Former Center Grove High School pass rusher Austin Booker was one of 50 defensive linemen invited to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. Forty-three defensive linemen were selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Kansas pass rusher turned heads at the Senior Bowl, launching his NFL Draft stock.

“I feel like I had a very good season, and that it’s good to go out now,” Booker said. “Staying in college and dominating in the same conference wouldn’t benefit me as much as moving on.

“I feel that being comfortable doesn’t make anyone better.”

Booker played little in two years at Minnesota before becoming a starter at Kansas. He had 56 tackles (12 for loss, 8 sacks) in 2023.

According to NFL.com, Booker's "athleticism score" was ranked 21st and total score 15th among defensive linemen.

Austin Booker NFL Draft profile

Height: 6-4 1/2

Weight: 240 pounds

Hands: 9 1/4 inches

Wingspan: 81 1/2 inches

Strengths: Quick at the snap; possesses basketball-player wingspan with a frame that is sure to add more mass; willing run defender who purses well; high motor.

Weaknesses: Will need to add bulk; needs more experience and learn more pass rushing moves; could struggle against downhill run attacks without trying to elude blocks.

NFL.com prospect grade: 6.35 (an eventual plus starter; NFL comparison is Maxx Crosby)

Austin Booker NFL Scouting Combine results

40-yard dash: 4.79 seconds

10-yard split: 1.67 seconds

Vertical jump: 32.5 inches

Broad jump: 10 feet

Austin Booker scouting reports

From NFL.com's Lance Zierlein: Truly unique prospect combining tremendous upside with an extremely limited sample size. A more conservative approach on Booker’s grade might be prudent, but it becomes a difficult route to take when observing his length, explosive athleticism and rush talent. Booker needs to get bigger and stronger, but that will come. The diversity of his rush approach is unheard of for a player with so little playing time. He can stride and dip at the top of the rush or beat tackles back inside with a Euro step or spin counter. He can stab and long-arm tackles into the pocket or stay separated from them at the point of attack. He chases quarterbacks and running backs with agility and burst but can be inconsistent dealing with a downhill running game. His reps against talented Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. could be the springboard to push this gifted edge defender with monster traits up the draft board toward an exciting NFL career.

From A.J. Schulte of Pro Football Network: "For a player with as little experience as Booker, his technical development is ahead of many prospects I’ve scouted with double his snap counts. He has a great pass-rush plan set up every time pre-snap, and his understanding of run concepts keeps him actively involved and rarely suckered."

Austin Booker highlights

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NFL Draft profile 2024: Edge rusher Austin Booker from Kansas