IU’S JAMAR JOHNSON RECEIVES INVITE TO NFL SCOUTING COMBINE

Indiana safety Jamar Johnson has been invited to the NFL scouting combine — albeit a modified one.

While the usual gathering of prospects in Indianapolis will not occur in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, an invitation to the combine means Johnson can participate in virtual meetings with team personnel and go through the medical screening process.

All individual workouts will be held during pro days on college campuses. A memo from the league said it will work to encourage “consistency in testing and drills” and that clubs have access to video from those workouts.

Colleges will also be asked to conduct virtual media availabilities with combine invitees as a subsitute for the availabilities that were usually part of the combine in Indy.

Johnson and running back Stevie Scott were the two juniors who chose to leave IU early for the NFL Draft. IU also has other potential pro prospects in wide receiver Whop Philyor, defensive tackle Jerome Johnson, and offensive lineman Harry Crider. Jerome Johnson and Crider were both invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl’s virtual events following the season.

Jamar Johnson was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2020, finishing second on the Hoosiers with 43 tackles, including 3.5 for loss. He also had four interceptions, tied for the team lead with cornerback Jaylin Williams.

It was a breakout campaign for Johnson, who started his sophomore season as Marcelino Ball’s backup at the “husky” position. Johnson was moved to a traditional safety spot as a junior and was a catalyst for a defense that forced a FBS-best 17 interceptions in seven regular-season contests.

Johnson is the first IU draft prospect to announce he’s received a combine invite. The selection signals that Johnson will get a serious look from NFL scouts ahead of April’s draft.