The Senior Bowl (the final of three collegiate all-star football games) will be played this Saturday. The game will be nationally televised by NFL Network. Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM EST.
These are a few of the Senior Bowl participants that have been on the "KV meter" for a couple of years.
NORTH SQUAD
Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
5-11, 190 pounds, 4.49 40-yard dash
Late 1st, early 2nd round projection
Desmond is looking to become the third Trufant brother to play professional football. He has played in every game the past three years, and he also earned nine starts as a true freshman. He possesses very good short-area foot quickness and mirrors receivers on the outside on double moves up the sideline or quick out routes. Capable of playing either outside or in the slot. Has NFL size and athleticism with the speed required to run with the best of receivers and to recover when giving up inside position on crosses.
Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State
6-0, 182, 4.49
Late 1st, early 2nd round projection
Smooth athlete with solid overall size. Has fluid hips to turn and run with receivers and quick feet to undercut an out route. Solid hands for the interception. Extends to grab passes in front of receivers. Fights for 50/50 balls. Competes even when he doesn’t have great position against a larger receiver. Brings some pop into tackles when able to line up his target.
This per the Sports Xchange:
Poyer has been the leader of the defense all season. He leads the Beavers in interceptions with seven. But it's more the presence he's brought to the unit with his confidence which has carried over in Oregon State's turnaround season.
Poyer has been the leader of the defense all season. He leads the Beavers in interceptions with seven. But it's more the presence he's brought to the unit with his confidence which has carried over in Oregon State's turnaround season.
Not only did Poyer demonstrate the confidence and athleticism necessary to handle the one on one responsibilities expected of cornerbacks in OSU's blitz-heavy scheme, he continued in his role as the Beavers' primary returner, averaging a gaudy 14.1 yards per return on punts and carrying a 25.9 career average on kick returns. I love how he carries himself on the field, a true leader with a high-octane motor.
Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State
5-11, 192, 4.47
Projected 2nd rounder
Instinctive, dependable cornerback with good overall size and athleticism. Versatile corner with extensive experience playing off-man and zone coverage. Possesses a quick, tight back pedal and has fluid hips to turn and run with receivers. Reportedly was timed at 4.33 seconds in the 40-yard dash by Boise State coaches.
Breaks quickly on underneath routes, showing the ability to close on the ball to make the interception. Good ball skills, including good leaping ability and timing.
Reliable run defender who doesn't back down from a challenge, and is a reliable open field tackler who plays with toughness. Named a team captain in 2012 and is viewed by the coaching staff as one of the team's hardest workers. Good closing speed to the ball, used on late blitzes because of his quickness, agility, and a strong wrap to create turnovers from the back side.
Alex Okafor, DL, Texas
6-5, 261, 4.78
Projected mid-1st rounder
Okafor in moving from defensive tackle to end in 2011 recorded 12.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. As a senior in 2012, he racked up 54 total tackles, making 16.5 for loss, including 12.5 sacks, and for good measure he added an impressive 4.5 sacks in the Valero Bowl victory for Texas over Oregon State. Already possesses NFL size and length, and has room on his frame for growth. Powerful punch and arm extension takes linemen into the backfield which allows him to hold up and split double-teams. High-revving motor. Arrived at the Senior Bowl leaner. Good overall athlete. Most impressive attribute is his power. Okafor can knock opponents onto their heels on his way to the quarterback and also sets the edge nicely as a run defender. Okafor's ability to make plays against the run and pass makes him arguably the most well-rounded senior defensive end in the country.
Margus Hunt, DL, SMU
6-8, 277, 4.74
2nd round projection
The Shout's JP and/or Belgian's Jean-Pierre deserves full credit for Hunt recently becoming a KV favorite as he suggest that Hunt is the next Jason Pierre-Paul! Hunt's name first appeared on the international athletic scene after he won gold medals in both the shot put and discus events at the 2006 World Junior Track and Field Championships in Beijing. Hunt took his first crack at American football in 2009 for SMU, and made his name on special teams in his first year with the Mustangs, blocking seven kicks (one short of the NCAA record). He started all 13 games as a 2010 sophomore, registering 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and three more blocked kicks for a total of 10. In only two 2011 starts Hunt blocked four more kicks in bringing his career total to 14 blocked kicks and/or punts, while extending his NCAA career record to nine field goals blocked. He took over a starting role at defensive end for SMU to start his 2012 senior year. His knack for blocking kicks continued with another 3 blocks, ending his career with 17 total, two short of the NCAA record. He accumulated 31 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, and 1 interception for his career. Tall, thick but athletic lineman with loads of potential.
SOUTH SQUAD
Ezekial Ansah, DE, BYU
6-5, 270, 4.74
Late 1st, early 2nd round projection
With a rare combination of size, athleticism and natural power, Ansah entered the 2012 season completely off the radar of NFL scouts. Today, Ansah is routinely mentioned as the hottest NFL prospect in the country and a legitimate first-round contender, perhaps even a very high pick. Taking full advantage of Ansah's ability to create mismatches, the BYU staff moved him all over the field in 2012, lining up as an stand-up rush linebacker (left, right and middle), a classic defensive end (left, right) and even as a nose guard. A creative NFL defensive coordinator will likely find Ansah's versatility, size and power similarly useful.
Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor
6-2, 201, 4.49
Projected 2nd rounder
My top receiver target if the Dolphins don't land a premiere free agent wide receiver. He earned honorable mention notice from Big 12 coaches as a junior by gaining nearly 1,000 yards (957) and scoring 11 times in his 59 receptions. It wasn’t Williams’ first year as a starter, however, as he lined up with the first team 10 times in 2010. In addition to his receiving numbers that year (43-484, 4 TD), Williams was also the team’s leading kickoff returner (21.4-yard average). It was the second straight year he led the team in that category, as he took over the reins for the final two months of his redshirt 2009 freshman season (768 yards, 24.1-yard average).
Even with the loss of QB RG3 and number one WR Kendall Wright, Williams flourished in his senior year. Williams led the country in receiving yards (1832 on 97 receptions for an 18.9-yard average) and scored another 12 TD's, earning him first-team All-American honors.
Tall vertical and red zone target who can go up and get the ball. Eats up space quickly against soft coverage. Shakes his man off the line and has enough speed to get a step down the sideline. Is a sideline threat with quick feet for his size and body control in the air, making his stop, fade, and comeback routes more effective. Tracks the ball and adjusts to it in the air, and shows the ability to stop and turn for the back-shoulder fade. Adjusts his route to make himself available to his scrambling quarterback, going deep or crossing into an opening. Willing, strong, and physical blocker on bubble screens and in the run game, throwing his body into defenders and sticking with blocks. His blocking was a big key to Baylor’s perimeter run game.
Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech
6-0, 202, 4.52
Projected 2nd rounder
In the broadcast for the Poinsettia Bowl, it came to light that Patton and teammate Adrien Cole gave up the $300 Best Buy certificates awarded to them in their bowl swag to kids participating in the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Add that sort of character to his talent makes scouts very intrigued with his potential as an NFL playmaker and locker room presence. Patton took his game to the next level in 2012. As the favorite target of placement passer Colby Cameron, Patton caught 104 balls for 1,392 yards and 13 touchdowns while up against multiple quality corners along the way.
Good size for the position, has the height and length to play outside at the next level. Very good quickness off the line, gets to speed in a couple of steps and can shimmy to free himself and stick his foot in the ground to get inside position on slants. Uses a head fake to get the seam and possesses enough straight-line speed to take advantage of hesitating cornerbacks in off coverage. Catches the ball with his hands away from his body, even when tracking passes over either shoulder. Wins jump balls in the end zone and over the middle with good vertical and great concentration. Good sideline awareness to get two feet in-bounds while making the catch. Used on quick throws to take advantage of his shiftiness and surprisingly tough running, lowers his shoulder and is not easy for smaller cornerbacks to drag down after the catch. Sells routes where he knows he’s not the primary target to free up the underneath or cross-field receiver. Shows fight as a run blocker, willing to hit multiple punches to keep his man at bay and works himself into the correct blocking angle. Hustles downfield to help out fellow ballcarriers. Plays with a feisty attitude.
Robert Alford, CB, South-East Louisiana
6-0, 185, 4.43
3rd round projection
Possesses adequate height and sufficient upper-body strength to play outside in the NFL. Consistently competitive at the line in press coverage and downfield on jump balls, even against larger receivers. Has fluid hips and quick feet to open up and run down the sideline, as well as a smooth backpedal to maintain cushion. Stays low in man off the snap to mirror his target’s route. Aware zone defender who sees and attacks the underneath route. Good closing speed to the receiver when playing off, usually finishes the tackle. Flashes quickness to avoid blocks in the run game, brings some attitude to ride down running backs. Used in the slot, primarily as a blitzer because of his speed and tenacity. Shows ball skills, and concentration to snatch throws in front of or over the top of his man, and can make the easy catch as a centerfielder in zone. His willingness to press, compete for balls downfield, and support the run as well as fair size and overall athleticism makes him a solid mid-round pick.
Here are some more Senior Bowl prospects to keep an eye on, with an assist from my California Dolphin brother, college prospect enthusiast, and Dolphin Shout regular Phinthulu (Aaron). He is also in agreement with many of the above prospects.
NORTH SQUAD
Kyle Long, OT, Oregon
6-6, 304, 5.04
Projected 2nd rounder
Son of Howie and brother to Chris, who suggested that Kyle is the most talented athlete of the bunch. Very raw, though. Used to play baseball at Florida St. before transferring to Chip Kelly's Oregon football program.
Phillip Thomas, FS, Fresno State
6-1, 210, 4.57
2nd round projection
Blessed with good physical traits and even more impressive instincts and toughness, Thomas has proven himself to be a natural playmaker over four starting seasons with the Bulldogs. He's responsible for producing 20 turnovers (13 interceptions, six forced fumbles, one fumble recovery) over his career and joined Alabama's Dee Milliner and Mississippi State's Johnathan Banks as a finalist for the 2012 Thorpe Award as the nation's top defender.
TJ Mcdonald, FS, University of Southern Cal
6-2, 211, 4.52
3rd or 4th round
Stardom had been predicted for McDonald long before he ever signed with USC in being the son of former San Francisco 49er Pro Bowl safety Tim McDonald. The required physical and mental traits appear to be in place for McDonald to make the ascension to the NFL. He certainly boasts an imposing combination of size, speed, overall athleticism, hitting ability and ball skills that every NFL team is looking for.
Ryan Otten, TE, San Jose State
6-5, 235, 4.78
4th to 5th round
Otten has shown the ability to be a legit downfield threat where he racked up 126 receptions for 1760 yards and 12 TD's for his career. He has also shown improvement as a blocker in both the run and pass game. Professional scouts are always looking for big, athletic tight ends who can also catch, and Otten fits that description, although he has been flying mostly under the radar.
Chris Harper, WR, Kansas State
6-1, 228, 4.46
5th round projection
Harper is a coordinated athlete with above average body control and focus, tracking the ball beautifully and snatching it out of the air with his reliable hands. Harper has been improving each game as a route runner and is an effective perimeter blocker with a strong core for the position. While not a track star, Harper has good-enough football speed and is one of the more underrated receivers for the 2013 class.
Denard Robinson, WR, Michigan
5-11, 196, 4.39
4th round projection
QB and soon to be NFL receiver with blazing speed.
SOUTH SQUAD
Larry Warford, OG, Kentucky
6-3, 333, 5.34
Late 2nd, early 3rd round projection
Warford ended his Kentucky career having played in 47 games, including starting the last 37 consecutively while consistently proving himself a standout against SEC competition. He did not allow a single sack all season long and was the first Kentucky offensive lineman to earn AP All-American recognition since 1976.
Bacarri Rambo, FS, Georgia
6-1, 215, 4.54
3rd round projection
An accomplished ball-hawk (16 career INTs) and an intimidating hitter. Looks the part. Has a well-developed, evenly proportioned frame well suited to the position. Intuitive defender who reads the quarterback's eyes well and gets a jump on the ball in coverage. Made Georgia's secondary calls for at least the last two seasons. Played free safety at Georgia but possesses the size and physicality to play either of the traditional safety roles in the NFL. Rambo only has to reassure teams he is trustworthy to warrant early-round consideration.
Robert Lester, SS, Alabama
6-1, 212, 4.59
3rd or 4th round
His prototype blend of size, closing speed and ball-skills is sure to intrigue NFL teams needing a dependable, battle-tested, ball-hawking playmaker in the secondary. Lester has tabulated 14 interceptions over the last 3 years.
Marc Anthony, CB, California
5-11, 191, 4.54
Projected 5th to 6th round
Three year starter. Despite being sidelined for two games in 2012, Anthony led the Golden Bears with 12 passes broken up and also posted five tackles for loss among his 38 stops. Well-built, productive in run support and deceptively athletic, Anthony has the frame and game to intrigue pro scouts at the cornerback and safety positions.
Brian Schwenke, OL, California
6-3, 307, 5.10
4th round projection. Played in 48 of 50 possible games during his four seasons with the program from 2009-12, starting 36 of 37 possible contests over his final three campaigns. Started games at three different positions during his career, making 16 starts at left guard, 12 at center and eight at right guard. Cal's Team Captain and Most Valuable Lineman.
Thank you PhinThulu!
Interesting Shrine Bowlers that are also participating in the SENIOR Bowl:
Nick Kasa, TE, Colorado
6-5, 260, 4.76)
Projected 6th rounder.
Duke Williams, S, Nevada
6-1, 200, 4.46)
5th to 6th round.
Thank you all for an open minded read. We look forward to your angle of the SENIOR Bowl : ) !!
Next up. The "Underwear Olympics" better known as the NFL combine Feb. 23-26, 2013: Where the best of the best collegiate all-star, first, second, and third round projected Seniors and Underclassman not participating in the Shrine or Senior Bowls will be focused upon.
