With the need of left offensive tackles who can protect the blind side of a right-handed quarterback, Utah State's Donald Penn has the chance to be a late-round selection in the upcoming NFL Draft despite suffering a knee injury in January's Hula Bowl.

"There have been a lot of people in here looking at him," Utah State coach Brent Guy said. "Everyone keeps saying he could be a second-day guy because of his athleticism and his ability to pass protect."

Penn participated on a limited basis in the NFL Combine and in two pro days at Utah State because of the injury.

"It was tough (for him to miss) because it is so much easier when they can compare everybody at the same time," Guy said. "With his athleticism I think that would have helped him stand out against the other players."

Penn, however, ran a 5.0 40 last year. That caught the attention of a lot of scouts, who continued to pursue the 6-foot-4, 317-pounder.

Penn, a four-year starter for the Aggies, made a total of 42 starts, 41 consecutively. He was a second-team all-WAC selection last year.

Penn isn't the only Aggie drawing attention from the scouts. Defensive tackle John Chick and defensive back Jarrett Bush have worked out for several teams. They are more likely to sign as free agents.

Chick has been receiving the most attention from the Dallas Cowboys, who worked him out in Dallas at the H-back position as a tight end or fullback.

He was a tight end in high school, so the position isn't unfamiliar to him. Also, he has bulked up to 270, more than 20 pounds heavier than his playing weight last season.

The dilemma with Chick for most teams is whether or not he is quick enough to play outside linebacker and drop back into pass coverage, or if he is big enough to be a down defensive tackle.

Chick (6-4, 270) led the WAC and ranked fifth in the nation with 12 1/2 sacks and was named all-WAC first team.

Bush may benefit from his height (6-1). Guy said there are some teams out there that won't put a cornerback on their board unless they are 6-0 or taller.

"There aren't that many guys (like that out there)," Guy said. "It wouldn't surprise me if he went late. It's like us and recruiting. It depends on how things fall and who's still on the board."

Bush, an all-WAC first-teamer, ranked sixth in the nation in passes defended with 13. He also finished fifth on the team with 50 tackles and tied for the team-high with two interceptions.

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E-mail: jhinton@desnews.com