7 from Penn State, 3 from Temple invited to Combine

SEVEN PLAYERS from Penn State and three from Temple have been invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.

The Nittany Lions are cornerback Chaz Powell, defensive tackle Devon Still, defensive end Jack Crawford, cornerback D'Anton Lynn, wide receiver Derek Moye, linebacker Nate Stupar and guard Johnnie Troutman.

Temple will be repesented by running back Bernard Pierce, tight end Evan Rodgriguez and linebacker Tahir Whitehead.

Still, the All-America from Wilmington, is expected to be a first-round pick. He missed the Senior Bowl with a toe injury.

Penn State's seven invitees are tied for fourth most, surpassed only by Alabama (9), LSU (8) and Wisconsin (8). Oklahoma, Oregon, USC, and Iowa also have seven invitees.

The combine is Feb. 22-28 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the site of the Giants' Super Bowl triumph. More than 300 players will be scrutinized by NFL coaches and personnel people.

Players who didn't receive invitations can participate in a series of NFL Regional Combines over the next month. Players who test best will be invited to a Super Regional Combine in Detroit on March 30-31.

Paterno services

Penn State officials said it cost about $29,000 to hold the viewings and services on campus for Joe Paterno. An athletic department spokesman said in an email that $6,000 in campus police costs will be covered by the university and that the rest of the cost will be paid by the Athletic Directors' Discretionary Fund. The Paterno family paid for costs from the funeral home.