Jim Harbaugh made a preseason prediction that his Michigan football team would beat Georgia’s single-year NFL draft record of 15.
And if the invite list for this year’s NFL Scouting Combine is any indication, it just might come true.
A combine-record 18 Wolverines received invites to this year’s event in Indianapolis, the NFL announced Tuesday, a list that included some of the biggest names from college football’s national championship team.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum, and All-American offensive lineman Zak Zinter are the group’s leaders, with Senior Bowl standout Roman Wilson, linebacker Junior Colson, and defensive back Mike Sainristil also invited.
The week-long event will take place in downtown Indianapolis from February 25 to March 4, during which time players will meet and interview with NFL teams, get physical exams, have themselves measured, and participate in on-field workouts. For early-round candidates, it’s an opportunity to cement their place in the thoughts of NFL executives.
Others, however, see it as an opportunity to demonstrate their worth and raise their profile. Last year, Michigan cornerback DJ Turner ran the quickest 40-yard sprint time of the event, 4.26 seconds, earning a slot in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Six offensive linemen received invites, including tackles LaDarius Henderson, Karsen Barnhart, and Trente Jones, guard Trevor Keegan, and center Drake Nugent. Shrine Bowl participants include Cornelius Johnson and Josh Wallace.
MLive will provide complete coverage of the 2024 NFL combine later this month.
