I’m baaaack for those that may not be aware, not only am I small school enthusiast but also a bit of a NFL Draft analyst on my own site Buffalo Bills Draft. With that in mind the powers that be at CBR have asked if I wouldn’t mind putting fingers to keys a few more times during this all-star season and give you some players to watch in the six games we have coming in the next month.
It all kicks off tonight with the Casino Del Sol All-Star Game in Tucson, Arizona, a game famous for its connection to current Washington State Head Coach Mike Leach. This game does however have more than its fair share of solid prospects at it and here is quick at five who stuck out to me the most.
Best Prospect: DE Adrian Hamilton-Prairie View A&M
Some may look at this and assume it’s my small school bias taking over when I say a DE from the SWAC is the best prospect in a game where guys from the FBS are playing. However believe me when I tell you that Hamilton is the real deal. He works his tail off to get after the pass rusher and led the entire country in sacks this year regardless of division. Early reports from sources in Arizona said that Hamilton was dominant in practice and was unable to be blocked. He should put up some numbers tonight.
Most to Gain: WR Dajon McKnight-Minnesota
Some of you may be unfamiliar with McKnight but if you were a passionate Big Ten fan- and I mean really passionate if you watched Minnesota play- then you know all about McKnight and his big play capability. He has the ability to get behind the defense and the size to go up and get the deep ball over small defenders. He could see his stock go up with a good performance tonight.
Most Under the Radar: DE Wayne Dorsey-Ole Miss
Dorsey is a guy you see on the field and just think that he just looks like a prototypical football player. He has great size, good athleticism, and decent production. For whatever reason though nobody wants to give him a long look. If he puts up big numbers some teams will have to start.
Something to Prove: RB Stephfon Green-Penn State
Green unfortunately spent most of his career in Joe Paterno’s dog house. He is a gifted back with a good combination of size and speed to go along with vision and the ability to make you miss. When you don’t get snaps it’s hard to showcase those talents for the NFL though. This is his shot and he needs to make the most of it.
Most Intriguing Prospect: DE/DT Jerome Long-San Diego State
Jerome Long intrigues me so much because of his length and ability. He’s a legitimate 6’5, 285 and he has many teams intrigued as a possible 34 DE convert. We’ll likely see him tonight inside at 43 DT so it will be important to see how well he can hold the point of attack and get off blocks.
Tonight’s game will be on Fox Sports Arizona and some local Fox Sports affiliates at 8 pm EST. I’ll be live tweeting from my twitter account @Matthewcelder during the game so come join me!
