Seven Wildcats invited to participate in virtual NFL Scouting Combine

(UK Athletics)

It’s not the traditional “invitation” as it has been in years past, but a slew of Wildcats are set to participate in the upcoming Combine.

Earlier on Wednesday, the University of Kentucky announced that seven former Wildcat football players have received invitations to participate in the 2021 NFL Scouting Combine. Typically, the event is held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, however, due to ongoing health and safety protocols related to COVID-19, everything is being done virtually this year and on the respective team’s campus. Kentucky is scheduled to hold its Pro Day on March 31, which will effectively act as the annual in-person Combine.

Among the seven ‘Cats set to compete are nose guard Quinton Bohanna, linebacker Jamin Davis, punter Max Duffy, defensive back Brandin Echols, center Drake Jackson, defensive back Kelvin Joseph and offensive tackle Landon Young. The total number of participants is just one short of the program record of eight, which was set during the 2019 Combine.

Seven Kentucky Wildcats were invited to the @NFL Combine!

The league will utilize #UKProDay on March 31 to supplement what is normally done at the combine.

📰🔗 https://t.co/1e3kuZyNuB pic.twitter.com/sCZDfFq8xW

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) March 3, 2021

Compared to the rest of the SEC, Kentucky’s seven Combine invites ranks sixth in the conference, trailing the likes of Alabama and Georgia with 11 invitees each, Florida with nine, and then LSU and Texas A&M who each had eight. If Kentucky is able to hear the names of multiple ‘Cats called on Draft night (April 29), it will be the third year in a row they’ve done so.

Should have 7 to 9 drafted from what I’m hearing. Recruit and developing young men. https://t.co/E80jR6ezOc

— CoachMarrowUK (@vincemarrow) March 3, 2021

Joseph, Davis, Jackson, and Bohanna have all been discussed as potential draftees according to media outlets, with Joseph and Davis receiving first-round love, while Duffy, Echols, and Young will look to bolster their stock a bit more. Each NFL team is allowed to send three representatives and virtual media opportunities will be provided for each player.