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Penn State linebacker Michael Matui and three of his Nittany Lion teammates have received invitations to the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The Combine takes place February 20-26 at Lucas Oil Field. Prospective NFL players complete a series of drills and interviews for their prospective employers. Invitees generally have shown enough skill or production at the college level to warrant a potential selection in the April draft.
Matui was supposed to be eligible for the 2012 NFL Draft, but a torn meniscus in his left knee limited his season to four games. After a redshirt season, he recorded 95 tackles and three interceptions for Penn State in 2012. Matui also reportedly sent handwritten notes to all 32 NFL general managers to show how important football is to him.
Joining Matui in Indianapolis will be Penn State defensive lineman Jordan Hill, linebacker Gerald Hodges, and offensive lineman Matt Stankiewitch. Hill is considered a solid NFL prospect, while Hodges or Stankiewitch could make their way into the draft with a good performance at the Combine.