FCS players hope to shine at NFL Combine

(SportsNetwork.com) - No need to bring a paper resume, but don't forget the power, speed and athleticism.

A strong contingent of 27 FCS players, including two each from Chattanooga, North Dakota State and Towson, have been invited to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine from Feb. 17-23 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The NFL's release of the official list of invites on Friday indicated 2014 Buck Buchanan Award-winning defensive end Kyle Emanuel and running back John Crockett have been included from North Dakota State, the winner of the last four FCS national titles.

In addition, Chattanooga's Davis Tull, a defensive end who could convert to outside linebacker on the next level, and Derrick Lott, a tackle, as well as Towson teammates Ryan Delaire, a defensive end, and Tye Smith, a cornerback, will have an opportunity to raise their draft stock at the Combine.

Other offensive invites from the FCS were quarterbacks Bryan Bennett of Southeastern Louisiana and Jerry Lovelocke of Prairie View A&M; running backs David Johnson of Northern Iowa, Gus Johnson of Stephen F. Austin, Ross Scheuerman of Lafayette, Tyler Varga of Yale and Zach Zenner of South Dakota State; wide receivers Dezmin Lewis of Central Arkansas and Tre McBride of William & Mary; tight ends Nick Boyle of Delaware and MyCole Pruitt of Southern Illinois; center Chad Hamilton of Costal Carolina; and guard Robert Myers of Tennessee State.

Also invited on the defensive side were defensive ends Zack Hodges of Harvard, Lynden Trail of Norfolk State and Zack Wagenmann of Montana; nose tackle Deon Simon of Northwestern State; and safeties Dean Marlowe of James Madison, Tevin McDonald of Eastern Washington and Jaquiski Tartt of Samford.

Portland State punter Kyle Loomis also received an invitation.

All 32 NFL teams will evaluate over 320 of the nation's top college players at the Combine. The on-field workout schedule is: tight ends, offensive linemen and special teams on Feb. 20; quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers on Feb. 21; defensive linemen and linebackers on Feb. 22; and defensive backs on Feb. 23.

A year ago, 22 FCS players were invited to the Combine. There were 19 FCS players selected in the draft.

This year's draft will be held April 30-May 2 in Chicago.