With the NBA All-Star Weekend arriving in Central Indiana this winter followed by the NCAA Basketball First and Second Rounds, hitting the hardwood has been top of mind across Indy and Hamilton County. But once the ball stops bouncing, football once again will take center stage.

 

The NFL Scouting Combine is famously held in Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis. The multiday event that brings the country’s dominant league and plenty of attention to Indiana, but there’s another scouting event to keep an eye on at Westfield’s Grand Park. The National Scouting Combine, in its 13th year and fifth at Grand Park, will hosting more than 130 pro athlete hopefuls from Feb. 18-22 for a multi-day skills event that will also feature an NFL-style football game.

 

The differentiator for the National Scouting Combine (NSC) is its proprietary athlete algorithm, which takes all of the athlete’s movement metrics and gives them a mathematical score. The NSC combines its combine drills and reporting with a full game using NFL rules, extending the exposure athletes get and giving them additional chances to keep their dream alive.

 

“It’s very valuable and accurate feedback for athletes and their families,” said Jimmy Kibble, who runs the NSC. “There will be a lot of talent there and we can give coaches and team personnel an idea of what type of athlete they’re looking at. We focus on providing correct information to the teams and we try and make it an enjoyable event.”

 

Kibble says the NSC has helped players land opportunities in “every league on the planet.” Former NSC participants have made it in the NFL, CFL, pro rugby, various levels of international and pro football and even on pit crews in NASCAR. The NSC is also stocked with experienced coaches that have NFL experience, including former Indianapolis Colt Jermaine Hampton serving as a defensive coach. The NSC’s football game is what Kibble calls a “win-win for everyone” as players and coaches gain exposure and aspiring football officials work the game for training.

 

Hamilton County has helped drive awareness of the NSC and build connections in the community and with corporate partners, ensuring the NSC is a continued success.

 

“We love coming to Grand Park,” Kibble said. “I’ve been doing this a long time and I’ve not seen a facility as good as that. As far as I’m concerned, Grand Park is second to none.”

 

Fans can find the National Scouting Combine on social media at @NSCombine.