The NFL will host its annual Combine for Draft Prospects from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis from February 18th-24th.

2009 NFL Combine

Here is the list of East Texans invited to the NFL Combine:

WR-Dominique Edison, Stephen F. Austin (San Augustine)
LB-Cody Glenn, Nebraska (Rusk)
WR-Manuel Johnson, Oklahoma (Gilmer)
WR-Johnny Knox, Abilene Christian (T.J.C.)
DB-Stephen Hodge, T.C.U. (Tatum)
TE-Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State (Tyler Lee)
OL-Louis Vasquez, Texas Tech (Corsicana)

As Major League Baseball opens the 2009 season, here is a list of East Texans who are currently playing at some level of Major League Baseball.

(If you see someone missing or has been promoted, email smoaky@smoaky.com)

Major League Club or Triple-A List:

Clay Buchholz, RHP, Pawtucket Red Sox (Red Sox AAA) (Angelina JC)
Chris Davis, 1B, Texas Rangers (Longview)
Josh Geer, RHP, Portland Beavers (Padres AAA) (Forney)
Micah Hoffpauir, 1B/OF, Chicago Cubs (Jacksonville)
Philip Humber, RHP, Minnesota Twins (Carthage)
Craig Monroe, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates (Texarkana)
Robert Ray, RHP, Las Vegas 51s (Blue Jays AAA) (Lufkin)
Steven Shell, RHP, Washington Nationals (born in Longview)
Drew Stubbs, OF, Louisville Bats (Reds AAA) (Atlanta)
Curtis Thigpen, C, Sacramento River Cats (Athletics AAA) (Forney HS)
Jess Todd, RHP, Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals AAA) (Kilgore)

Eight former East Texas football stars were selected during the 2009 NFL Draft. KTBB's David Smoak spoke with many of those selected with an interview and/or quotes below.

NFL Draft Tracker

Round-by-Round

ESPN.com Draft Blog

***1st Round/Lions***
Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State (Tyler Lee)
Brandon with KTBB's David Smoak soon after being drafted by Lions

Podcast (Listen Now):
Brandon Pettigrew 4/25/09

***3rd Round/Chargers***
Louis Vasquez, OL, Texas Tech (Corsicana)

***5th Round/Bears***
Johnny Knox, WR, Abilene Christian (Tyler J.C.)

***5th Round/Redskins***
Cody Glenn, LB, Nebraska (Rusk)

Glenn talks Redskins

"I am completely excited. I wasn't expected to go in the 5th round. The Redskins had shown some interest in me as of late and had talked to my agent. This is a dream come true for me. I can't wait to go to camp and prove that I can play in the NFL." - Cody Glenn, new Washington Redskin

***6th Round/Redskins***
Robert Henson, LB, T.C.U. (Longview)

Henson talks Redskins

"This is a dream come true for me and my family. I've always dreamed of the opportunity to play in pro football. I really thought that if I got drafted it would be in the 7th round or not at all, but I kept trying to believe that somebody knew I could play at this level. I just became a huge Washington Redskins fan." - Robert Henson, new Washington Redskin

***6th Round/Cowboys***
Stephen Hodge, DB, T.C.U. (Tatum)

Hodge talks Cowboys

"I'm just so glad to finally hear from a team. Getting a call from a NFL team is a great thing, but getting a call from the Dallas Cowboys makes it better. I can't wait to get to Valley Ranch and try to make an imprint and make the team." - Stephen Hodge, new Dallas Cowboy

***6th Round/Titans***
Dominique Edison, WR, Stephen F. Austin (San Augustine)

Edison talks Titans

"I think Tennessee is a really good fit for me, and I enjoyed my conversation with coach (Jeff) Fisher," Edison continued, "I've always had confidence in myself, and I now I get to prove I can play in the NFL." - Dominique Edison, new Tennessee Titan

***7th Round/Cowboys***
Manuel Johnson, WR, Oklahoma (Gilmer)

Johnson talks Cowboys

"I was starting to wonder if I'd get a call today during the draft, and then Jerry Jones called, and it was a dream come true." Johnson said the call changed the atmosphere at his Auntie's house, "Yea, I think I'm the most popular guy in Gilmer now, the phone has been ringing off the hook, and it's made for a great finish to the weekend." - Manuel Johnson, new Dallas Cowboys

East Texas NFL Free Agent Update:

Josh McCown (QB) Jacksonville (Raiders) - **signed w/ Dolphins** (2-year deal, $6.25 million)

Chad Stanley (P) Ore City (Texans) – **signed w/ Colts**

Jimmy Wilkerson (DE) Paul Pewitt (Chiefs) – **signed w/ Buccaneers** (2-year deal)