June 2010 – Page 4 – Priced Out of the Citi

Scouting The Cornerbacks: Class of 2013

Here’s a look at the top sophomore cornerback prospects entering the 2010 season.

1. Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina – Not every true freshman who enrolls early sees immediate dividends, but Gilmore and the Gamecocks reaped the rewards from Gilmore’s spring football participation. From day one he proved to be one of the top all-around cornerbacks in the SEC, just as capable of making an impact play against the run as he is the pass. The South Carolina native finished fifth on the club with his 56 total tackles, including 38 solo stops. He’s as physical as they come with six of those tackles coming in the offensive backfield, three of which were sacks as Steve Spurrier took full advantage of his deft blitzing skills. Gilmore also had a pair

2011 NFL Draft Watch #34: Von Miller

The countdown continues and our number thirty-four prospect in college football is…

Outside Linebacker Von Miller, Texas A&M (Junior):

The Skinny: The Butkus Award semifinalist is in many ways the first and last line of defense for the Aggies; he’s dominant enough to shutdown the opposition’s passing game with his disruptive abilities. To take advantage of Miller’s playmaking skills and versatility A&M will move him around the defense, as the hybrid defender has lined up at almost every position in the front seven. Miller is truly a terror to deal with is when he is rushing the passer. In 2009 the Texas native led the nation with his 17 sacks, which also happened to be one more than the entire Aggie defense registered in 2008…that’s the type

Exclusive: Interview With Vanness Emokpae

The NFL Draft Bible gets you ready for the 2010 NFL Supplemental Draft in this exclusive interview with Vanness Emokpae of Truman State. Host Bo Marchionte takes us behind the scenes with Emokpae and his preparation for making the transition to the next level in this edition of the All Access Football Show. Thus far, 24 NFL teams have called and inquired about the D-II running back. Find out more about his potential NFL prospects.

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Wright Making a "Major" Impact in Chicago

A number of Chicago-based new outlets, including ChicagoBears.com, are singing the praises of third-round pick Major Wright and lauding him for the way he “has been making plays on the ball each day” during OTAs.

Mancini’s Take: Wright has a real shot of beating out the likes of Josh Bullocks and Al Afalava for the starting free safety spot in the Windy City this summer. He’s the type of physical headhunter who goes through receivers with his hellacious and devastating body blows. He puts himself in position to make those types of plays because of instincts that allow him to track the ball and his impeccable timing. He’s a good fit in Lovie Smith’s Cover-2 scheme, which will require him to cover deep zones just as he did as a Florida Gator. Although he’s built like a corner, he’s not a straight coverage guy due to his not-so-smooth back pedal.

Wright Making a "Major" Impact in Chicago

Mancini’s Take: Wright has a real shot of beating out the likes of Josh Bullocks and Al Afalava for the starting free safety spot in the Windy City this summer. He’s the type of physical headhunter who goes through receivers with his hellacious and devastating body blows. He puts himself in position to make those types of plays because of instincts that allow him to track the ball and his impeccable timing. He’s a good fit in Lovie Smith’s Cover-2 scheme, which will require him to cover deep zones just as he did as a Florida Gator. Although he’s built like a corner, he’s not a straight coverage guy due to his not-so-smooth back pedal.

Scouting The Linebackers: Class of 2013

Here’s a look at the top sophomore linebacker prospects entering the 2010 season.

1. Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State (Inside Linebacker) – Ranked by many as the top schoolboy linebacker coming out of Centennial High School in California, Burfict made the Sun Devil faithful jump for joy when he signed on the dotted line and became the highest-ranked recruit to commit to the Pac-10 school. For the most part the true-freshman middle linebacker didn’t disappoint, finishing second on Arizona State with his 69 tackles (40 solo), seven tackles for loss, five pass break-ups and two forced fumbles. He also led the squad with a pair of fumble recoveries. Checking in at 6’3” and 245 pounds the Sun Devil already looks like an NFL MIKE, so if he is able to add some

2011 NFL Draft Watch #33: Brandon Harris

The countdown continues and our number thirty-three prospect in college football is…

Cornerback Brandon Harris, Miami (Junior):

The Skinny: This Miami man is a do-everything, versatile cornerback that may lack an elite ceiling. However, it would be a mistake to underestimate this jack-of-all-trades even if he is a master of none. NFL defensive coordinators will instantly fall in love with his ability to contribute in all situations. Combine that versatility with his leadership, love of the game, reputation as being coachable, and the fact that he brings it on every down and you get a player we believe should have a long and profitable professional career. The only questions are whether Harris will declare following the 2010 or 2011 season…and if he does, how high will he go?

USC In Danger of Losing Seantrel Henderson?

From Pioneer Press:

When heralded football signee Seantrel Henderson from Cretin-Derham Hall didn’t show up as scheduled last week for orientation at the University of Southern California, new coach Lane Kiffin, recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron, offensive line coach James Cregg and top assistant Monte Kiffin took a private jet to the Twin Cities on Monday to make sure the 6-foot-8, 330-pound left tackle still was committed.

In the wake of NCAA penalties to USC that include no bowl appearances for the next two seasons, as well as the loss of 30 scholarships over the next three years, there has been conjecture that Henderson has reconsidered his commitment to USC and that Miami and Ohio State could be back in the hunt.

Reached Tuesday, Henderson’s father, Sean, had no comment, and Seantrel, who some day could be a first-round NFL draft pick, did not return phone

USC In Danger of Losing Seantrel Henderson?

From Pioneer Press:

Reached Tuesday, Henderson’s father, Sean, had no comment, and Seantrel, who some day could be a first-round NFL draft pick, did not return phone

Scouts Question Evan Royster’s Speed

From PennLive.com:

If Evan Royster hopes to become the first Penn State running back to get drafted in the first round since 2003, a weekend in February could be more important than any Saturday in the fall.

There’s not much left for Royster to do on the field. Barring injury, Royster, who has 2,918 career rushing yards, will pass Curt Warner and his 3,398 career yards to become the all-time leading rusher in Penn State history.

With consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and a career 6.1 yards per carry, NFL scouts are well aware of Royster’s productivity. Playing in the black-and-blue, better-bring-your-chinstrap Big Ten, there are few questions about Royster’s ability to take a pounding.

There are, however, concerns about Royster’s top-end speed. And it won’t be until February’s NFL Scouting Combine and Penn State’s March pro day that he will have the opportunity to answer those