Towson third-team All-American defensive end Ryan Delaire's pass-rushing ability has earned him an invitation to the NFL scouting combine.
Delaire recorded 11 sacks last season and finished with a total of 22.5 sacks in two seasons for Towson after transferring from Massachusetts.
Being invited to the scouting combine, which starts Feb. 17 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, is a big step toward being drafted. The fact that Delaire received an invite during the first round of invitations is a strong indicator that NFL teams view him as a potential draft pick.
"It's really great," Delaire told The Baltimore Sun in a telephone interview. "I"m really proud of myself. When I got the call that I was going to be invited, I took it as another opportunity to prove myself. I didn't want to promote it on social media or whatever. I just took it as another opportunity that I needed to take the initiative about and do."
Delaire was forced to decline invitations to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and Medal of Honor all-star games after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in late December.
"I had a slight injury, took some time to rest that up and it's now perfectly fine," Delaire said. "I'm back to full training. I"m just glad I got it done and I'm looking forward to the combine."
The 6-foot-4, 260-pound two-time All-Colonial Athletic Association selection is hoping to run the 40-yard dash, at worst, in the low 4.6-second range, register a 35-inch vertical leap and bench press 225 pounds 25 times.
"I'm just very excited and I'm trying to stay humble," Delaire said. "I just want to get out there and prove myself coming from a small school and everything."
A year ago, the Cleveland Browns drafted former Towson running back Terrance West in the third round. West rushed for 673 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games, including six starts, as a rookie. Now, Delaire is hoping to follow West into the NFL
"That always helps to have someone else go to the NFL from your school and do well," Delaire said. "It sets a standard."
Delaire had 14.5 tackles for losses and forced three fumbles last season. The Connecticut native has developed a diverse repertoire of pass-rushing moves.
"As a pass rusher, I'm a little versatile because I'm able to bend the edge each move," Delaire said. "I try to do a double-arm swipe or a dip-and-rip. I dip after each move to create a path past the offensive tackle. I use the speed rush and the bull rush. I try not to be a robot out there, basically."
Delaire operated out of a two-point stance and three-point stance this season. He could project as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL, but is aware he'll have to work on his pass-coverage techniques.
"It's pretty good, but I understand there are some areas I can get better at," Delaire said. "I feel like I can do both a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense."
Towson cornerback Tye Smith played well in the East-West Shrine all-star game last week and is also an NFL draft prospect.
Delaire credited Towson coach Rob Ambrose and his assistant coaches for aiding in his development as a football player.
"Honestly, I can say I learned a lot from Towson because the school was one where everybody was held accountable, whether you were on the scout team or first-string or whatever," Delaire said. "There was a purpose to be on the team and just learn and have that will to win. At Towson, the will to win was extremely high.
"You had to put everything you had into the game. You couldn't give a half effort. Coach Ambrose and my defensive line coach and my defensive coordinator, everything I learned, it amazed me. It built me as a person."
awilson@baltsun.com
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