WORCESTER, Mass. - Holy Cross football players Jalen Coker and C.J. Hanson made team history last week, becoming the first two Crusaders to ever be invited to the NFL Combine.

The two of them are in Texas right now practicing and preparing for the East-West Shrine Bowl. Both are proud and honored to represent Holy Cross on such a big stage.

"My heart was racing so fast I as pacing in my room, immediately just started calling everyone that's been along for the ride," Hanson said about when he got the call. "Just honestly the joy and happiness that other people had and the smiles it brought to their faces, is what really gave me tears. It's truly special. It's not just me that was getting here, it's everyone else that was with me on the ride so it's really cool."

"It's pretty crazy, I guess it's still sinking in," Coker said. "I try my best to be where my feet are. There's still a lot more work to do of course, but it's an amazing opportunity. The first thing I did was call my mom, you know I feel like she's my rock. She's someone that's always been there with me, and she's obviously telling everyone in my family and doing it all."

The NFL Combine will be held Feb. 29 through March 3 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.