cowboyjoe
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 28,435
- Reaction score
- 757
GAME OF THE WEEK EXTRA:
Who to watch in college football bowl action
December 29
http://www.gbnreport.com/bowlwatch.htm
East Carolina (6-6) versus Maryland (8-4): MILITARY BOWL; Washington; 2:30 PM ET; ESPN
On paper, Maryland versus 6-6 East Carolina doesn't look like much. However, looks can be deceiving as both teams feature some very good NFL prospects. ECU WR Dwayne Harris (#17, 5-11, 205), for example, is one of the better senior wide receivers and kick return propsects for the 2011 draft. In fact, Harris has a solid second day grade after catching 93 passes for over 1,000 yards and 10 TDs this past season. Harris, though, is just one cog in a dynamic ECU passing attack led by junior QB Dominique Davis (#4, 6-3, 215), a JC transfer who threw for 3,700 yards and 36 scores this fall, while junior WR Lance Lewis (#88, 6-2, 200), who caught 78 passes of his own including 13 for scores, combines with Harris to give the Pirates a dangerous 1-2 wideout punch. Meanwhile, rangy LT Willie Smith (#69, 6-6, 290) does a nice job protecting Davis' blind side although he doesn't get much push in the run game. Other ECU players to watch for the upcoming draft include underrated RB Jon Williams (#2, 6-0, 200), OGs Cory Dowless (#75, 6-4, 310) and D.J. Scott (#66, 6-5, 325), DT Josh Smith (#91, 6-1, 285), OLB Dustin Linenback (#57, 5-11, 225) and DB Travis Simmons (#13, 5-9, 180), although none is more than a marginal draft prospect.
Maryland may have even more of a 'sleeper' quality at the upcoming draft as WR Torrey Smith (#82, 6-1, 205) and safety Kenny Tate (#6, 6-, 220) are two of the best junior prospects in the country no one other than pro scouts has seen play this fall. Smith, in particular, is a big-play threat with legitimate sub-4.3 speed who has moved way up draft boards over the course of the 2010 season in which he caught 65 passes for 1,050 and 12 TDs. In many ways, Tate is an even more impressive physical specimen who is built along the lines of a LB but still runs like a converted WR. For the record, Tate had 94 tackles this past season including 3.5 sacks, while he also picked off three passes. Maryland also has a physical MLB in Alex Wujciak (#33, 6-2, 250), a tackling machine with almost 400 tackles over the past three campaigns, while OT Paul Pinegar (#71, 6-3, 295) is a technically solid, albeit somewhat undersized offensive lineman who appears destined to play C at the next level. Other Terps to watch include RB Da'rel Scott (#23, 5-10, 205), who was once considered one of the top backs in his class before being slowed by injuries, WR Adrian Cannon (#7, 6-1, 205), DE Drew Gloster (#15, 6-2, 255), OLB Adrian Moten (#1, 6-2, 230), and SS Antwine Perez (#2, 6-0, 210).
Baylor (7-5) versus Illinois (6-6): TEXAS BOWL; Houston; 6 PM ET; ESPN
Continuing a theme for today's bowl match-ups, the best players on the field in Houston in the Texas bowl are undercassmen. Indeed, Illinois has at least two juniors in RB Mikel LeShoure (#5, 6-0, 230) and MLB Martez Wilson (#2, 6-2, 250) with a chance to be the first players off the board at their respective positions if they do ultimately opt to enter the upcoming draft. LeShoure, who has prototype size as well as decent speed and a better burst, for example, averaged 6.0 yards per carry this past season when he ran for over 1,500 yards and 14 scores despite the fact that opposing teams packed the line of scrimmage to stop the run because the Illini struggled to throw the ball. Meanwhile, Wilson is a rarity in college football in that he is a full-sized inside linebacker who packs a wallop when he finds the ball, but still has 4.6 type speed, as well as fine instincts and agility. And Illinois could have a third premium underclassmen in the 2011 draft as junior DT Corey Liuget (#93, 6-2, 300) is an underrated interrior defender with the quicknessto get into the backfield. At the same time, Illinois likely won't have any seniors drafted this year, although WR Jarred Fayson (#11, 5-11, 210), RT Ryan Palmer (#78, 6-6, 310), OG Randall Hunt (#66,6-4, 310), DE Clay Nurse (#97, 6-2, 260), LB Nate Bussey (#18, 6-1, 225) and CB Travon Bellamy (#31, 6-2, 205) could attract some free agent interest.
While several Illinois underclassmen are likely to enter the draft sophomore, Baylor QB Robert Griffin (#10, 6-3, 210), who bounced back nicely from a serious knee to throw for 3200 yards while running for another 600 in 2010, will almost assuredly be back in college football next season where he will again be one of the most exciting players in the country. And unlike Illinois, which doesn't have much in the way of senior talent for the upcoming draft, Baylor has a couple of mid-round prospects for 2011 including massive DT Phil Taylor (#11, 6-4, 355) and athletic former hockey-playing Canadian LT Danny Watkins (#59, 6-4, 310). In fact, the Bears' offensive line has a distinctly Canadian flavor as junior C Philip Blake (#74, 6-3, 315) is the top-rated prospect for this year's CFL draft. Meanwhile, P Derek Epperson (#38, 6-3, 235) is one of the best punters in the country. Other Baylor players pro scouts will be watching include underrated RB Jay Finley (#23, 5-10, 210), TE Brad Taylor (#9, 6-3, 240), LBs Antonio Johnson (#7, 6-0, 215) and Chris Francis (#36, 6-0, 235), SS Byron Landor (#14, 6-0, 210), FS Tim Atchison (#8, 6-0, 200) and CB Mikail Baker (#5, 5-11, 200).
Arizona (7-5) versus Oklahoma State (10-2): ALAMO BOWL; San Antonio; 9:15 PM ET; ESPN
Oklahoma State is another team with multiple underclassmen who will have a tough decision as to whether to enter the 2011 draft in the next couple of weeks. The most notable is star sophomore WR Justin Blackmon (#81, 60, 210), arguably the top receiver in college football this past fall. Blackmon, who is draft eligible after redshirting, had a remarkable 102 catches for almost 1,700 yards this fall despite playing on a bad foot part of the season and should be one of the first 2-3 receivers off the board this coming April if he enters the draft. Meanwhile, junior QB Brandon Wheedon (#3, 6-3, 225), who has thrown for over 4,000 yards and 32 scores this season, could also opt to enter the draft as he is a little older than the average prospect after having spent several years as a Yankees‘ farm hand. The Cowboys also have a couple of very productive seniors with mid-round potential this spring in RB Kendall Hunter (#24, 5-8, 200), a speedster who ran for over 1,500 yards and 16 TDs this fall, and MLB Orie Lemon (#41, 6-1, 245) a tackling machine who came back nicely from a serious leg injury to rack up 120 tackles this fall. Meanwhile, PK Dan Bailey (#95, 6-0, 200) was a Lou Groza finalist after hitting 24 of 28 FG attempts this fall. Other OSU players to watch include DE Ugo Chinasa (#91, 6-5, 255), DT Chris Donaldson (#95, 6-0, 300), LB Justin Gent (#42, 6-1, 235), and CB Andrew Magee (#6, 5-11, 190).
Arizona could also be very much in the underclassmen equation as junior QB Nick Foles (#8, 6-5, 245) is one of the best passers in the country, however, it appears that Foles, who would likely be a late first or early second round pick if he did enter the draft, has already decided to return to school with the goal of improving his draft stock. On the other hand, junior WR Juron Criner (#82, 6-3, 210), a rangy wideout with speed who had 73 receptions for almost 1,200 yards this fall, is still reportedly considering his pro options. Same story for junior CB Trevin Wade (#24, 5-10, 185). Meanwhile, the Arizona defense also has a very good prospect in DE Ricky Elmore (#44, 6-5, 250), a relentless edge rusher who had 21.5 sacks over the past couple of seasons. Indeed, Elmore combines with fellow senior DE Brooks Reed (#42, 6-2, 255) to give the Wildcats a very good outside pass rush. Other Wildcats to watch include RB Nic Grigsby (#5, 58, 190), C Colin Baxter (#64, 6-4, 295), OT Adam Grant (#78, 6-6, 325), TE A.J. Simmons (#88, 6-3, 255), DT Lolomana Mikaele (#94, 6-2, 305), FS Joe Perkins (#9, 6-2, 205), and P Keenyn Crier (47, 6-0, 200).
Who to watch in college football bowl action
December 29
http://www.gbnreport.com/bowlwatch.htm
East Carolina (6-6) versus Maryland (8-4): MILITARY BOWL; Washington; 2:30 PM ET; ESPN
On paper, Maryland versus 6-6 East Carolina doesn't look like much. However, looks can be deceiving as both teams feature some very good NFL prospects. ECU WR Dwayne Harris (#17, 5-11, 205), for example, is one of the better senior wide receivers and kick return propsects for the 2011 draft. In fact, Harris has a solid second day grade after catching 93 passes for over 1,000 yards and 10 TDs this past season. Harris, though, is just one cog in a dynamic ECU passing attack led by junior QB Dominique Davis (#4, 6-3, 215), a JC transfer who threw for 3,700 yards and 36 scores this fall, while junior WR Lance Lewis (#88, 6-2, 200), who caught 78 passes of his own including 13 for scores, combines with Harris to give the Pirates a dangerous 1-2 wideout punch. Meanwhile, rangy LT Willie Smith (#69, 6-6, 290) does a nice job protecting Davis' blind side although he doesn't get much push in the run game. Other ECU players to watch for the upcoming draft include underrated RB Jon Williams (#2, 6-0, 200), OGs Cory Dowless (#75, 6-4, 310) and D.J. Scott (#66, 6-5, 325), DT Josh Smith (#91, 6-1, 285), OLB Dustin Linenback (#57, 5-11, 225) and DB Travis Simmons (#13, 5-9, 180), although none is more than a marginal draft prospect.
Maryland may have even more of a 'sleeper' quality at the upcoming draft as WR Torrey Smith (#82, 6-1, 205) and safety Kenny Tate (#6, 6-, 220) are two of the best junior prospects in the country no one other than pro scouts has seen play this fall. Smith, in particular, is a big-play threat with legitimate sub-4.3 speed who has moved way up draft boards over the course of the 2010 season in which he caught 65 passes for 1,050 and 12 TDs. In many ways, Tate is an even more impressive physical specimen who is built along the lines of a LB but still runs like a converted WR. For the record, Tate had 94 tackles this past season including 3.5 sacks, while he also picked off three passes. Maryland also has a physical MLB in Alex Wujciak (#33, 6-2, 250), a tackling machine with almost 400 tackles over the past three campaigns, while OT Paul Pinegar (#71, 6-3, 295) is a technically solid, albeit somewhat undersized offensive lineman who appears destined to play C at the next level. Other Terps to watch include RB Da'rel Scott (#23, 5-10, 205), who was once considered one of the top backs in his class before being slowed by injuries, WR Adrian Cannon (#7, 6-1, 205), DE Drew Gloster (#15, 6-2, 255), OLB Adrian Moten (#1, 6-2, 230), and SS Antwine Perez (#2, 6-0, 210).
Baylor (7-5) versus Illinois (6-6): TEXAS BOWL; Houston; 6 PM ET; ESPN
Continuing a theme for today's bowl match-ups, the best players on the field in Houston in the Texas bowl are undercassmen. Indeed, Illinois has at least two juniors in RB Mikel LeShoure (#5, 6-0, 230) and MLB Martez Wilson (#2, 6-2, 250) with a chance to be the first players off the board at their respective positions if they do ultimately opt to enter the upcoming draft. LeShoure, who has prototype size as well as decent speed and a better burst, for example, averaged 6.0 yards per carry this past season when he ran for over 1,500 yards and 14 scores despite the fact that opposing teams packed the line of scrimmage to stop the run because the Illini struggled to throw the ball. Meanwhile, Wilson is a rarity in college football in that he is a full-sized inside linebacker who packs a wallop when he finds the ball, but still has 4.6 type speed, as well as fine instincts and agility. And Illinois could have a third premium underclassmen in the 2011 draft as junior DT Corey Liuget (#93, 6-2, 300) is an underrated interrior defender with the quicknessto get into the backfield. At the same time, Illinois likely won't have any seniors drafted this year, although WR Jarred Fayson (#11, 5-11, 210), RT Ryan Palmer (#78, 6-6, 310), OG Randall Hunt (#66,6-4, 310), DE Clay Nurse (#97, 6-2, 260), LB Nate Bussey (#18, 6-1, 225) and CB Travon Bellamy (#31, 6-2, 205) could attract some free agent interest.
While several Illinois underclassmen are likely to enter the draft sophomore, Baylor QB Robert Griffin (#10, 6-3, 210), who bounced back nicely from a serious knee to throw for 3200 yards while running for another 600 in 2010, will almost assuredly be back in college football next season where he will again be one of the most exciting players in the country. And unlike Illinois, which doesn't have much in the way of senior talent for the upcoming draft, Baylor has a couple of mid-round prospects for 2011 including massive DT Phil Taylor (#11, 6-4, 355) and athletic former hockey-playing Canadian LT Danny Watkins (#59, 6-4, 310). In fact, the Bears' offensive line has a distinctly Canadian flavor as junior C Philip Blake (#74, 6-3, 315) is the top-rated prospect for this year's CFL draft. Meanwhile, P Derek Epperson (#38, 6-3, 235) is one of the best punters in the country. Other Baylor players pro scouts will be watching include underrated RB Jay Finley (#23, 5-10, 210), TE Brad Taylor (#9, 6-3, 240), LBs Antonio Johnson (#7, 6-0, 215) and Chris Francis (#36, 6-0, 235), SS Byron Landor (#14, 6-0, 210), FS Tim Atchison (#8, 6-0, 200) and CB Mikail Baker (#5, 5-11, 200).
Arizona (7-5) versus Oklahoma State (10-2): ALAMO BOWL; San Antonio; 9:15 PM ET; ESPN
Oklahoma State is another team with multiple underclassmen who will have a tough decision as to whether to enter the 2011 draft in the next couple of weeks. The most notable is star sophomore WR Justin Blackmon (#81, 60, 210), arguably the top receiver in college football this past fall. Blackmon, who is draft eligible after redshirting, had a remarkable 102 catches for almost 1,700 yards this fall despite playing on a bad foot part of the season and should be one of the first 2-3 receivers off the board this coming April if he enters the draft. Meanwhile, junior QB Brandon Wheedon (#3, 6-3, 225), who has thrown for over 4,000 yards and 32 scores this season, could also opt to enter the draft as he is a little older than the average prospect after having spent several years as a Yankees‘ farm hand. The Cowboys also have a couple of very productive seniors with mid-round potential this spring in RB Kendall Hunter (#24, 5-8, 200), a speedster who ran for over 1,500 yards and 16 TDs this fall, and MLB Orie Lemon (#41, 6-1, 245) a tackling machine who came back nicely from a serious leg injury to rack up 120 tackles this fall. Meanwhile, PK Dan Bailey (#95, 6-0, 200) was a Lou Groza finalist after hitting 24 of 28 FG attempts this fall. Other OSU players to watch include DE Ugo Chinasa (#91, 6-5, 255), DT Chris Donaldson (#95, 6-0, 300), LB Justin Gent (#42, 6-1, 235), and CB Andrew Magee (#6, 5-11, 190).
Arizona could also be very much in the underclassmen equation as junior QB Nick Foles (#8, 6-5, 245) is one of the best passers in the country, however, it appears that Foles, who would likely be a late first or early second round pick if he did enter the draft, has already decided to return to school with the goal of improving his draft stock. On the other hand, junior WR Juron Criner (#82, 6-3, 210), a rangy wideout with speed who had 73 receptions for almost 1,200 yards this fall, is still reportedly considering his pro options. Same story for junior CB Trevin Wade (#24, 5-10, 185). Meanwhile, the Arizona defense also has a very good prospect in DE Ricky Elmore (#44, 6-5, 250), a relentless edge rusher who had 21.5 sacks over the past couple of seasons. Indeed, Elmore combines with fellow senior DE Brooks Reed (#42, 6-2, 255) to give the Wildcats a very good outside pass rush. Other Wildcats to watch include RB Nic Grigsby (#5, 58, 190), C Colin Baxter (#64, 6-4, 295), OT Adam Grant (#78, 6-6, 325), TE A.J. Simmons (#88, 6-3, 255), DT Lolomana Mikaele (#94, 6-2, 305), FS Joe Perkins (#9, 6-2, 205), and P Keenyn Crier (47, 6-0, 200).
DAL @ GB
