Defensive backs lead FCS contingent going to NFL Combine

Indianapolis, IN – Defensive backs from Football Championship Subdivision schools will be on display at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine.

Half of the 22 FCS players who have been invited to the Feb. 22-28 showcase at Lucas Oil Stadium play in the secondary.

The official list of invitations announced Tuesday included seven cornerbacks, Asa Jackson of Cal Poly, Trumaine Johnson of Montana, Josh Norman of Coastal Carolina, Micah Pellerin of Hampton, DeAndre Presley of Appalachian State, Ryan Steed of Furman and Corey White of Samford.

Justin Bethel played cornerback at Presbyterian, but will be evaluated as a strong safety. He will be joined by Maine strong safety Jerron McMillian.

McNeese State's Janzen Jackson, who is junior-eligible for the draft, and South Carolina State's Christian Thompson gained invitations as free safeties.

Montana inside linebacker Caleb McSurdy rounded out the defensive prospects.

Offensively, the FCS invites included quarterbacks B.J. Coleman of Chattanooga, Aaron Corp of Richmond and Patrick Witt of Yale.

Southern Illinois running back Jewel Hampton, who is junior-eligible, and H- back Emil Igwenagu of Massachusetts also gained invites as did wide receivers Tim Benford of Tennessee Tech and Brian Quick of Appalachian State.

Offensive tackles Tom Compton of South Dakota, Paul Cornick of North Dakota State and Dustin Waldron of Portland State gained invitations as well.

All 32 NFL teams will evaluate over 325 of the nation's top college players for the NFL Draft. Participants will be scheduled by position over four-day periods.