Three Rutgers stars invited to NFL Combine

-Courtesy of Rutgers University

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Three former Rutgers football standouts – tight end Clark Harris (Manahawkin, N.J.), fullback Brian Leonard (Gouverneur, N.Y.) and offensive lineman Cameron Stephenson (Inglewood, Calif.) – have been invited to compete in the 2007 NFL Scouting Combine Feb. 21-27 in Indianapolis. The three players concluded their outstanding collegiate careers at Rutgers in the 37-10 victory over Kansas State in the Texas Bowl Dec. 28.

Harris finished his career at Rutgers as a three-time All-Big East first team selection. The New Jersey native totaled 143 receptions for 2,015 yards during his career. He currently sits sixth in career receiving yards and receptions at Rutgers. Harris is rated as one of the top seven tight ends in the upcoming draft by ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper, Jr.

Leonard finished his Rutgers career as the school’s all-time leader in receptions (207) and caught a pass in all 47 career games he played in – which also established a Big East record for consecutive games with one reception. He was a three-time First-Team All-America by Pro Football Weekly and a three-time All-Big East selection. He finished his career among Rutgers’ all-time leaders in career rushing yards (5th/2,775 yards), rushing attempts (1st/678), touchdowns (1st/45), receptions (1st/207), receiving yards (7th/1,868) and scoring (2nd/272).

Leonard became the 17th recipient of the Draddy Trophy at The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame’s 49th Annual Awards Dinner in New York City on Dec. 5. Known in many circles as the “Academic” Heisman, the Draddy Trophy continues to be one of college football’s most sought after and competitive awards, recognizing an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership. The award comes with a 24-inch, 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship. Leonard is rated as the top fullback prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft by Kiper.

Stephenson was a three-year member of the Scarlet Knight football team, splitting time between the defensive and offensive lines. One of the strongest players in the program, Stephenson started all 13 games at offensive guard in 2006 en route to Second Team All-Big East honors. He was part of an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the nation and paved the way for one of the nation’s top rushing attacks. The offensive line blocked for Second-Team All-American Ray Rice, who finished second in the NCAA and established a Big East single-season record with 1,794 rushing yards.