NFL Combine 2012: 5 Small School Standouts to Watch at the Combine

In just one short week, the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine kicks off in Indianapolis.

Hundreds of collegiate athletes will be gathering in the Hoosier State to jump through hoops (maybe literally), answer a ton of interview questions from NFL scouts and take a shot at the Rorschach test of the NFL known as the Wonderlic test.

Some of these players are stars from some of the biggest and most prestigious universities in the nation, but many others toiled in relative obscurity for much of their time at school.

This makes it more important that these youngsters put their best foot forward under the bright lights in the RCA Dome.

Bobby Wagner: LB, Utah State

Utah State linebacker Bobby Wagner has been a tackling machine over the past three years for the Aggies, racking up nearly 400 tackles on his way to three consecutive All-WAC selections.

The 6'1", 240-pound Wagner was named the North squad's Most Outstanding Player at the Senior Bowl. If Wagner can follow up that honor in Mobile with a solid showing at the combine in Indy and good pro day, it's possible that the versatile Wagner could boost his NFL Draft stock into the third round.

Josh Robinson: CB, Central Florida

Junior cornerback Josh Robinson was the backbone of the Central Florida secondary in 2011, tallying 48 tackles, 2 interceptions and 15 passes defensed while being named first-team All-Conference USA.

The 5'10" 193-pound Robinson lacks ideal size and blazing speed, but he has shown good instincts and coverage skills.

Robinson's ability to impress scouts that he can improve in run support may be Robinson's biggest task in Indianapolis, as he's shown some weakness in that area in the past.

Brian Quick: WR, Appalachian State

Brian Quick had a very productive season for FCS powerhouse Appalachian State in 2011, making over 70 catches for nearly 1,200 yards and 11 scores.

Additionally, at 6'4" and 222 pounds, Quick has the sort of big frame that NFL scouts drool over.

Quick's route-running, top-end speed and ability to separate from press coverage will all be highly scrutinized by scouts at the Combine. If Quick can allay those reservations, it's possible that a big combine could boost his 2012 NFL draft stock well into the third round.

Ladarius Green: TE, Louisiana-Lafayette

Six-foot-six, 236-pound tight end Ladarius Green is cut from the new mold of incredibly athletic pass-catching tight ends

Green had no problems reeling in passes at Louisiana-Lafayette, racking up nearly 2,000 receiving yards over the past three seasons.

It will be interesting to see if Green has bulked up some in preparation for the Combine in an effort to impress upon scouts that he can be an effective blocker in the NFL. If he has, that added weight might slow his speed—he has run a 4.65-second 40-yard dash.

Alfred Morris: RB, Florida Atlantic

At 5'11" and 222 pounds, Florida Atlantic running back Alfred Morris is a bowling ball of a man.

The senior had no trouble knocking over defenders like pins in the Sun Belt Conference in 2011, rushing for nearly 1,200 yards, scoring nine touchdowns and earning second team all-conference honors.

However, Morris wasn't much of a factor in the passing game last year, making only 15 catches. So, showing pro scouts the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and how to block will be important to Morris' draft stock.