Five Vols Receive NFL Combine Invitations
By Zach Ragan
Sep 21, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Daniel McCullers (98) rushes against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Five former Tennessee Volunteers have received an invitation to the NFL Draft Combine, which will be held February 19-24 in Indianapolis, IN.
- Zach Fulton — Offensive Lineman
- Ja’Wuan James — Offensive Lineman
- Antonio Richardson — Offensive Lineman
- James Stone — Offensive Lineman
- Daniel McCullers — Defensive Tackle
It comes as no surprise that four of the five invitees are from the Volunteers’ esteemed offensive line.
The offensive line was by far the Vols’ most experienced unit in 2013 and although it didn’t seem like it at times, they played extremely well in their first year under Butch Jones and offensive line coach Don Mahoney.
Of the five to receive invites, only Antonio “Tiny” Richardson is an early entrant to the draft.
Had linebacker A.J. Johnson chose to declare for the draft, he almost certainly would’ve received an invite.
It was a bit of a surprise to see running back Rajion Neal and kicker Michael Palardy snubbed.
Neal was by far the team’s best offensive player in 2013 and some could argue that Palardy, as a punter, was the team’s MVP.
They both still have a shot to be drafted and will at least get a shot in a camp somewhere this summer.
You can check out the full list of invites here.