2012 Combine List

In January, the initial NFL combine list had been released with 231 names receiving an invite. It only included seniors on it as underclassmen still had time to petition and get added to the list. Fast forward to Tuesday and a second, final list has been released.

National Football Scouting distributes it and for this year’s draft, a record-number 65 underclassmen who received special eligibility have been included. However, 10 names have been excluded from it.  According to CBS Sports, each year there are players not invited to the Combine. They are still evaluated but in a smaller setting and they may be considered as long shots to be drafted.

So who are these 10 unfortunate players?  This includes Wyoming running back Alvester Alexander, Texas running back Jamison Berryhill, Kansas State running back Bryce Brown, Minnesota tight end Tiree Eure, Syracuse wide receiver Dorian Graham, Boston College defensive end/outside linebacker Max Holloway, Miami wide receiver Aldarius Johnson, Tulsa wide receiver Damaris Johnson, Purdue guard Ken Plue, and Auburn quarterback Barrett Trotter.

In addition to the excluded players, some seniors are also granted late invitations to the Combine. This year Washington running back Chris Polk, Florida State offensive tackle Andrew Datko and Utah State running back Robert Turbin made the late party list.

The Combine will take place in Indianapolis from February 22 to February 28. It is televised on the NFL Network and it is more interesting than you think (see future fantasy picks).

Here’s a complete 2012 Combine list.

Jason Tarver to the Oakland Raiders

After spending one year in the college ranks as Stanford’s co-defensive coordinator, Jason Tarver traded up and will return to the NFL with the Oakland Raiders. He will be the team’s defensive coordinator.

Prior to his stint at Stanford last season, Tarver was the San Francisco 49ers outside linebackers coach. In his role with the Raiders, it will be his first with play-calling responsibilities.

Last season, Stanford’s defensive numbers were great: second in the Pac-12 conference and No. 28 nationally. The team did finish with a weak spot, ranked as No. 59th in the FBS and No. 5 in the conference for yards allowed on a per-play basis, according to CBS Sports. Having Andrew Luck as the Cardinals’ quarterback had an effect on these statistics.

While the Raiders continue assembling their coaching staff, former head coach Hue Jackson remains without a new job. He hasn’t received a lot of interest for an assistant coach position but he interviewed with the St. Louis Rams for the offensive coordinator position and the Arizona Cardinals for their quarterbacks coach opening.

Jackson compiled an 8-8 record last season before getting fired. He lost his temper with his players in their last game against the San Diego Chargers. Jackson recently said that if Raiders owner Al Davis was still alive, he would have a job; he also added that he learned a lesson from his poor behavior.

Besides a mediocre season and a bad temper is there more to Hue Jackson? Good luck Hue.