NFL COMBINE-BOUND

Scott Kovanda's post-college journey to becoming an NFL punter is officially underway. 

The Ball State punter has accepted an invitation to participate in the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine, which takes place Feb. 20-26 inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. 

As a top-three finalist for the Ray Guy Award, which is given to the best collegiate punter, Kovanda became a special teams weapon through his four years at Ball State. He punted 226 times through 2009-12, compiling a 41.0 yards per punt average in 49 games. 

Ball State's dynamic offense this season kept Kovanda on the sidelines more than ever before in his career. He only punted 44 times in 2012, 13 less than his next-lowest total of 57 in 2009. 

But Kovanda still took advantage of his limited opportunities. His placement and hangtime led Ball State to allow only 1.0 yards per punt return in 2012, good enough for fourth in the nation. Only six of Kovanda's punts were returned to accumulate that average. 

Draftcountdown.com and nfldraftscout.com both rank Kovanda sixth among punters eligible for the 2013 NFL Draft.

Holtz headed to All-Star Game 

Ball State's loss to Central Florida in the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl won't be the final football game for Ball State senior offensive tackle Austin Holtz. 

Holtz was selected to play in the Casino Del Sol All-Star Game on Jan. 11 in Tucson, Ariz. He ended his collegiate career as a First Team All Mid-American Conference selection, leading the Ball State offensive line to rank eight in the nation in sacks allowed per game (0.83). 

Many NFL prospects typically come out of the Casino Del Sol All-Star Game. Six NFL Draft picks came out of the 2012 roster, while 61 additional players received invitations to NFL training camps.