Eight Tigers invited to 2012 NFL Combine in Indianapolis
LSU will look to add to its already hefty abundance of NFL talent, as eight Tigers received invitations to the 2012 NFL Combine, held Feb. 22 to 28 in Indianapolis.
The list includes linebacker Ryan Baker, defensive tackle Michael Brockers, cornerback Ron Brooks, quarterback Jordan Jefferson, cornerback Morris Claiborne, tight end Deangelo Peterson, wide receiver Rueben Randle and safety Brandon Taylor.
Quarterback Jarrett Lee did not receive an invitation.
ESPN.com Draft Analyst Mel Kiper ranks both Claiborne and Brockers as two of the top prospects in the 2012 class, with Claiborne sitting at No. 6 and Brockers at No. 12 on the Big Board.
The eight invitations tie the Tigers for second most invites in the Southeastern Conference along with University of Georgia. The two fall behind only University of Alabama, who will send nine players.
 
Forbes, Duncan named SEC Athletes of the Week, Courville earns award
Senior jumper Damar Forbes and junior sprinter Kimberlyn Duncan were named the Southeastern Conference’s Athletes of the Week on Tuesday, for their showing at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational in New York last weekend.
The award marks the third week in a row two LSU Track and Field members were recognized for the honor.
Forbes posted a season-best 51-10 1/2 feet in the triple jump to earn a fourth-place finish overall and a first-place finish among collegians in the field.
Duncan claimed the women’s 200-meter title with a national-leading time of 23.22, becoming the fifth Lady Tiger in meet history to win the event.
The honors spilled over to the gymnastics team as well, as freshman Rheagan Courville earned SEC Freshman of the Week on Tuesday, following her efforts in No. 14 LSU’s 196.125-195.050 victory over Kentucky last weekend.
Courville won the all-around, vault and beam titles against the Wildcats, setting season highs on both the beam and the all-around.
 
Claiborne receives Thorpe Award
All-American LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne received the Thorpe Award Tuesday night, given annually to the top defensive back in college football following in the footsteps of former Tiger star Patrick Peterson.
Claiborne racked up 46 tackles, six interceptions and six pass break-ups, leading the Southeastern Conference with 173 interception return yards en route to earning unanimous First-Team All-American honors.
Along with the shiny silver, Claiborne’s award comes with a cowboy hat and pair of boots, which he collected from Teener’s Western Outfitters in Oklahoma City on Tuesday before the ceremony.
 
 
 
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