WKU’s all-time sack leader DeAngelo Malone was invited to the 2022 NFL Combine on Saturday, one day after the Hilltoppers’ quarterback Bailey Zappe received his invite. This will be the fifth time in program history there are two Hilltoppers at the combine together. 

Malone became the fourth player in Conference USA history to win the Defensive Player of the Year award twice, taking home the hardware in 2019 and 2021. He is coming off a season where he tallied 94 tackes, leading all FBS defensive linemen. Malone also came away with nine sacks, second in C-USA, to go along with four forced fumbles and 17.5 tackles for loss, tied for most in the conference.  

The Atlanta, Georgia, native left his mark on the Hill with career totals of 349 tackles, 60 tackles for loss, 34 sacks and nine forced fumbles. His tackles for loss was second in program history behind former NFL player Sherrod Coates and his 60 tackles for loss were second in the school’s FBS Era behind Devon Key.

The combine is to take place at Lucas Oil Stadium from March 1-7. Malone will also join Zappe in the Reese’s Senior Bowl game on Feb. 5.

Sports Editor Wyatt Sparkman can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @wyattsparkman3.