The list of players invited to the NFL Combine were released today, and it's no surprise that Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly made the list. Kuechly will have to show his skills against other linebacking prospects such as Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict and Alabama's Don'ta Hightower and Courtney Upshaw.
Interestingly two BC players not getting invites were cornerback Donnie Fletcher and defensive lineman Max Holloway. Fletcher had a disappointing Senior Bowl, but it was surprising that he was left off the list all together. Kuechly is the lone Boston College rep this year.
To get ready for the combine, Kuechly has been in Texas training with Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson, Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill along with 29 other NFL prospects. In training Kuechly has been working on his strength and quickness and he has a busy schedule ahead of him as he prepares for the Combine:
"Yes, there are football-specific drills. But the combine presents a specific set of predictable tests. With the right preparation, prospects will be ready for exactly what's thrown at them. From an athletic standpoint, that means Kuechly's working on his [40-yard dash] time, plyometrics, stretching, footwork, making sure he maximizes his explosiveness.
From an off-the-field perspective, it means getting ready for the Wonderlic test and making sure he interviews well with coaches, general managers, scouts and personnel men."
Already viewed by most as the top linebacker in the draft, and a top ten pick, Kuechly will have to show that he has the NFL ready skill set that most Eagles' fans have witnessed over the previous three years. But really is any of us worried that Kuechly might flounder in the Combine. I highly doubt it. If there is any player that can live up to the challenge, it has Luke Kuechly.
And for any of you that want to watch him rock the combine, it will be held February 22 – 28, 2012 and can be seen on the NFL Network.