NFL Combine: Scouts show no love for some big-name programs

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The NFL officially announced its list of the 330 players invited to participate in the NFL Combine on Wednesday. The annual pre-draft scouting event is set to take place Feb. 28-March 6 with several former stars of the high school and college football world scheduled to compete.

But some fan bases were surprised their programs were sparsely represented, or in some cases, not represented at all. We take a look at the schools without very many participants and examine what it means about the program and the perception in recruiting.

MORE NFL COMBINE: Which programs are best represented?

SOUTH CAROLINA: No players

Farrell’s take: This is what happens when you have a coach, Steve Spurrier, who never loved recruiting in the first place and mentioned retiring publicly while still trying to recruit. A 3-9 season two years ago happens and an early retirement equal zero players. Luckily the talent is already improved early under Will Muschamp.

OREGON: 1

Farrell’s take: The handoff from Chip Kelly to Mark Helfrich was smooth at least on the field at first, but recruiting took a bit of a dip early, especially on defense. There is no way a program just a few years removed from playing for a national title should have only one invite.

GEORGIA: 1

Farrell’s take: This is even more stunning than Oregon, as the 2013 class crushed Mark Richt and this is a big indicator as to why he’s no longer in Athens. There is no way that Georgia should have only one player invited with all the talent in that state. Georgia had five players at the 2015 combine and eight at 2016. Luckily for Georgia fans, Kirby Smart is taking recruiting up a notch.

MARYLAND: 1

Farrell’s take: Maryland was a disaster under Randy Edsall, but there is still too much talent in the DMV to have just one player invited. Recruiting wasn’t great, but player development was clearly even worse. Maryland isn’t a power by any means, but DJ Durkin is recruiting so much better than Edsall did.

MISSOURI: 1

Farrell’s take: Missouri is a few years removed from SEC East titles and always seems to produce a few high draft picks especially at defensive line, but things have dried up a bit for the program. Not luring enough talent from the Southeast while your home state gets raided a bit equals this number.

TEXAS: 1

Farrell’s take: This marks the second straight combine with just one Longhorn. This is why Mack Brown had to go and Charlie Strong is already gone. Texas should always have numerous players invited to the combine and the lack of three-and-out guys is as astonishing as the back-to-back solo invites. There is some serious talent for next year’s draft on the roster however.