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The 2013 NFL Combine kicks off this Saturday at Lucas Oil Field with over 300 players looking to impress the multitude of scouts and media personnel watching from the stands. Illinois will send four participants this year, with Akeem Spence as the only underclassmen among the group.
Spence, a redshirt junior, looks like he'll be taken off draft boards around the third or fourth round. Defensive end Michael Buchanan, cornerback Terry Hawthorne, and offensive lineman Hugh Thornton round out the group for the Fighting Illini.
This year's NFL Combine begins on Feb. 23. Tight ends, offensive linemen, and special teams are set to take the field first. Quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers will show off their skills on Feb. 24. Defensive players are in action on Feb. 25-26.
Jamell Fleming of Oklahoma set the all-time record in the 60-yard shuttle last year with a time of 10.75 seconds. We're still awaiting a player to top Chris Johnson's 4.24 40-time in most publicized event.
What you need to know
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind.
Where to watch: NFL Network
Coverage: 9 a.m. to Midnight ET starting Feb. 23
Live Stream: NFL.com