cowboyjoe
09-01-2010, 09:19 AM
Villanova lineman Ijalana prominent on NFL radar
By Keith Pompey
Inquirer Staff Writer
Just the thought of being in a select fraternity brought a smile to Ben Ijalana's face.
Earlier this month, the Villanova left tackle rattled off the names of three former Rancocas Valley High products who played in the NFL.
"Alonzo Spellman, Franco Harris, and Irving Fryar," said Ijalana, a 2007 Rancocas Valley graduate. "Those are all greats."
If everything goes as planned, the 6-foot-4, 320-pound senior's name may be added to that list.
Ijalana is listed by NFLDraftScout.com as the second-best senior prospect at guard for the 2011 NFL draft, behind Florida State's Rodney Hudson.
NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said most NFL teams give the Wildcat a third-round grade.
"He's barely 6-foot-4, but he's got long arms," said Mayock, who think Ijalana is suited to play left tackle in the NFL. "He's got real good feet. And in a pass-first league, he's the kind of tackle teams are looking for."
http://media.philly.com/images/20100830_inq_nova30-b.JPG
Read more: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20100830_Villanova_lineman_Ijalana_prominent_on_NF L_radar.html#ixzz0yHt6eIh6
Watch sports videos you won't find anywhere else
By Keith Pompey
Inquirer Staff Writer
Just the thought of being in a select fraternity brought a smile to Ben Ijalana's face.
Earlier this month, the Villanova left tackle rattled off the names of three former Rancocas Valley High products who played in the NFL.
"Alonzo Spellman, Franco Harris, and Irving Fryar," said Ijalana, a 2007 Rancocas Valley graduate. "Those are all greats."
If everything goes as planned, the 6-foot-4, 320-pound senior's name may be added to that list.
Ijalana is listed by NFLDraftScout.com as the second-best senior prospect at guard for the 2011 NFL draft, behind Florida State's Rodney Hudson.
NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said most NFL teams give the Wildcat a third-round grade.
"He's barely 6-foot-4, but he's got long arms," said Mayock, who think Ijalana is suited to play left tackle in the NFL. "He's got real good feet. And in a pass-first league, he's the kind of tackle teams are looking for."
http://media.philly.com/images/20100830_inq_nova30-b.JPG
Read more: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20100830_Villanova_lineman_Ijalana_prominent_on_NF L_radar.html#ixzz0yHt6eIh6
Watch sports videos you won't find anywhere else