University of Tennessee at Chattanooga senior cornerback Buster Skrine has been invited to participate in the NFL combine in Indianapolis next month.
Skrine, a two-time first-team All-Southern Conference pick, will have the opportunity to work out in front of all 32 NFL teams during the Feb. 23-March 1 event at the Colts’ Lucas Oil Stadium.
“It’s a big opportunity and I’m excited,” Skrine said Thursday from Fair Lawn, N.J., where he is training at the Parisi Speed School.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Skrine, who has been clocked at sub-4.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash, is the first UTC player invited to the combine since running back Eldra Buckley went in 2007. Buckley eventually was signed to the San Diego Chargers’ practice squad and has been a backup with the Philadelphia Eagles the past two seasons.
Mocs coach Russ Huesman said Skrine should put up some good numbers and will likely improve his chances of getting drafted.
“He’ll test well, he’ll run well, he’ll practice well and he’ll open some eyes there,” Huesman said.
A four-year starter, Skrine ended his Mocs career with 156 tackles, 21 pass break-ups and five interceptions. He also was an effective kick returner.
In addition to participating in the combine, Skrine has been invited to play in the NFL Players Association’s Texas vs. the Nation all-star game on Feb. 5 in San Antonio.
“It’s a great chance for me to show scouts that I can play against bigger competition,” Skrine said, “not just [FCS].”
Big recruiting weekend
After the quiet period during the holidays, UTC’s coaches were back recruiting this week and will have a large group of prospects in town this weekend. Huesman said 11 players will arrive today for their official visits.
The Mocs already have commitments from 10 players and will sign as many as 20. Two members of the 2011 signing class — Kentucky transfer Sean Stackhouse and Shaun Hill of Apalachee (Ga.) High School — will begin classes at UTC on Monday.
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