Indiana University (IU) football standouts Kurtis Rourke and C.J. West have recently garnered significant attention from NFL scouts, culminating in invitations to the prestigious NFL Combine.
This event, scheduled from February 27 to March 2, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, serves as a critical platform for college athletes to showcase their talents ahead of the NFL Draft.
C.J. West: A Defensive Powerhouse
C.J. West, a formidable defensive tackle for the Hoosiers, has been a cornerstone of IU’s defense. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 317 pounds, West transferred from Kent State and made an immediate impact in his sole season with Indiana. He participated in all 13 games during the 2024 season, amassing 42 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup. His stellar performance earned him an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.
West’s prowess was further highlighted during the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he consistently excelled in one-on-one drills, impressing NFL scouts and media alike. His combination of strength, technique, and agility has elevated his draft stock, with projections placing him as a potential fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Kurtis Rourke: The Offensive Maestro
On the offensive side, quarterback Kurtis Rourke has been nothing short of sensational. After transferring from Ohio University, Rourke led the Hoosiers to a remarkable 10-1 record in the 2024 season. He showcased exceptional accuracy, completing 70.4% of his passes for 2,827 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only four interceptions over 11 starts. His performance peaked with a record-setting six touchdown passes in a 66-0 victory over Purdue, earning him a second-team All-Big Ten selection.
Despite battling injuries, including playing the entire 2024 season with a torn ACL, Rourke’s resilience and leadership have not gone unnoticed. He has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft and is projected as a fourth-round pick. Analysts praise his decision-making, accuracy, and pre-snap defensive recognition, though some note areas for improvement in arm strength and athleticism.
Looking Ahead
The NFL Combine will provide both Rourke and West with an invaluable opportunity to further impress scouts and solidify their positions in the upcoming draft. Their invitations not only reflect their individual talents and hard work but also signify the growing reputation of Indiana University’s football program in developing NFL-caliber players.
As the Combine approaches, all eyes will be on these two Hoosiers to see how they perform under the spotlight. Their journeys underscore the dedication and perseverance required to reach the professional level, and their success serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes within and beyond the IU community.
