEB MCSURDY
-- What to expect: The Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year and an FCS All-America, McSurdy earned a late invite to the combine. McSurdy, who went to Montana, can really help his draft prospects this week. That he earned an invite means he is considered a potential draftee and that scouts want a better look at him. A few small-school players usually break out at the combine, getting a lot of media attention. Could McSurdy be one this year?
-- Schedule: Lifts Sunday, works out on field Monday.
DT BILLY WINN
-- What to expect: Winn eschewed training facilities in Arizona or California to stay in Boise and work out with Boise State strength and conditioning coach Tim Socha before the combine. Will the decision pay off with quality times? He earned mixed reviews with his performance at the Senior Bowl, so the combine offers him a chance to silence the critics.
-- Schedule: Lifts Sunday, works out on field Monday.
S GEORGE ILOKA
-- What to expect: The former Boise State safety is an intriguing prospect. At 6-foot-3, Iloka has great size. Can he pair that with speed? Iloka ran the 40-yard dash in 4.49 seconds last spring at Boise State, a fast time for a safety. He showed his versatility late in the season by playing cornerback, but scouts will want to see more coverage skills.
-- Schedule: Lifts Monday, works out on field Tuesday.
Brian Murphy: 377-6444
