Virginia long snapper Danny Aiken and cornerback Ras-I Dowling were invited to the 2011 NFL Draft Combine, it was just announced. The combine takes place from February 23 through March 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. This is the perfect opportunity for both of these guys to get another chance at increasing their draft stock after coming off a 4-8 season.
From Roanoke, Va., Aiken appeared in all 12 games this season and is a four-year starter at long snapper. He also made four tackles this year, including against USC, Florida State, Miami and Virginia Tech.
Despite being plagued with injuries this season and being all but a non-factor, Dowling (like Aiken) was selected to play in the Under Armour Senior Bowl, which took place earlier this year. In 2009, he earned his second-straight second team All-ACC honors, ranked sixth in the conference in passes defended (11) and 1th in interceptions (three). ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper ranks Dowling as the the fourth cornerback in the country.
This year 329 players were invited to participate in the combine.