NFL Combine 2012 Results: Analyzing Small FBS Prospects Who Improved Stock

When we look back at the last decade of college football and wonder why so many small FBS-school studs have made an impact in the NFL, just watch some of these schools against the BCS contenders.

Obviously, the Utah Utes began it all in 2004 and then Boise State and TCU have added to the mix. It just goes to show that the small school prospects at the top level in college football can play with the best as well.

By that token, here's a look at a few who really stood out at the combine and increased their draft stock.

Doug Martin: RB, Boise State

Now a projected mid second-rounder, Boise State's Doug Martin really proved that he has early Round 2 potential provided he has a strong pro day.

At the combine, Martin hit 4.45 seconds on the 40-yard dash, 36 inches on the vertical and 10 feet on the broad jump. Considering that Martin is just 5'9" and 223 pounds, his leaping ability and acceleration is impressive.

Include 6.79 seconds on the three-cone drill and 11.29 seconds on the 60-yard shuttle (both of which were second among running backs), and it's clear that Martin displayed quick power and great agility.

Then again, this should not have been surprising since he accounted for over 2,500 rushing yards in the past two seasons.

Dontari Poe: DT, Memphis

The man is roughly the size of Vince Wilfork at 6'4" and 346 pounds, but still ran 4.98 seconds on the 40-yard dash and 4.56 seconds on the 20-yard shuttle. Indeed, Memphis' Dontari Poe showed excellent athleticism for his size and has the ability to control either A-gap in the NFL.

He's not your ideal interior pass-rusher, but will plug up gaps, draw double-teams and—if put in one-on-one situations—beat the blocker and go make a play.

Poe also out-benched everyone at the combine with 44 reps and hit 7.9 seconds on the three-cone drill. With better than advertised footwork, awesome strength and improved balance, Dontari Poe has mid to late first-round talent.

George Iloka: Safety, Boise State

Yes, another player from Boise State on the list. No, it's not Kellen Moore. Safety George Iloka stands 6'4", 225 pounds and looks the part of the next Steve Atwater.

Fittingly so, since Boise's nickname is the Broncos. Dare I say omen?

Anyway, Iloka came in as one of the top safeties at the combine and solidified his status with a strong performance. He's now likely to be a late second or early third-rounder, but can still improve with a strong pro day.

As for the combine, Iloka ran 4.66 seconds on the 40, hit 20 reps on the bench, leaped 10'4" on the broad jump and stopped at 11.75 seconds on the 60-yard shuttle. Remember, the man is a big safety prospect and proved legit body control, speed, strength and ball awareness.

Any team that wants a dynamic safety who can simply intimidate with size and athleticism alone will consider him.

John Rozum on Twitter