Auburn fans will see some familiar faces at the 2019 NFL Combine.
The NFL came out with the official list of invitees for the Combine that will take place from February 26 through March 9 in Indianapolis.
The former Auburn players that received invites are quarterback Jarrett Stidham, linebacker Deshaun Davis, cornerback Jamel Dean, defensive tackle Dontavius Russell, and wide receivers Ryan Davis and Darius Slayton.
Davis was the backbone of Auburn’s defense where he led the Tigers in tackling in two straight seasons, including a career-high 112 total tackles in 2018. He finished his 4-year career at Auburn with 262 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.
Stidham came into the 2018 season with Heisman-level hype after throwing for 3,158 yards and 18 touchdowns while posting a SEC-best 66.5 completion percentage – leading Auburn to wins over No. 1 Georgia and Alabama. The next season, Stidham’s production fell with his completion percentage dropping nearly five points, his yardage dropping below 3,000 yards and his yards per attempt average dropping to 7.6. Stidham will look to impress NFL scouts at the combine in hopes to bring his draft stock back up to the post-2017 level.
Slayton was Stidham’s No. 1 deep threat with Slayton averaging over 20 yards a completion during the two-year tenure with Stidham. Slayton caught 79 passes for 1,605 yards and 11 touchdowns in his career at Auburn.
Davis graduates as the all-time reception leader, single-season receptions leader and is a part of the all-time quarterback to receiver combination in Auburn history. Davis accumulated 178 receptions, 1,555 yards, seven touchdowns over his career but will be remembered as one of the more consistent and sure-handed pass catchers to walk on Auburn’s campus.
Russell surprised some when he decided to return for his fifth-year instead of heading to the draft after the 2017 season. In the 2018 season, Russell demonstrated his ability to clog up running lanes and handle double teams to free up one-on-one matchups for the rest of the defensive line. He finished his career with 153 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss and six sacks.
Dean was Auburn’s No. 1 cornerback going into the 2018 season after Carlton Davis left early for the draft, and now Dean is following in his footsteps. Dean’s 6-foot-2 frame makes his body ideal for the next level. He finished his career at Auburn with 73 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, a sack, 17 pass deflections and two interceptions.
Quarterbacks and receivers will participate on March 2.
Defensive linemen and linebackers will be on March 3.
Defensive backs will be on March 4.
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