Syracuse Football: Former DE Ron Thompson Invited to NFL Scouting Combine

Former Syracuse Orange defensive end Ron Thompson received some great news yesterday. Thompson, who declared for the NFL Draft back in December, received an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine taking place from February 23-29 in Indianapolis. He'll join former 'Cuse punter/legend/demigod Riley Dixon, who also received an invite to the premier pre-NFL Draft event.

Thompson will report with the other defensive linemen on Sunday, February 28, while Dixon arrives on the 26th with other special teams players.

Just in case you needed a reminder, Thompson accrued seven sacks and nine tackles for loss during the 2015 season -- one in which he was clearly the best player on the defense every snap, yet still managed to make a significant impact on each Orange contest. He came to Syracuse in 2012 as a tight end, but used that athleticism to his advantage after switching to the other side of the ball in Scott Shafer's defense.

Plenty left to hear about both Thompson and Dixon's pro prospects once we get to the Combine. It stands to reason that both could be Syracuse's best chances to at NFL Draft picks this spring after getting shut out in 2015.

Best of luck in Indy, Ron (and Riley)!