cowboyjoe
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Texas Bowl: Illinois vs Baylor
29
http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=3980
Dec
In Texas they like to say things are bigger here. That will likely be the case on the scoreboard later today in the Bowl game named after the state that hosts it. Baylor is making its first bowl appearance since 1994 today against the Fighting Illini of Ron Zook. Illinois is making its first bowl trip since 2007 when they played in the Rose Bowl. Both teams are known for potent offenses and each have one of the better players in the country in Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin and Illinois tail back Michael Leshoure. Like the Hawaii Bowl earlier this week the game figures to be heavy on offense. A victory here for Baylor would be huge for a program that Art Briles has rebuilt after years of futility. An Illinois win would secure Ron Zooks second winning season in Champagne and might ease the pressure on him heading into next season.
3 Keys from the scouts
1. How good will Robert Griffin look? The Illinois defense has looked pedestrian all season and never more so than against Michigan when they gave up 67 points. Although they were able to hold Missouri and Ohio State to respectable scores Griffin will be a tougher test for them. The Missouri game was the season opener for both teams and Ohio State never really turned on the jets against he Illinis preferring to grind them down instead. Griffin, like Robinson and Pryor is a dual threat quarterback, although he is a better passer than either.
2. Michael Leshore’s production. The best way to defend Griffin is to keep him on the bench. Enter Michael Leshoure. Baylor is not a good rush defense and that is probably the strength of Ron Zook’s team. Leshoure has been a star all season and will need to be one again.
3. .....
.....
Pro-Prospect Preview
Illinois
Round Full Name Pos Num Yr Comments
3rd Mikel Leshoure RB 5 3Jr Powerful interior ball carrier drawing comparisons to Rashard Mendenhall. Breaks tackles and picks up a lot of yardage off initial contact. Not as fast as the former Illini first rounder but has enough explosion and quickness to develop into a feature runner.
3rd Martez Wilson ILB 2 4Jr Athletic linebacker that flashes dominance and the ability to make plays sideline to sideline. Needs a lot of work to complete his game.
4th Corey Liuget DE 93 3Jr Explosive yet short defensive lineman that makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. Possible two gap end. Exploring his draft options.
4-5 Jeff Allen T 71 3Jr Terrific pass blocking left tackle with a nice upside.
6th Clay Nurse DE 97 5Sr Undersized college pass rusher that will also get looks at outside linebacker.
FA Travon Bellamy S 31 5Sr Physical safety who flashes cover skills. Played cornerback this season.
7th Nathan Bussey OLB 18 4Sr Quick, explosive one gap/weak side linebacker prospect.
FA Ryan Palmer T 78 5Sr Size prospect with marginal athleticism and limited upside.
FA Jarred Fayaon WR 11 5Sr
FA Randall Hunt G 66 5Sr Tough, slug it out, small area guard that shows terrific strength.
Baylor
Round Full Name Pos Num Yr Comments
3rd Danny Watkins T 59 4Sr Former Canadian fire fighter that’s zipping up draft boards. Fundamentally sound and very strong. Right side line prospect,
FA Phil Taylor DT N 5Sr Former Penn State transfer with big time ability that’s starting to show it.
4th Robert Griffin QB 10 3So
FA Flemmie Finley RB 32 5Sr Hard working, one speed ball carrier who also excels catching the ball out of the backfield.
FA Philip Blake T 74 3Jr Terrific left tackle prospect who moves his feet well and quickly slides out off the edge.
FA Antonio Johnson OLB 7 4Sr Athletic linebacker who displays skill in coverage.
FA Kendall Wright WR 1 3Jr Reliable pass catcher that can be dangerous running after the reception.
FA Tim Atchison CB 8 5Sr Disciplined defender that may be better off at safety or in a zone system.
FA Brad Taylor FB 9 5Sr
FA Earl Patin ILB 1 4Sr
Game Preview: Brent Foshee
Prospect Preview: Tony Pauline
29
http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=3980
Dec
In Texas they like to say things are bigger here. That will likely be the case on the scoreboard later today in the Bowl game named after the state that hosts it. Baylor is making its first bowl appearance since 1994 today against the Fighting Illini of Ron Zook. Illinois is making its first bowl trip since 2007 when they played in the Rose Bowl. Both teams are known for potent offenses and each have one of the better players in the country in Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin and Illinois tail back Michael Leshoure. Like the Hawaii Bowl earlier this week the game figures to be heavy on offense. A victory here for Baylor would be huge for a program that Art Briles has rebuilt after years of futility. An Illinois win would secure Ron Zooks second winning season in Champagne and might ease the pressure on him heading into next season.
3 Keys from the scouts
1. How good will Robert Griffin look? The Illinois defense has looked pedestrian all season and never more so than against Michigan when they gave up 67 points. Although they were able to hold Missouri and Ohio State to respectable scores Griffin will be a tougher test for them. The Missouri game was the season opener for both teams and Ohio State never really turned on the jets against he Illinis preferring to grind them down instead. Griffin, like Robinson and Pryor is a dual threat quarterback, although he is a better passer than either.
2. Michael Leshore’s production. The best way to defend Griffin is to keep him on the bench. Enter Michael Leshoure. Baylor is not a good rush defense and that is probably the strength of Ron Zook’s team. Leshoure has been a star all season and will need to be one again.
3. .....
.....
Pro-Prospect Preview
Illinois
Round Full Name Pos Num Yr Comments
3rd Mikel Leshoure RB 5 3Jr Powerful interior ball carrier drawing comparisons to Rashard Mendenhall. Breaks tackles and picks up a lot of yardage off initial contact. Not as fast as the former Illini first rounder but has enough explosion and quickness to develop into a feature runner.
3rd Martez Wilson ILB 2 4Jr Athletic linebacker that flashes dominance and the ability to make plays sideline to sideline. Needs a lot of work to complete his game.
4th Corey Liuget DE 93 3Jr Explosive yet short defensive lineman that makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. Possible two gap end. Exploring his draft options.
4-5 Jeff Allen T 71 3Jr Terrific pass blocking left tackle with a nice upside.
6th Clay Nurse DE 97 5Sr Undersized college pass rusher that will also get looks at outside linebacker.
FA Travon Bellamy S 31 5Sr Physical safety who flashes cover skills. Played cornerback this season.
7th Nathan Bussey OLB 18 4Sr Quick, explosive one gap/weak side linebacker prospect.
FA Ryan Palmer T 78 5Sr Size prospect with marginal athleticism and limited upside.
FA Jarred Fayaon WR 11 5Sr
FA Randall Hunt G 66 5Sr Tough, slug it out, small area guard that shows terrific strength.
Baylor
Round Full Name Pos Num Yr Comments
3rd Danny Watkins T 59 4Sr Former Canadian fire fighter that’s zipping up draft boards. Fundamentally sound and very strong. Right side line prospect,
FA Phil Taylor DT N 5Sr Former Penn State transfer with big time ability that’s starting to show it.
4th Robert Griffin QB 10 3So
FA Flemmie Finley RB 32 5Sr Hard working, one speed ball carrier who also excels catching the ball out of the backfield.
FA Philip Blake T 74 3Jr Terrific left tackle prospect who moves his feet well and quickly slides out off the edge.
FA Antonio Johnson OLB 7 4Sr Athletic linebacker who displays skill in coverage.
FA Kendall Wright WR 1 3Jr Reliable pass catcher that can be dangerous running after the reception.
FA Tim Atchison CB 8 5Sr Disciplined defender that may be better off at safety or in a zone system.
FA Brad Taylor FB 9 5Sr
FA Earl Patin ILB 1 4Sr
Game Preview: Brent Foshee
Prospect Preview: Tony Pauline
