2012 College Football / 2013 NFL Draft

[BINGO]

NFL Draft Blog

DEs Werner, Carradine are on the rise
September, 28, 2012 1:09PM ET
By Kevin Weidl

Florida State is making a case as a BCS title contender early this season, and a pair of fast-rising defensive end prospects are a big part of the Seminoles' early success.

Despite the loss of Brandon Jenkins -- who entered the season with a late-first round grade -- Florida State is still among the top 20 nationally with 13 total sacks, thanks in large part to the impressive showings by the two players I'll break down below.

Here's how they've done it.

Bjoern Werner is beating offensive tackles and harassing quarterbacks with regularity this season.


Bjoern Werner(Grade: 88; 6-foot-4, 255 pounds)
Werner grew up in Berlin and played only two years of high school football in the U.S. before coming to Florida State, but his game is blossoming quickly as he gains more experience.

He is a flat-out beast on tape so far this season. Werner comes off the ball strong and with good leverage against the run, showing a quick, heavy punch when setting the edge against the run and also enough quickness to shoot gaps and get penetration. He also uses his hands well to disengage from blockers while locating the ball.

As a pass-rusher, Werner is vastly improved from last season. He has good suddenness and is able to keep blockers off his frame with his hands. He also displays the ability to convert his speed to power, and has good body control when turning the corner. Werner is currently tied for the lead nationally with 6.5 total sacks and his stock is rising as quickly as anyone else's on the board. If he keeps this up he could possibly work his way into the top 20 overall before all is said and done.


Tank Carradine (52; 6-4½, 255)
Carradine is a raw prospect whose game needs to be refined, and he was not high on my radar after preseason film study. However, he has 4.5 sacks in the last two games since stepping in for Jenkins, and Carradine's natural pass-rush ability is coming to the surface.

He could do a better job anticipating the snap count, but Carradine is explosive off the ball, has the flexibility to dip his shoulder low when bending the edge and shows good closing burst to get home and secure the sack. Carradine will show some wasted motion at times in the form of unnecessary head and hand movement but has an innate ability to feel an advantage against a blocker and exploit it.

Carradine also plays with leverage against the run and is able to use his hands well when setting the edge, but his instincts and reaction skills are still developing, and he will get caught peeking inside at times and lose outside contain. However, all of his flaws are correctable with coaching and experience, and Carradine has the kind of ceiling as a pass-rusher that NFL teams love. He looks like a potential second-rounder to me at this point.


Keep an eye on Randle
As I watched film of Oklahoma State's offense in preparation for a matchup with Texas, I noticed Cowboys RB Joseph Randle (40; 6-0, 192) looked more decisive and a little quicker laterally than I thought after preseason film study. Randle is a high-cut runner and I wonder if he can string together multiple cuts, but I do like his versatility, and this week's tape against the Longhorns will be a big one for him.

Randle currently carries a late-round grade, but a good showing against the likes of S Kenny Vaccaro (90) and DEs Alex Okafor (84) and Jackson Jeffcoat (82) could turn some heads and begin boosting his stock a bit. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy will likely lean on the running game due to some uncertainty at quarterback, so Randle has a chance to shine.


Loaded matchup in Athens
Be sure to check back with this blog after the weekend for my breakdown of the talent-rich Tennessee-Georgia matchup, which I'll be scouting in person.

I'm excited to see how Vols QB Tyler Bray and WR Justin Hunter fare against a Bulldogs secondary that boasts four draftable prospects in Ss Shawn Williams and Bacarri Rambo, and CBs Branden Smith and Sanders Cummings. Georgia is also expected to get ILB Alec Ogletree back; he is perhaps the best playmaker at his position in the 2013 class.

The game will also provide my first live look of the season at Georgia OLB and current No. 1 overall prospect Jarvis Jones, as well as massive Bulldogs DT Johnathan Jenkins. Both Jones and Jenkins could end up facing Tennessee OT/G Dallas Thomas, who has seen time at both left guard and tackle this season.

Also keep an eye on Georgia QBAaron Murray and underrated WR Tavarres King.

I'll have a complete look at all the big names right here on Monday.

 

[BINGO]

2013 NFL draft - Jarvis Jones leads top five pass-rushers on board - ESPN

 

[EKmane]

woodson is a free agent i believe. he's getting up there but he could finish his career as a fs.

Woodson is playing ss this season.

 

[BINGO]

NFL Draft Blog

Nickel Package: Breaking down G. Smith
October, 3, 2012
By Todd McShay

I'm sitting down this week with West Virginia's Geno Smith -- the hottest quarterback in college football and perhaps the fastest-rising prospect on the 2013 draft board -- to watch tape with him and get inside his football mind and see how he prepares on a weekly basis.

In advance of that sit-down, the results of which will air on "College GameDay" (10 a.m. ET, Saturday, ESPN), I went back and watched three of Smith's game tapes from 2011, as well as the Baylor and Maryland games from this season, with the intention of going to Morgantown with a variety of clips that illustrate his strengths and weaknesses, how he makes reads, and other factors in his game.

This week's edition of the Nickel Package will look at five things that jumped out to me during that initial tape session, including areas in which he has improved, how he compares to one of last year's top quarterback prospects, and what Smith has left to prove.

Geno Smith is a more complete passer in 2012, which is producing impressive numbers.

Area of improvement 1: Touch
One of the knocks on Smith during our preseason evaluation was his lack of touch, that he often unleashed a fastball on his receiver no matter what the route was. It happens only occasionally this season, and Smith has learned to take something off the ball and also mastered the trajectory of certain throws.

His 7-yard, back-corner touchdown pass to J.D. Woods in the first quarter last week against Baylor is a perfect example. Smith got the ball out in time and with enough air under it to drop it in the bucket in the back left corner of the end zone. A line-drive throw in that situation would allow the defensive back to get his hands up and make a play, and too much air under it would have forced Woods to stop at the end line, allowing the defensive back to adjust and play the ball.

Smith is also more consistent this season in terms of trajectory on the deep ball, throwing it out and allowing his receivers to run under it and catch passes in stride.


Area of improvement 2: Not locking on to primary
Tape from early in 2011 shows Smith locking his eyes on his primary receiver and failing to take his eyes away in time, which led to him either forcing balls into coverage or taking sacks after failing to get to his second or third reads quickly enough. We noted in his preseason draft evaluation that he improved as last season progressed, but he's even better in 2012.

Smith is showing good eye discipline, keeping his eyes on the safety early and not going to his primary read too soon, and once he make his primary read, trusting his eyes and getting further into his progression if he doesn't see what he wants initially.


Where Smith is better than RG3: Pocket manipulation, mechanics/accuracyI've gotten plenty of questions in recent days about how Smith compares to last year's No. 2 overall pick and current Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III, so I went back and watched last year's Oklahoma-Baylor game to refresh my memory on RG3.

Griffin is faster on a straight line than Smith, but Smith has a clear advantage in terms of manipulating the pocket. He feels the outside rush naturally and steps up to avoid it, and moves well laterally when pressured up the middle. And Smith almost always keeps his eyes downfield when moving in the pocket. I saw only one instance in the five games when Smith moved his eyes to the pass rush while sliding in the pocket.

Yes, RG3 has quick feet and made a lot of guys miss in the pocket, but in college he didn't often move his feet and buy time within the pocket, then reset and find a receiver. Griffin usually just bolted the pocket and relied on his rare running ability.

Smith, on the other hand, is looking to continue the play from the pocket, buy time for his receivers and make a play through the air. He and the Mountaineers' wideouts do a great job on the scramble drill, and it starts with Smith's ability to slide in the pocket, elude pressure, reset his feet and make an accurate throw when a receiver breaks open.

Smith also has an advantage at this point in his career in terms of mechanics, which leads to better accuracy. Griffin entered 2011 as a great athlete whose mechanics were about a 6 on a scale of 1 to 10 but moved to somewhere in the 8-9 range by the time the season ended. Smith started further along, going from a 7 to an 8 to a 9-plus this season. Why is that important?

Changing a quarterback's mechanics can be a dicey proposition, one that doesn't always go well. Just look at Tim Tebow. Scouts want to know a quarterback has a natural feel for how to deliver the ball, that he's comfortable in his motion and it's ingrained. The difference in their accuracy isn't huge, but mechanics are a big part of that difference.


Where RG3 is better than Smith: Running threat, arm strength, frameGriffin has world-class track speed and has a clear edge on Smith in terms of running ability. Smith has adequate-to-good speed and can pick up a first down with his feet, but he's nowhere near RG3 as a running threat.

And while both can snap throws off with a quick delivery, RG3's arm is a little stronger. That shows up on a play from last year against Oklahoma, when Griffin unleashed a 25-yard laser on a deep out while being buried by a pass-rusher in his own end zone with other defenders in his face. Smith might make that throw, too, but not with the same velocity and RPMs as Griffin. Smith can certainly make all of the NFL throws, but RG3 just puts a few more miles per hour on his throws.

Griffin also had more bulk on his frame coming out of college than Smith does. They are essentially the same height (6-foot-2¾ for Smith, 6-2⅜ for Griffin), but RG3 checked in at 231 pounds at the NFL combine while the preseason measurements I got from an NFL scout put Smith at 208. It's not a huge deal at this point, but it does raise some concern about Smith holding up during a 16-game grind in the NFL.


What's left for Smith: Improved competition, adding bulk
Griffin exploded on the scene last season and quickly became the face of college football, and I'm interested to see if Smith handles the bright lights as well as RG3 did. Can Smith step up as expectations increase, and lead his team to big wins against a higher level of competition during the Big 12 schedule? The test begins this week at Texas, and adds Kansas State, TCU and Oklahoma down the road.

Finally, Smith surely will follow the program all top prospects adhere to and change his body for the better as the draft process unfolds. If he can work with trainers and get his weight up to the 220-pound range without affecting his mechanics or mobility, that will ease some durability concerns.

Staying healthy would help, too, but that's out of Smith's hands for the most part. He can play smart and avoid unnecessary punishment, but Smith shouldn't waste one second beyond that worrying about something he can't control.

 

[BINGO]

West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith's focus is solely football - ESPN

 

[BINGO]

NFL Draft 2013
Commentary
Smith now atop 2013 QB rankings
Two defenders make moves; a big-name DB plummets out of the rankings
Originally Published: September 26, 2012
By Todd McShay | Scouts Inc.

West Virginia QB Geno Smith has been the story of the college season so far with his video-game numbers, and his fast start has propelled him up the 2013 draft board with dizzying speed.

Smith has passed USC's Matt Barkley as the top quarterback on the board, and this week has jumped from No. 17 all the way to the No. 2 spot in my ranking of the top 32 overall prospects.

He's not the biggest riser, though. That distinction belongs to Florida State DE Bjoern Werner, who has moved up 18 spots and is now inside the top 10. A big-name SEC linebacker has also moved into the top 10 (up from No. 20), while a pair of linemen make their debuts this week.

Elsewhere, a cornerback who began the season in the top five has fallen all the way out of the top 32.

Here's how the entire list shakes down at this point. As always, draft-eligible non-seniors are noted with an asterisk.

 

[BINGO]

Jarvis Jones* OLB 6-2 242
Analysis: Jones dominated Missouri in the season opener and has been steady ever since. He's a very good overall athlete and top-notch pass-rusher, has impressive range in both pass coverage and against the run, and can line up in various spots across the formation.
Previously: 1


Geno Smith QB 6-2¾ 208
Analysis: Smith is in total command of coach Dana Holgorsen's offense, throwing with exceptional timing and anticipation, and his 20 touchdown passes and 83.4 completion percentage speak to that. He is confident in his ability, has good mobility and his footwork, mechanics and release are all impressive. If Smith keeps this up he will be in the mix for the No. 1 overall pick.
Previously: 17


Matt Barkley QB 6-1⅞ 228
Analysis: Barkley's supporting cast has let him down some early this season, and his decision-making has not been as good as expected. However, he will remain high on the board because of his smarts, accuracy and ability to get the ball out in rhythm and on time. He will be a good fit in a West Coast offense.
Previously: 3


Chance Warmack OG 6-2⅜ 325
Analysis: Warmack is as good as any guard prospect I've ever evaluated, dating back to Steve Hutchinson coming out of Michigan in 2001. Warmack is agile, athletic and strong, and the rare guard worthy of a top-10 pick. The classic interior tough guy who is also a very smart player.
Previously: 2


Barkevious Mingo* DE 6-5 240
Analysis: Mingo did not record his first sack of the season until last week's win over Towson, but his potential is through the roof. He has a long frame, an elite first step as a pass-rusher and outstanding speed for his size. He also has great range and closing burst against the run.
Previously: 4


Star Lotulelei DT 6-3 320
Analysis: A massive, stout run-stopper with a good anchor and powerful hands, Lotulelei also shows good short-area quickness and plays with a mean streak, though he still needs to develop his pass-rush skills.
Previously: 6


Johnathan Jenkins DT 6-4⅛ 363
Analysis: A massive two-gap nose tackle with a good combination of size, strength and short-area quickness to control the inside and occasionally contribute as a pass-rusher.
Previously: 5


Manti Te'o ILB 6-1 248
Analysis: Te'o is the heart of a Notre Dame defense that ranks 15th nationally in total defense (291 ypg). He's shown leadership and focus this season, is strong at the point of attack against the run and can deliver heavy blows on ball carriers. Te'o also has good range and playmaking skills in underneath coverage.
Previously: 7


Bjoern Werner* DE 6-4 255
Analysis: Werner is skyrocketing up the board thanks to his outstanding production. He's tied for second nationally with 6.5 sacks and sets the edge well against the run, thanks in large part to his quick, heavy hands and good quickness. He shows the ability to convert speed to power as a pass-rusher, and is quickly moving into the mid-first-round area.
Previously: 27

 

[BINGO]

Alec Ogletree* ILB 6-3 237
Analysis: Ogletree made his season debut against Tennessee and was all over the field, recording 14 tackles and always ending up around the ball. His instincts are raw, but Ogletree has freakish athleticism, sideline-to-sideline range and good potential as a pass-rusher.
Previously: 20


Dee Milliner* CB 6-0¾ 197
Analysis: Milliner has solid top-end speed and plenty of range, and he shows a physical edge in run support. He has also displayed good short-area quickness, instincts and feel for routes.
Previously: 9


Justin Hunter* WR 6-4 205
Analysis: Hunter is continuing to progress after a torn ACL ended his 2011 season early. He runs smooth routes, and his lean frame, body control and ball skills have earned some comparisons to Cincinnati Bengals receiver A.J. Green.
Previously: 8


Johnathan Hankins* DT 6-3 335
Analysis: Hankins can occupy multiple blockers against the run and won't back down at the point of attack, and will make plays with his effort as a pass-rusher.
Previously: 11


Corey Lemonier* DE 6-4 242
Analysis: Lemonier is far and away the best player on the Auburn defense and opposing offenses pay him extra attention, but he continues to produce. His first step is explosive and he shows impressive closing burst. He also holds up well against the run and plays with a relentless motor.
Previously: 10


Jonathan Cooper OG 6-3 320
Analysis: Cooper has good quickness and mobility, explosive power and good feet and balance. He has good awareness in pass protection and plays with an edge overall.
Previously: 12


Sam Montgomery* DE 6-4 245
Analysis: Montgomery holds the point well against the run, and he is a powerful pass-rusher who plays well with good balance and leverage. He's also a tough prospect who plays with a chip on his shoulder.
Previously: 13


Sylvester Williams DT 6-2 320
Analysis: Williams needs to be more consistent with his pad level, but he can be a space-eater when he stays low and he flashes the ability to make plays down the line of scrimmage. Also shows effective pass-rush moves at times.
Previously: 14


Kawann Short DT6-3⅛325
Analysis: Short is playing with more consistency, effort and explosiveness in 2012, disrupting offenses from the interior and giving himself a chance to be in the first-round mix.
Previously: 18


Marcus Lattimore* RB 6-0 232
Analysis: Lattimore has looked as good as could be expected coming off a torn ACL that ended his 2011 season, running hard and showing good instincts. He is light on his feet, changes direction quickly and consistently runs behind his pads. This week he faces his biggest test so far, against a loaded Georgia defense with multiple NFL prospects at all three levels.
Previously: 15


Robert Woods* WR 6-1 190
Analysis: Woods lacks elite size, but is willing to work the middle of the field, and is an effective and decisive runner after the catch. A sudden athlete who explodes off the line, Woods can eat up a defender's cushion and tracks the ball well down the field.
Previously: 21

 

[BINGO]

Bennie Logan* DT6-3 290
Analysis: Logan is tough to block one-on-one in the run game, has great range and manhandles ball carriers. He's also an impressive natural athlete with good upside as a pass-rusher.
Previously: 24


Dallas Thomas OT 6-5⅛ 297
Analysis: Thomas needs to improve his overall awareness, but he has good size, is strong playing in tight quarters and has the versatility to line up at tackle or guard.
Previously: 28


Logan Thomas* QB 6-5 254
Analysis: Thomas has not played up to expectations this season. He has impressive physical tools, but his footwork and accuracy have been suspect early on, and he has not been consistent enough in most areas.
Previously: 30


Luke Joeckel* OT 6-5¾ 306Analysis: Joeckel is a technically sound run-blocker who takes good angles and would fit nicely in a zone-blocking scheme. He has quick feet, good balance and the ability to recover in pass protection.
Previously: 25


William Gholston* DE 6-6 278
Analysis: Gholston's size-speed combination is impressive, and he has the power to stack the edge against the run. His effort is inconsistent at times, but he plays with an edge and has all kinds of potential as a pass-rusher.
Previously: 26


Shawn Williams S 6-0 219
Analysis: Williams reads his keys and diagnoses plays quickly, and he understands leverage and angles in coverage. He also has the size and aggressiveness to be a force in run support.
Previously: 29


Tyler Wilson QB 6-1⅞ 210
Analysis: Wilson has been banged up this season, but his toughness is impressive. He also has above-average accuracy, underrated pocket mobility and is a mentally tough leader.
Previously: 30


Ricky Wagner OT 6-6¼ 317
Analysis: Wagner has the ability to lock out against defenders when protecting the edge, and is big and strong enough to anchor against the bull rush. He takes good angles to the second level in the run game, and has the tools to become an effective zone blocker.
Previously: NR


Jesse Williams DT 6-3½ 320
Analysis: Williams has good initial quickness and pop, and has the savvy and strength to disengage from blockers. He's disruptive if not productive as a pass-rusher, and gives good effort to make some plays outside the box against the run.
Previously: NR


Keenan Allen* WR 6-3 206
Analysis: Allen has a good combination of size and speed, and excellent hands and body control. He lacks the elite speed to run by defenders at the next level, but his size and strength allow him to win one-on-one battles down the field.
Previously: 31


Johnthan Banks CB 6-2⅛ 185
Analysis: A tall corner with good length, Banks has quick feet and is at his best in press coverage. He also flashes good ball skills and some punt-return ability, and he is active and willing in run support.
Previously: NR


Tavon Austin WR 5-8⅜ 173
Analysis: Austin's lack of size might keep him out of the first round when all is said and done, but he's clearly one of the top 50 overall players in the class. His 14-catch, 215-yard performance against Baylor showed off his explosive playmaking ability, both after the catch and down the field. Austin has potential in the return game and is dangerous in space on running plays, and might be the closest thing to Percy Harvin in college today.
Previously: 31

Out of the rankings:
NC State CB David Amerson, North Carolina OT Brennan Williams, Texas S Kenny Vaccaro


Todd McShay is the director of college scouting for Scouts Inc. He has been evaluating prospects for the NFL draft since 1998.

 

[BINGO]

2013 Big Board
has a new QBGeno Smith certainly hasn't been a surprise, but he debuts this week
Originally Published: October 3, 2012
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider

For Geno Smith and West Virginia, the real test begins now. I'm not chalking up Smith's incredible start to bad competition alone, but I've had him ranked among my top QB prospects in his class for a couple of years, so I'm not shocked he's been able to tear apart the teams he has so far in 2012. But what he faces now is what matters. The Big 12 doesn't have a defensive juggernaut, but every one of the next eight teams Smith will face has a better defense than any team he's seen so far (sorry, Baylor). There is no question Smith is for real, and given his smarts, accuracy and willingness to prepare, he should do well as the competition gets better. But he's also due for a real test.

Below, the scouting perspective will remain similar week to week, but I'll note performance and matchup highlights. As well, here are my junior prospect rankings and my senior prospect rankings. Juniors and draft-eligible sophomores are noted with an asterisk.

 

[BINGO]

1Jarvis Jones *
AGE: 22 DOB: 10/13/89 HT: 6-3 WT: 241
POS: OLB Tkl 32 Sack 4.5 Int 1
A good game against Tennessee, not a great one. Jones is an explosive, relentless edge rusher, he profiles as a 3-4 OLB. He has a quick first step and violent hands, tackles well and closes fast. Solid against the run and can really cover.
LAST WEEK: 1 | PLAYER CARD


2Matt Barkley
AGE: 22 DOB: 9/8/90 HT: 6-2 WT: 224
POS: QB Comp 88 Att 143 Pct 61.5 Yds 1,005 TD 12 Int 5
Faces a big challenge on Thursday at Utah, with his line a concern. Barkley has limitations with physical skills, but he's very good across the board: ball placement, timing, use of his eyes, poise, leadership skills and has experience. Great leader.
LAST WEEK: 2 | PLAYER CARD


3Barkevious Mingo *
AGE: 21 DOB: 10/4/90 HT: 6-5 WT: 242
POS: DE Tkl 13 Sack 1.0 Int 0
The spotlight is on now as the schedule gets tough. Mingo came to the game late, so he can appear raw at times, but talent is clear. Uses length and a great first step to turn the corner. His pass-rush skills are pretty good but could be diversified. Still learning concepts but reads the game well given his lack of experience.
LAST WEEK: 3 | PLAYER CARD


4Star Lotulelei
AGE: 22 DOB: 12/20/89 HT: 6-4 WT: 325
POS: DT Tkl 18 Sack 1.0 Int 0
Ready to get after USC and Barkley. Brings consistent, relentless effort. Demands double-teams, and clogs up the middle of the field. A great sense for disrupting the run game, with power to bull rush. Quick off the ball, with great upper-body strength. Coaches rave.
LAST WEEK: 5 | PLAYER CARD


5Sam Montgomery *
AGE: 21 DOB: 5/25/90 HT: 6-4 WT: 260
POS: DE Tkl 15 Sack 2.0 Int 0
Not up to full potential thus far in 2012. Added size and could be considered a fit in almost any system; his frame can handle it if he adds more. Athleticism and pass-rush skills are there, and he really holds up against the run. Max-effort player, natural athlete, instinctive rusher.
LAST WEEK: 4 | PLAYER CARD


6Manti Te'o
AGE: 21 DOB: 1/26/91 HT: 6-2 WT: 255
POS: LB Tkl 36 Sack 0 Int 3
Should be primed coming off a bye. He's been as good as any player in the country this year. The top interior linebacker in 2013 draft class, his instincts are exceptional and he can attack the backfield. Te'o is a big, strong, prepared tackling presence in the middle of the field. Reads plays well and gets through traffic.
LAST WEEK: 6 | PLAYER CARD


7Chance Warmack
AGE: 21 DOB: 9/14/91 HT: 6-3 WT: 320
POS: OG GP 5 GS 5
Ole Miss battled the run reasonably well, but there were no major gaffes. It will be good to see Warmack against top talent. A powerful run-blocker, he isn't just massive. Warmack moves well, with initial power in tight spaces and the ability to seek out LBs on the second level. Total package at guard.
LAST WEEK: 7 | PLAYER CARD


8Luke Joeckel *
AGE: 21 DOB: 11/6/91 HT: 6-6 WT: 310
POS: OT GP 3 GS 3
As good as any lineman in the country so far. Experienced, he's started on the left since his freshman season. Joeckel is best in pass protection and won't get rattled by speed or secondary moves at this level. Not an elite athlete, but he's a good technician.
LAST WEEK: 11 | PLAYER CARD


9Corey Lemonier *
AGE: 21DOB: 2/19/91HT: 6-4WT: 250POS: DETkl 19Sack 5.0Int 0A nice stretch approaches in which can stay hot. Explosive burst off the edge, he's light for a defensive end prospect, Lemonier has the speed but must hold up better against the run. Utilizes quickness as a pass-rusher, with great suddenness off the snap and secondary moves.
LAST WEEK: 9 | PLAYER CARD


10Johnathan Hankins *
AGE: 21 DOB: HT: 6-3 WT: 335
POS: DT Tkl 28 Sack 1.0 Int 0
You really can't move him, like you'd want out of a 3-4 NT prospect, but he also shows off explosive quickness for a big man. Not really a technical pass-rusher. Size allows him to drive blockers into the backfield, then he shows impressive agility. Hankins gets down the line well.
LAST WEEK: 10 | PLAYER CARD

 

[BINGO]

11Justin Hunter *
AGE: 21 DOB: 5/20/91 HT: 6-4 WT: 205 POS: WR
Rec 33 Yds 456 Avg 13.8 TD 4
Disappointing day at Georgia, where he was blanketed. Still good to see totals pile up after the injuries of the past. Stats haven't done him justice. Blazing speed, but uses good technique and gets in and out of breaks. Great hands, and a major threat down the field.
LAST WEEK: 8 | PLAYER CARD


12John Jenkins
AGE: 23 DOB: 7/11/89 HT: 6-3 WT: 358
POS: DT Tkl 15 Sack 0 Int 0
Coming off a tough week against Tennessee, they need more from him. A load inside, Jenkins just eats blocks and can push the pocket, too. He moves pretty well, so he's not locked into that role. Guys such as these have serious value.
LAST WEEK: 12 | PLAYER CARD


13Bjoern Werner *
AGE: 21 DOB: 9/30/90 HT: 6-4 WT: 255
POS: DE Tkl 17 Sack 7.0 Int 0
Quieter day against USF, but good against Clemson after battering weak competition. Werner started to show this talent last season. Strong but athletic, he has great ball awareness as he rushes, and knocks down balls at a high rate. Developing as a pass-rusher, high ceiling, late arrival to the sport.
LAST WEEK: 13 | PLAYER CARD


14Geno Smith
AGE: 21 DOB: 10/10/90 HT: 6-3 WT: 220
POS: QB Comp 141 Att 169 Pct 83.4 Yds 1,728 TD 20 Int 0
Smart, accurate and patient, Smith is a pocket-passer who can move but keeps his eyes downfield, hits targets short and will read defenses and move defenders for deep balls. Has exceptional ball placement, able to hit receivers in stride and allow them to create extra yardage. Now, on to better competition.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD


15Dee Milliner *AGE: 21DOB: 9/14/91HT: 6-1WT: 199POS: CBTkl 14Sack 0Int 2A willing hitter and tackler, what first jumps out about Milliner is how physical he is. He hits receivers and isn't shy in run support; but with that, he's fluid, reads the game well and can turn and run with top wideouts. Assembly line in the Bama secondary.
LAST WEEK: 15 | PLAYER CARD


16Kawann Short
AGE: 23 DOB: 2/2/89 HT: 6-3 WT: 312
POS: DT Tkl 9 Sack 4.0 Int 0
Continues to improve pass-rush skills. Uses power and athleticism and can beat any kind of blocking. Really disruptive and demands help constantly. A very good athlete who can control the line of scrimmage. Uses his hands well to clear blocks and is constantly in the backfield.
LAST WEEK: 16 | PLAYER CARD


17Keenan Allen *
AGE: 20 DOB: 4/27/92 HT: 6-3 WT: 206
POS: WR Rec 33 Yds 388 Avg 11.8 TD 2
A tough season for Cal, but it's not Allen's fault. Crafty, he is really good at finding space, no surprise from a former safety. Strong hands; catches the ball with ease away from his body. Sets up defenders, sees the field well, settles in against zones. Run-after-catch skills.
LAST WEEK: 17 | PLAYER CARD

18Alec Ogletree *
AGE: 21 DOB: 9/25/91 HT: 6-3 WT: 232
POS: LB Tkl 15 Sack 0 Int 0
Missed first four games on suspension but looked fresh against Tennessee. Covers the field, able to attack gaps against the run, stretch wide and move well in coverage. Eyes in the backfield, he reads passes well. Behind only Te'o as interior linebacker.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD


19Sylvester Williams
AGE: 23 DOB: 11/21/88 HT: 6-3 WT: 315
POS: DT Tkl 13 Sack 4.5 Int 0
Off to a great start this year, Williams is a gifted player who took a long road back. Really quick at this size, he has good feet, a strong punch to get defenders off-balance and great energy. Will chase down plays. Great reemergence.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD


20David Amerson *
AGE: 20 DOB: 12/8/91 HT: 6-3 WT: 189
POS: CB Tkl 16 Sack 0 Int 3
Playing a little loose thus far in 2012, and has been beaten some. Has good cover skills and size that could have him coveted as a safety as well. A sixth sense for when to improvise, Amerson will drop routes to make plays. Has the size and speed to match up with any receiver; freelances effectively.
LAST WEEK: 14 | PLAYER CARD

 

[BINGO]

21Marcus Lattimore *
AGE: 20 DOB: 10/29/91 HT: 6-0 WT: 232
POS: RB Rush 92 Yds 440 Avg 4.8 TD 8
Little by little, gaining comfort with repaired knee. Defining stretch approaching as he faces great competition, but O-line is a concern. Powerful, tightly packed player who delivers a punch but moves better than a player his size should. Elite if healthy.
LAST WEEK: 23 | PLAYER CARD


22Eric Reid *
AGE: 21 DOB: 12/10/91 HT: 6-2 WT: 212
POS: S Tkl 26 Sack 0 Int 1
Great instincts, and a sound tackler from the secondary. A safety who can cover but also play close to the line. Tied for the lead in tackles on a team that can really pursue the ball. Big hitter.
LAST WEEK: 19 | PLAYER CARD


23Sharrif Floyd *
AGE: 21 DOB: 5/28/92 HT: 6-3 WT: 303
POS: DT Tkl 16 Sack 0 Int 0
By no means dominant so far, but seeing flashes and steady effort. A star coming out of high school, Floyd is starting to realize his potential. Quickness is menacing on the interior and he has a great burst, drawing double-teams. Could penetrate more.
LAST WEEK: 20 | PLAYER CARD


24Jonathan Cooper
AGE: 22 DOB: 1/9/90 HT: 6-3 WT: 302
POS: G GP 5 GS 5
Looking good after offseason shoulder surgery, Cooper is showing no ill effects so far. Not an earth-mover, but powerful and quick for his size. Moves extremely well and can beat defenders to spots, move them to a side and get downfield.
LAST WEEK: 23 | PLAYER CARD


25Tyler Eifert *
AGE: 22 DOB: 9/8/90 HT: 6-6 WT: 251
POS: TE Rec9 Yds 158 Avg 17.6 TD 1
Numbers are light, but the passing game is poor. Not seeing enough passes. He has pass-catching skills of a natural receiver; can be split out. Eifert is a former WR, catches the ball with ease and can stretch the seams, but he's not an exceptional blocker. Top TE in a light class.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

 

[BINGO]

Why Murray is SEC's top QB
Qualities that set UGA's QB apart will help him lead Dawgs past Gamecocks
Updated: October 4, 2012, 9:54 AM ET
By Brock Huard | ESPN Insider

Aaron Murray's command of the offense is one trait that sets him apart.

Aaron Murray doesn't have the prototypical size and arm strength of Tyler Bray and AJ McCarron, but when it comes to on-field collegiate production, he's my choice as the best quarterback in the SEC.

Granted, I'd probably feel a lot more comfortable making that declaration next week, after finding out if Murray and Georgia can do something against South Carolina on Saturday night that they haven't done in his 32 starts as a Bulldog: beat a top-20 team.

Yes, the Bulldogs are facing their biggest test of the season to this point in taking on the sixth-ranked Gamecocks on the road. The offense is facing a particularly difficult matchup at the line of scrimmage, as the Dawgs' inexperienced offensive tackles will be going up against one of the best defensive end tandems in college football in 6-foot-8 Devin Taylor and super sophomore Jadeveon Clowney (5.5 sacks). Those two won't make life very easy for Murray and the Bulldogs.

But while I'd feel more confident in calling Murray the SEC's best QB after seeing him beat South Carolina, the job of an analyst is not limited to simply reacting to what we have seen; it also involves taking into account what we've observed and forecasting what will happen next. And after watching Murray develop over the course of his career and seeing him in person against Vanderbilt two weeks ago, I believe he is ready for this moment, and the qualities that make him the SEC's best QB will help him beat the Gamecocks on Saturday.

Here are the three characteristics that make Murray my pick as the SEC's top quarterback.

(One quick note before I get started: I recently placed Murray behind both McCarron and Bray on my national QB rankings. But for that project, I take into account pro potential as well as college production, whereas here I'm simply looking at the importance each plays for his college team. And besides, it won't be a surprise if Murray continues to climb my national rankings when I update them at midseason.)


1. Murray elevates the play of those around him

There is no more important job for the most important position on the field than using your presence and talent to make those in the huddle better. Former UGA All-American and current ESPN analyst Matt Stinchcomb explains perfectly how Murray elevates his supporting cast.

"As the most experienced passer in the SEC, Murray is the center of gravity for a balanced and explosive Georgia offense," Stinchcomb says. "He is the reason why key components can change around him. Three new offensive linemen, top wide receiver [Malcolm Mitchell] switched to defense in the early part of season, true freshmen at running back [Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall] and right tackle [John Theus] … yet the offensive production continues to trend upward."

This ability to play well in the face of personnel changes will once again be important on Saturday, as the Bulldogs play their first game without leading receiver Michael Bennett (out for the season with a torn ACL).

Three years of starting experience in big games and hostile environments has prepared Murray for Saturday night in Columbia. More importantly, that experience will be shared with the puppies in his huddle all week heading into the weekend's marquee matchup. A season ago, against a more veteran Gamecocks secondary, Murray threw four touchdowns in a shootout that Georgia lost 45-42. Every aspect of his game has grown since then. Murray will get hit on Saturday, he will be harassed and at times his offensive line will be dominated, but don't expect Murray to flinch or wilt under the pressure.



2. He possesses excellent accuracy and anticipation

When describing the field vision and defensive manipulation of Murray, Vanderbilt defensive coordinator Bob Shoop compared UGA's quarterback to Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson. Murray's three years of starting experience in offensive coordinator Mike Bobo's system has allowed him to graduate from overwhelmed freshman starter to seasoned veteran. He's capable of moving zone defenders with his eyes and awareness. "When Aaron knows at the snap what he's seeing," Bobo says, "he really uses his eyes well to move and control the defense."

South Carolina defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward likes to heat up the pocket, and fueled by the two aforementioned monsters on the edges, the Gamecocks rank second in the FBS in sacks per game with 4.4. They better get to Murray and affect the pocket, because if they don't, the country's third-most-efficient passer will feast on favorable matchups down the field.

Speaking of matchups, there will be no more important down for Georgia's offense in this game than the first snap of each series. Against elite pass-rushers and blitz-heavy teams, finding a way to throw on early downs is often advantageous, as the defense must account for both the run and pass threat. It is on first down where Murray has been particularly lethal in 2012, completing 81 percent of his passes at 13.6 yards per attempt, plus five touchdowns to just one interception. Those are Geno Smith versus Baylor kind of numbers.


3. He has a commitment to excellence

"He is constantly on me for more Drew Brees tape to study," says Bobo. "He watches it relentlessly. We worked hard this offseason to get Murray on balance in the pocket, off of his toes, and it really improved his accuracy, as he was 12 percentage points higher through the spring and summer camps."

That accuracy has continued through the first half of the season, too, as Murray is hitting 68 percent of his passes, compared to 59 percent in 2011.

Some would be satisfied with breaking school records and throwing 71 touchdowns in just two and a half years of starting, but not Murray. Shake his hand and you will notice a grip and forearm born out of the habits of a "throw-a-holic." His coaches asked the positive-by-nature Murray to take on a more vocal leadership role this season, especially after the departure of center Ben Jones. Murray has filled that void, too, with a willingness to challenge his teammates both privately and publicly.

When I chatted with former Georgia great Eric Zeier, who has called every one of Murray's 32 starts from the radio booth, he reiterated just how much better Murray has gotten snap after snap, year after year. "His arm has gotten so much stronger with his improved physical strength and fundamentals," Zeier says.

Murray may not have a 98 mph fastball like the kid in Knoxville, or the offensive line like the champ in Tuscaloosa. But he's my pick as the league's best QB because he has more than enough arm talent to make every throw and play on the field, as well as the guile and craftiness that comes with playing 32 games on the collegiate level. What he doesn't have is what he and the Bulldogs faithful covet most: a marquee win that can define both the Bulldogs' season and Murray's career.

That should be coming Saturday night.

 

[clyde_carbon]

Does Mel really have Barkley #2 and Geno Smith #14? Laughable.

 

[ChrisPozz]

Ohio State Buckeyes' Cardale Jones tweets 'classes are pointless' - ESPN

 

[Flyingiguana]

big big test for geno this weekend

 

[NinerSickness]

So I'm not sure what to make of Cornelius Washington. At first I thought maybe he could cut some weight & move to ILB in the pro's. I don' think he's much of a 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB prospect at this point. However, he's showing some really good strength, and I'm thinking maybe he could be a DE in a 3-4.

 

[clyde_carbon]

big big test for geno this weekend

And he passed with flying colors - despite consistent pressure from Texas. 25/35, 268, and 4 TDs. He did have two lost fumbles, though.

---

The more and more I watch Damontre Moore, the more and more I like him. I think he's a top-10 talent at this point. I know we have Aldon and Ahmad, but if he's there at 32, I'm taking him no questions asked. I absolutely love his game.

Also does else anyone think that Datone Jones is the EXACT type of defensive player that Harbaugh and Fangio will covet come April? I wouldn't be surprised at all if he ended up in 49ers uni.

 

[NinerSickness]

Also does else anyone think that Datone Jones is the EXACT type of defensive player that Harbaugh and Fangio will covet come April? I wouldn't be surprised at all if he ended up in 49ers uni.

I don't trust anyone who plays for UCLA. It's not exactly objective of me, but I can't get over it.