We've already told you how the Big Ten players from the offensive position groups fared at the NFL combine. On Monday, defensive linemen and linebackers had their day in the spotlight. (Defensive backs will wrap up the combine today).
Here is how Big Ten products fared in those two position groups during their job auditions in Indianapolis:
Defensive line
Illinois' Akeem Spence remains third among all combine performers with his 37 reps on the 225-pound bench press.
Former Illini teammate Michael Buchanan was ninth among defensive linemen in the 40-yard dash at 4.78 seconds. Buchanan also tied for 11th in vertical jump at 33 inches.
Ohio State's Nathan Williams ran a 4.88 in the 40. Michigan State's William Gholston posted a 4.96, while Illinois' Spence was at 5.15 and Penn State's Jordan Hill had a 5.23. Ohio State's Johnathan Hankins ran a 5.31.
Williams ranked sixth in vertical leap at 35 inches.
Hill did 28 reps on the bench press, while Williams finished 24, Gholston 23 and Buchanan 22. Gholston, who left Michigan State after his junior year, did not test among the leaders in any category.
Purdue's Kawann Short (hamstring) and Ohio State's John Simon (shoulder) did not work out.
Linebackers
Penn State's Michael Mauti only did the bench press because of his knee injury, but he impressed there with 28 reps at 225 pounds. That was good for third among all linebackers. Ohio State's Etienne Sabino was next best among Big Ten linebackers with 24. Penn State's Gerald Hodges did 22.
Sabino also ran the best 40-yard dash time of any Big Ten linebacker, posting a 4.75 time that was tied for 14th in his position group. Hodges was right behind him at 4.78, and both were faster than Notre Dame's Manti Te'o (4.82).
Hodges was also seventh in the long jump at 119 inches.
Wisconsin's Mike Taylor (sports hernia) did not work out.
