STATE COLLEGE, Pa., February 22, 2005 - Penn State's Derek Wake has been invited to participate in the National Football League's Scouting Combine, which begins Thursday in Indianapolis.

A linebacker, Wake will participate in the February 24-March 1 event at the RCA Dome.

Wake was a three-year starter and team co-captain for the Nittany Lions this past season. He started 10 games and played in all 11 contests in 2004. The Beltsville, Md. product was fourth on the team with 58 tackles (29 solo), including 4.0 TFL for minus-13 yards and one sack. He also forced one fumble, recovered a fumble and blocked one kick, giving him seven career blocks.

During his career, Wake recorded 191 tackles (118 solo), with 24 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, he forced two fumbles and recovered two and made one interception.

Wake was presented the John Bruno, Jr. Award as the team's top special teams player in 2004. He was a leader for a defense that allowed only 14 touchdowns in 11 games and ranked in the top 10 nationally in total, scoring and pass defense.

A former standout at DeMatha High School, Wake played in the Hula Bowl last month.

The NFL draft is April 23-24. Joe Paterno has coached 29 first round NFL selections, including a school record four Nittany Lions in the first round of the 2003 draft. There have been 221 Penn State NFL draft selections under Paterno and more than 250 of his players have played in the NFL.