NFL finds Studebaker at tiny Wheaton College

If you can play, they will find you.

Thats what Wheaton College defensive end/outside linebacker Andy Studebaker is finding out even as he works his way back from a torn Lisfranc ligament suffered in the fifth game last fall. That cut short a college career that exploded during his junior season when he had 17 1/2 sacks.

The Division III All-American made a visit to the Baltimore Ravens today. Hes already been to Buffalo and has pre-draft trips lined up to Indianapolis, Jacksonville and Kansas City. Studebaker, who is from Downstate Congerville and went to Eureka High, is still rehabilitating his foot injury and that makes his draft status a little iffy.

Bears team physician Armen Kelikian performed the surgery, and Studebaker is believed to be on target for a full recovery before summer. He was cleared to run full speed just two weeks ago. At full strength, hes hopeful of running a 40-yard dash in the low 4.5s and he will have a pro day April 18 at Northwestern.

The Bears will bring Studebaker, who is 6-3, 255 pounds, in for a visit soon. Because he is a local player, he will not count against the 30 prospects the team can bring in for pre-draft visits. Previously, it was misreported in this blog that 20 is the maximum number of prospects that can be brought in.

For some more Studebaker highlights, check these out.

*** Working out at the Bethel (Tenn.) College pro day last week was Lane College wide receiver Ed Williams. Hes from the same program that produced Houston wide receiver Jacoby Jones last year.

The Bears were one of six organizations represented at the workout. Williams, who was in the Texas vs. The Nation all-star game, has good size at 6-3, 206 pounds, and is a potential late-round possibility or priority free agent.