SE's RUBIO INVITED TO NFL COMBINE

There is no guarantee that Angel Rubio will be drafted, but all indications are that he has a pretty good chance.

Rubio, Southeast Missouri State University's standout defensive lineman, has been invited to participate in the prestigious NFL Combine that will be held Feb. 6-8 in Indianapolis.

Only collegiate players from across the country who are regarded as solid NFL prospects are invited to participate in the combine, during which players go through an exhausting three days of workouts under the watchful eyes of NFL coaches and scouts.

"It's a great opportunity for Angel," said Southeast coach John Mumford. "This means that (NFL) people are excited about him. It means there's a pretty good chance he'll get drafted."

According to Mumford, Rubio -- a native of California -- is not taking classes this semester so he can train in the San Francisco area and be as ready as possible for the combine.

"We of course want Angel to finish up his degree and I'm sure he's going to do that," Mumford said. "But he's got an agent in San Francisco who has secured a trainer for him to work out and help prepare for the combine. This is one of those opportunities that Angel has to try and take full advantage of."

Rubio, a 6-foot-3, 290-pounder, was the Ohio Valley Conference defensive player of the year in 1997.

"His agent thinks Angel might go in the fourth or fifth round (of the NFL draft) and, if he has a good combine, he could go as high as the third round," said Mumford. "Defensive linemen are in big demand in the NFL or on any level for that matter. This is a big opportunity for Angel and we wish him the best."