2015 FCS All-Stars

[BluBengal07]

**UPDATED 1/15/15, 3PM Central

Here is a rundown of our FCS players who are participating in all-star games this month. If there are additional players, please provide and I will update the running list. thanks


NFLPA Collegiate Bowl
January 17, 2015

Jerry Lovelocke - QB - Prairie View A&M
DeAnte Saunders - CB - Tennessee State
Antonie Everett - OG - McNeese State
Malcolm Agnew -RB - Southern Illinois
Corey Simmons - TE - Northwestern State
Jake Rodgers - OT - Eastern Washington
Nick Easton - OC - Harvard
(expecting) Zack Waggenmann - DE- Montana





East-West Shrine Game
January 17, 2015

Derrick Lott - DL- UT-Chattanooga
Dean Marlowe - SAF - James Madison University
John Crockett - RB - North Dakota State University
Zach Zenner - RB - South Dakota State University
Kyle Emanuel - DL - North Dakota State University
Xavier Williams - DL - University of Northern Iowa
Tevin McDonald - SAF - Eastern Washington State University
Tye Smith - DC - Towson University
MyCole Pruitt - TE - Southern Illinois University
Davis Tull - DL - UT-Chattanooga



Senior Bowl
January 24, 2015

Robert Myers - OG - Tennessee St
Kyle Loomis - PT - Portland State
Tyler Varga - FB - Yale
Dezmin Lewis - WR - Central Arkansas
Jaquiski Tartt - S - Samford
David Johnson - RB - Northern Iowa
Imoan Claiborne - DC - Northwestern St.
Nick Boyle - TE - Delaware
Lynden Trail - OLB - Norfolk State



College Gridiron Showcase
January 31, 2015

Ryan Griffin -CB- Jackson State University
Jerry Lovelocke - QB - Prairie View A&M
Tray Walker - CB - Texas Southern University
Arthur Miley - DE - Southern University
Tyree Hollins - CB - Grambling State University
Michael Zeuli - LB - Princeton
Quinn Epperly - QB - Princeton
Keshawn Hill - RB- Sam Houston State University
Faysal Shafaat - TE - UT-Chattanooga
Kenneth Bibbins Jr. - TE- Houston Baptist
Dominique Davis - DE - Liberty
Isiah Corbett - LB - Southeastern Louisiana
Marquel Combs -DT- Southeastern Louisiana
Bryan Bennett - QB - Southeastern Louisiana

[NoDak 4 Ever]

There's a bunch in the East-West Shrine game:

Derrick Lott
Davis Tull
Dean Marlowe
John Crockett
Zach Zenner
Kyle Emanuel
Xavier Williams
Tevin McDonald

Might be one I missed.

[Silenoz]

Waggenmann will be in the NFLPA thingy

[Catsfan90]

Isnt Tre Mcbride in one?

[344Johnson]

Which one is considered the "best"? Not that any are necessarily bad. Chance to play football is never bad.

[Professor Chaos]

There's a bunch in the East-West Shrine game:

Derrick Lott
Davis Tull
Dean Marlowe
John Crockett
Zach Zenner
Kyle Emanuel
Xavier Williams
Tevin McDonald

Might be one I missed.
Add MyCole Pruitt to this list also. The game will be this Saturday at 4PM ET on NFL Network.

[chattownmocs]

Which one is considered the "best"? Not that any are necessarily bad. Chance to play football is never bad.

Wouldn't it be the senior bowl historically?

[marenlee]

Which one is considered the "best"? Not that any are necessarily bad. Chance to play football is never bad.

I would say Senior Bowl>East/West Shrine>NFLPA. I know there are a few others, but this is what you usually see on TV.

[BluBengal07]

great updates guys.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Wouldn't it be the senior bowl historically?

It's certainly among the longest lasting. I remember the Blue-Grey and Hula in my youth.

[BluBengal07]

Waggenmann will be in the NFLPA thingy

Committed on Jan 1, but not on current roster xeyebrowx

[bertram]

Sac State's DeAndre Carter (WR) will be in this weekend's NFLPA Collegiate bowl

[jmufan999]

Wouldn't it be the senior bowl historically?

yes, no question the most prestigious game is the Senior Bowl. usually a ton of first rounders in that game.

[dewey]

Here is an article from The Sports Network about FCS players in all star games.

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/writers/infcshuddle/archive/haley_01_14_2015.htm

Dewey

[Missingnumber7]

There was the FCS Bowl that happened during either semifinal or quarterfinal week. Who hosts an all-star game while the playoffs are still going on? The guy wouldn't even respond to my asking on Twitter, almost like it didn't matter to them that there were 10-15 players that probably diserved an opportunity.

[Silenoz]

Committed on Jan 1, but not on current roster xeyebrowx

I don't know if you're just looking at the offense or what, but he is on there

http://collegiate.nflpa.com/rosters/

[Catamount87]

WCU's safety, Ace Clark will be playing in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on the 17th.

[underdawg]

SIU's Malcolm Agnew (out for last 4 games in 2014 because of injury) ran for 53 yards in only eight carries (6.6 yards per carry) in NFLPA Collegiate Bowl

[World]

John Crockett - RB - North Dakota State University - Had some nice runs in the game
Zach Zenner - RB - South Dakota State University - The announcer spent a lot of time praising him while he was in the game
Kyle Emanuel - DL - North Dakota State University - Played a lot in the game but didn't see much results

[clenz]

Crocket had 8 yards on 5 carries. Announcers spent more time talking about him being A big talker all week than him producing.

You forgot to mention Xavier Williams who was praised nonstop all week and game by NFL scouts and execs for what he did

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Crocket had 8 yards on 5 carries. Announcers spent more time talking about him being A big talker all week than him producing.

You forgot to mention Xavier Williams who was praised nonstop all week and game by NFL scouts and execs for what he did

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Crockett singlehandedly got one of the West's 7 1st downs.

The play calling was absolute ****, no chance for any West running back to get anything. Crockett was tagged for a seven yard loss when a free rusher got into the backfield and Fajardo had just handed him the ball.

I'm glad he had a good week at practice because the game was a bunch of ****.

Mike Mayock is the worst announcer ever. The radio guys were way better.

[gobison#6]

Crockett singlehandedly got one of the West's 7 1st downs.

The play calling was absolute ****, no chance for any West running back to get anything. Crockett was tagged for a seven yard loss when a free rusher got into the backfield and Fajardo had just handed him the ball.

I'm glad he had a good week at practice because the game was a bunch of ****.

Mike Mayock is the worst announcer ever. The radio guys were way better.

Agreed. West play calling was terrible. Didn't have much luck throwing with subpar QBs and when they did call run plays the O-Line was horrible. This is the reason Crockett and Zenner didn't do much. Emanuel had a few tackles and did beat his guy a few times just never really got to the East QBs. That UNI DT played a great game. Good to see that and hear the announcers talk highly of a few of the FCS guys.

[stevdock]

Sure hope if Carsen Wentz has another quality year he gets invited to the senior bowl instead of the shrine game. Although he might get to throw 30 times if at the shrine game.

[LeopardBall10]

Evan after the game I'm surprised no one added Ross Scheuerman - RB - Lafayette who played in the NFLPA bowl. Had some nice runs. I hope he gets a look someone. Some of the best talent I've seen and a great local kid.

[clenz]

Sure hope if Carsen Wentz has another quality year he gets invited to the senior bowl instead of the shrine game. Although he might get to throw 30 times if at the shrine game.
The QB's in the E/W Shrine game were absolutely terrible.

[Bisonator]

The QB's in the E/W Shrine game were absolutely terrible.

The coaches and play calling wasn't any better. Let's throw the ball every down, then when we do run for a first down let's start throwing again even though the QB's are awful. Pathetic!

[Professor Chaos]

The QB's in the E/W Shrine game were absolutely terrible.
Every time a new QB came in, I thought of Bob Uecker in Major League.

And that closes the book on Heinicke/Fajardo/Thompson.....

http://images.sodahead.com/polls/001685373/5644717000_bobuecker_answer_1_xlarge.jpeg
Thank God!!!

[clenz]

The coaches and play calling wasn't any better. Let's throw the ball every down, then when we do run for a first down let's start throwing again even though the QB's are awful. Pathetic!
Let's put it this way.


Brion Carnes likely would have been the best QB on the field.

[AmsterBison]

Let's put it this way.

Brion Carnes likely would have been the best QB on the field.

The defense definitely has the advantage in these games, but, yeah, the QB's were throwing the ball like it weighed five pounds.

[BisonTru]

A couple notes from http://www.buffalobillsdraft.com/2015/01/25-standouts-13-disappointments-from-east-west-shrine-game/


Top Performer, West Defense: Xavier Williams, DT, Northern Iowa


There were at least five defensive linemen who made a real case for being the Shrine Game’s best player this week, but my vote goes to Northern Iowa defensive tackle Xavier Williams.


Williams stood out all week, both in practices and in Saturday’s game, for his quickness off the snap. He was consistently the first player into the backfield as he displayed a great first step and the acceleration to quickly close on a quarterback or running back. Combining that explosiveness with the power to drive a blocker back as well as solid use of hands, Williams consistently won his battles against opposing offensive linemen.


The only blemish on Williams this week, which also came back to bite him once for a penalty in the game, is that he has a tendency to go offsides because he regularly tries to jump the snap (h/t John Owning of Draft Breakdown for pointing this out). Nonetheless, Williams validated his skill set this week after a highly productive collegiate career. He has solidified himself as a potential third- or fourth-round draft pick.

------------------

Top Performer, East Offense: Tre McBride, WR, William and Mary

As noted by Justin Higdon of Draft Browns, the wide receivers in the East-West Shrine Game “really never stood a chance of impressing anyone” in Saturday’s game as a result of the quarterbacks they had to work with (more to come). One wide receiver who seemingly impressed everyone during the week of practices, however, was William and Mary wide receiver Tre McBride.


McBride, who measured in at 6’1” and 205 pounds, drew rave reviews from scouts and fellow media members alike this week for his clean routes and the catches he made. While he had some drops in the first couple days of practice, and had one in the game, he got better with each day and was winning just about all of his matchups in practice by Wednesday and Thursday.


While there is not one truly spectacular trait about McBride, he displayed a well-rounded game this week and stood out as the East’s best receiver. Building upon a Football Championship Subdivision in which he caught 196 passes for 2,653 yards and 19 touchdowns, McBride solidified himself as an early Day 3 pick in St. Petersburg.


-------------------

5. Derrick Lott, DT, Tennessee-Chattanooga


If we had actual trophies to give out to the Top Performer on each side, it would be tough not to give one to Derrick Lott as well.


The Tennessee-Chattanooga defensive tackle, who weighed in at 6’4” and 299 pounds this week, showed impressive quickness off the snap this week and was disruptive, both in practices and the game, as an interior penetrator. That burst really stood out on one play Saturday, on which he blew up North Dakota State running back John Crockett for a tackle for loss before Crockett could even get going with the handoff.


Perhaps even more impressively, Lott was the only big body to see consistent work on special teams this week. He even made a tackle on a kickoff return in Saturday’s game, showing his athleticism to get downfield.


Lott has emerged as a potential Day 2 draft pick.

-------------------

8. John Crockett, RB, North Dakota State


Over the course of the week of practices, John Crockett stood out for multiple reasons. The North Dakota State running back showed speed, vision, was smooth in his cuts and consistently caught the ball in his hands. Additionally, Crockett brought energy to the field as he was consistently talkative and encouraging his teammates.


Crockett was not as impressive in the game, as he only rushed for eight yards on five carries, but the West offensive line gave its backs almost no running room. All in all, the highly productive back from NDSU solidified himself as a Day 3 draft pick this week.

--------------------

13. Kyle Emanuel, DE, North Dakota State


It was a good week in St. Petersburg for both North Dakota State prospects. Among the many defensive linemen to stand out this week, Kyle Emanuel put an impressive array of pass-rushing moves on display as he worked his way past offensive tackles throughout the week.


There’s nothing special physically about Emanuel, who measured in at 6’3” and 250 pounds, but he showed this week that his motor never stops running. A player who wins on second effort, Emanuel maximizes his skill set and should make a productive career out of a Day 3 pick.

-------------------

23. Tye Smith, CB, Towson


Another cornerback who did not necessarily stand out but had a solid week, Towson’s Tye Smith showed an impressive ability to click and close on the ball in both practices and the game as he was able to come back to receivers to break up passes or make immediate tackles after catches.


The 6’1”, 191-pound defensive back suffered some beats in coverage drills as well, but played well enough that scouts will go back to his tape and consider the small-schooler for a potential late-round draft choice.

------------------

Disappointments


1-6. The Quarterbacks


It surely looks lazy to group all the quarterbacks together, but they really all were among the week’s poorest performers at the Shrine Game.


Old Dominion’s Taylor Heinicke was the least bad of the six quarterbacks during the week of practices, but he completed just two of nine throws for 14 yards, with one interception, on Saturday. He has a shot at being selected in a weak quarterback class, but he didn’t show anything this week that should raise his draft stock significantly.


The other five quarterbacks in St. Petersburg—Georgia’s Hutson Mason, Duke’s Anthony Boone, Nevada’s Cody Fajardo, Arizona State’s Taylor Kelly and South Carolina’s Dylan Thompson—only proved this week that they belong in the undrafted free agent pool. Boone and Fajardo have the best tools to work with out of that group, but all five of these quarterbacks have problems with inaccuracy and proneness to mistakes.

[chattownmocs]

I wish tull would have been healthy and able to compete. I think he and Lott should show out at the combine.

[clenz]

Williams getting dinged for jumping off-sides?

No way!

Shocking I tell you!

[Silenoz]

Looks like Wagenmann had a sack and two tackles

[BisonFan02]

Let's put it this way.


Brion Carnes likely would have been the best QB on the field.

Ok.....lets not go THAT far. xlolx

[clenz]

Ok.....lets not go THAT far. xlolx
He wouldn't have been too far behind

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[lionsrking2]

Southeastern Louisiana QB, Bryan Bennett, added to Senior Bowl roster today ... second Lion in three years to play in Mobile ... more Lions coming in the future.

[BEAR]

Youtube has a good interview with WR Dezmin Lewis about his Senior bowl prep and pro prospects. Next year DE Jonathan Woodard will go. xthumbsupx

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Youtube has a good interview with WR Dezmin Lewis about his Senior bowl prep and pro prospects. Next year DE Jonathan Woodard will go. xthumbsupx

Couldn't help it.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rECG1Wlb-lA

[PantherRob82]

Williams getting dinged for jumping off-sides?

No way!

Shocking I tell you!

But when I say it I'm bring negative. xlolx

[BEAR]

Yes!



https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/555072581099741184/e_UEev54_bigger.jpeg Antwan V. Staley ‏@blackredsoxfan (https://twitter.com/blackredsoxfan) 11m11 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/blackredsoxfan/status/557930858980442112)
There's a lot to like about receiver Dezmin Lewis. Good hands, size at 6'4, 215. #SeniorBowl (https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeniorBowl?src=hash)

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/378800000124755175/b2dca6ecb6c3d9507e208d219143faaf_bigger.jpeg NFL Draft Diamonds ‏@DraftDiamonds (https://twitter.com/DraftDiamonds) 13m13 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/DraftDiamonds/status/557930331928793090)
I see America is finally watching Dezmin Lewis. I knew he was special months ago. Best small school WR out there #TeamDiamond (https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamDiamond?src=hash)

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/556339579834204160/MYyAIt8l_bigger.jpeg Drew Lawrence ‏@dlawrence03 (https://twitter.com/dlawrence03) 23m23 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/dlawrence03/status/557927682847932418)
“@NFLDraftBlitz (https://twitter.com/NFLDraftBlitz): WR Dezmin Lewis from Central Arkansas caught my eye today. He was the best WR on South team @seniorbowl (https://twitter.com/seniorbowl) on Monday. #GoBears (https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBears?src=hash)

View conversation Hide conversation (https://twitter.com/dlawrence03/status/557927682847932418) 0 replies 0 retweets 0



https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/450502669212192769/O7LvBwOS_bigger.jpeg Martyn Soriano ‏@Marty_Party6 (https://twitter.com/Marty_Party6) 30m30 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/Marty_Party6/status/557925972142346242)
“This Central Arkansas receiver named Dezmin Lewis intrigues me. He moves well for a guy who is 6-4, 212. pic.twitter.com/45MnvcyJtI (http://t.co/45MnvcyJtI)” @zgougler (https://twitter.com/zgougler)



https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B74lbIOIYAQxtG6.jpg

[bulldog10jw]

Tyler Varga - Senior Bowl

http://www.yalebulldogs.com/sports/m-footbl/2014-15/releases/201501208zfkq5

http://www.seniorbowl.com/index.php

http://www.buffalobills.com/video/videos/Senior-Bowl-Highlight-Tyler-Varga-Run/e2a1c794-037a-476a-89f8-2f03a59c9850

[lionsrking2]

Bryan Bennett getting a lot of love today during his first Senior Bowl practice ...


Geoff Mosher ‏@GeoffMosherCSN (https://twitter.com/PeteSmithFS) 4m4 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/GeoffMosherCSN/status/558024916638138369) Day 2 observation: Impressed with WRs -- Kansas State's Tyler Lockett and Phillip Dorsett especially. And QB Bryan Bennett has a big arm.

Pete Smith ‏@PeteSmithFS (https://twitter.com/PeteSmithFS) 1h1 hour ago (https://twitter.com/PeteSmithFS/status/558006366934028289) Bryan Bennett the best pure arm talent of the QBs
0 replies 8 retweets 2 favorites



(https://twitter.com/ChadNJensen) https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/481941234361958400/1CFNllMb_normal.png Eliot Shorr-Parks @EliotShorrParks (https://twitter.com/EliotShorrParks) · 2h 2 hours ago (https://twitter.com/EliotShorrParks/status/557992882607779840)

Bryan Bennett, former Oregon/Chip QB, is easily best athlete among QBs here at Senior Bowl.


Chad Jensen ‏@ChadNJensen (https://twitter.com/ChadNJensen) 1h1 hour ago (https://twitter.com/ChadNJensen/status/558003030499422208) Bryan Bennett with a beautiful fade down the right sideline. #SeniorBowl (https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeniorBowl?src=hash)


Matt Miller ‏@nfldraftscout (https://twitter.com/nfldraftscout) 2h2 hours ago (https://twitter.com/nfldraftscout/status/557991447275003904) Bryan Bennett here today. Already impressive velocity and foot agility in drills.
0 replies 11 retweets 28 favorites





























Seth Lewis ‏@SethLewisInc (https://twitter.com/SethLewisInc) 1h1 hour ago (https://twitter.com/SethLewisInc/status/558006520667848705) Bryan Bennett with a couple impressive throws in 7 on 7. You can hear his teammates are impressed.

https://audioboom.com/boos/2818230-bryan-bennett

[bulldog10jw]

Tyler Varga - Senior Bowl

http://www.yalebulldogs.com/sports/m-footbl/2014-15/releases/201501208zfkq5

http://www.seniorbowl.com/index.php

http://www.buffalobills.com/video/videos/Senior-Bowl-Highlight-Tyler-Varga-Run/e2a1c794-037a-476a-89f8-2f03a59c9850

and another

http://nflmocks.com/2015/01/21/senior-bowl-yale-rb-tyler-varga-catches-everyones-attention/

[BEAR]

Sadly they will refer to Bennett as former Oregon QB more times than Lion fans want to hear. xlolx

[lionsrking2]

Sadly they will refer to Bennett as former Oregon QB more times than Lion fans want to hear. xlolx

Good! The more they talk up BB's transfer from Oregon, the more it will help with the next transfer who's looking for a new home.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Which one is considered the "best"? Not that any are necessarily bad. Chance to play football is never bad.

Honestly, the pecking order is now 1. Senior Bowl 2. NFLPA 3. Shrine 4. Medal of Honor

Games come and go so much and I look at the exposure, facilities, location, and how the games are ran when I rank them. Senior Bowl and NFLPA are the only two games whose practices are nationally televised, they are the top 2 spots to visit among scouts, and both games have outstanding facilities and resources. Shrine has really taken a step back. MOH is newer and doesn't have the budget the others do but they have good staff and do a solid job on their game. Anything past them is not known and probably not a game I would advise a player attend. Odds are better at a regional combine than an upstart game that doesn't have a TV contract and the resources to guarantee they will play next year.

This isn't a fact but rumor is Shrine may not even play next year. If so, the longest running game is going nowhere. I can tell you with 100% certainty that of those top 4 I mentioned the Senior Bowl and NFLPA are the only two who will play next year for sure. I expect MOH to but it will depend on their sponsors whether they do or not.

I know that the MOH is going to try and ask the NFLPA to kind of split up the country and let the MOH be the east coast game and the NFLPA be a west coast game. I know for a fact that will also not happen.

[smallcollegefbfan]

I wish tull would have been healthy and able to compete. I think he and Lott should show out at the combine.

I expect Tull to get drafted in the 5th-6th round, maybe late 4th round. I don't see Lott getting drafted. A lot of scouts are surprised he got a combine invite. There are some who have him as a PFA or late rounder but several have him as a reject or camp body. I would say 100% Tull is picked but I think Lott is probably a combine invite mostly so teams can interview him and dig into some things on him. I know some folks at the Scouting Combine directly told me they liked Tull but were not nearly as high on Lott. Lott technically was a backup in a lot of games and yet an All-American, which is amazing. I am more in the middle on him. I see him as a good PFA.

[Bisonoline]

Plus there is the GridIron Showcase? There was also a game recently I had never heard of. The players had to pay to be in the game.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Plus there is the GridIron Showcase? There was also a game recently I had never heard of. The players had to pay to be in the game.

I would not even rank the GS game yet. Its new and a good chance it is one and done. I know they had to change the date once already. Games who do that always scare me.

If I were an agent or someone advising a player I would tell them not to attend any all-star game who charges anything to attend.

I talked to a few FCS players who went to the NFLPA Game and they told me the NFLPA had a deal with a card company and the players got like $1500 just to sign cards for Panini while there. Players are going to start getting paid just to attend games. NFLPA had a trial deal for like 20 or so kids in LA but I fully expect even more or every player to get deals in the future, which means likely the Senior Bowl does something similar or they may get competition from the NFLPA. Very intersting idea to say the least. Some games trying to charge players and we already have one looking to put extra cash in the pockets of players!

[SU DOG]

They really like Samford's Jaquiski Tartt.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000461434/article/samford-safety-jaquiski-tartt-said-to-have-sec-skills?campaign=Twitter_nfl_cfb

[UNHWildcat18]

Still rather confused on why RJ Harris was not invited to this over FCS receivers. Nothing against them but he was the top receiver in the FCS this year no doubt.

[clenz]

The reports about David Johnson coming from the Senior Bowl are...well...amazing.

Mayock called him the best receiving RB he's ever seen.
The number of tweets absolutely amazed at his physique (people though he is/was a linebacker based on his build), speed, agility, pad height, etc... are numerous
Named RB of the week for the week of practice
A big question was his pass blocking, and he's received rave review on that.
Benched 220 30 times at a workout in front of scouts
One of only 2 RBs on the south squad. Should see a lot of reps.

His facebook page with photos and videos
https://www.facebook.com/DavidJohnsonUNI?fref=nf

[Bisonator]

Where's DJ projected to go?

[clenz]

Where's DJ projected to go?
I'm praying Minnesota...


Prior to this week I saw 4th or 5th. I've seen a couple mention 3rd round now.

A couple years ago he might have been talked about second round? With the shift in how RBs are used I'd bet 3rd would be his ceiling. - SCFBF can correct me though.

As long as he stays in purple and gold though I don't care where he is drafted.


Word is Xavier Williams moved into the 4th or 5th round with what he did last week.

[BEAR]

Still rather confused on why RJ Harris was not invited to this over FCS receivers. Nothing against them but he was the top receiver in the FCS this year no doubt.

Was he a system receiver? Only running set routes in a simplistic offense or was it more pro-style? I don't know. I'm sure receiving has more to do with the intangibles than just number of yards. Tangibles too I guess but things like height, speed, and yards are good but I've learned things like the ability to adjust the body on catches, height of the reception, catching away from the body, ability to outmaneuver the defender, run smart routes, etc.... seem to play a bigger part than just big college numbers.

I watched the NFL show "Undrafted" yesterday and just looking at some of those LBs you'd swear they are NFL prototypes but watching the show made you realize the scouts are looking for more than just size and speed.

So how would you look at Harris through the eyes of a scout? What does he have that is NFL ready?

Dez Lewis from UCA has great hands, pulls the ball in away from the body, knows sideline limits, runs great route fakes, and even has great first move after reception fakes for extra yardage after the catch but his knocks are lack of breakaway speed and overall speed at running a 4.4 to 4.5.

[lionsrking2]

Still rather confused on why RJ Harris was not invited to this over FCS receivers. Nothing against them but he was the top receiver in the FCS this year no doubt.

No offense to Harris, he's a good player, but Dezmin Lewis is a freak. He deserves to be there.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Still rather confused on why RJ Harris was not invited to this over FCS receivers. Nothing against them but he was the top receiver in the FCS this year no doubt.

His speed and having about 15-18 drops this year is probably why. I like Harris a lot but people prefer WRs with 4.4 or 4.5 speed over someone who ran a 4.7 when last tested. I think he will run a low 4.6 at his pro day but as of right now he has a 4.7 40 on file. And for the record I do like Harris. I thought he should have been in the NFLPA or Shrine Game but they both passed on him.

[smallcollegefbfan]

The reports about David Johnson coming from the Senior Bowl are...well...amazing.

Mayock called him the best receiving RB he's ever seen.
The number of tweets absolutely amazed at his physique (people though he is/was a linebacker based on his build), speed, agility, pad height, etc... are numerous
Named RB of the week for the week of practice
A big question was his pass blocking, and he's received rave review on that.
Benched 220 30 times at a workout in front of scouts
One of only 2 RBs on the south squad. Should see a lot of reps.

His facebook page with photos and videos
https://www.facebook.com/DavidJohnsonUNI?fref=nf

The only questions on Johnson are if he is too big and whether he is a WR or RB. I really liked him during the fall.

[clenz]

The only questions on Johnson are if he is too big and whether he is a WR or RB. I really liked him during the fall.
I'm seeing a lot of H back. Not many teams run a lot of H back sets anymore though.

I'm a Viking fan so I'm biased (clearly), but I think the Vikings could really use him. a set with Rudolph, Jennings, McKinnon, Johnson, and whomever they decide as the #2 WR could be nice.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Where's DJ projected to go?

3rd-5th round, depending on who you talk to. I have him in the 4th round.

- - - Updated - - -


No offense to Harris, he's a good player, but Dezmin Lewis is a freak. He deserves to be there.

Lewis is indeed a freak. If he played in the UNH offense and Harris was in the UCA offense the numbers wouldn't even be close. I could have seen Lewis put up 1700-1800 yards in the UNH system.

[BEAR]

Pro Scouts confuse me beyond belief. They pick these big school kids that don't pan out and miss out on small school prospects that would shine in the NFL. But whatever brings them the money I guess. Bigger market players mean more viewership for tv revenues even if the product sucks. xeyebrowx

[smallcollegefbfan]

Pro Scouts confuse me beyond belief. They pick these big school kids that don't pan out and miss out on small school prospects that would shine in the NFL. But whatever brings them the money I guess. Bigger market players mean more viewership for tv revenues even if the product sucks. xeyebrowx

The big school have more players in the NFL because they have better players or at least more NFL talent. Nobody can argue that FCS has more NFL talent than the FBS. After all, there are very few like Dezmin Lewis in FCS. Lewis was a late bloomer anyway. He wasn't an impact player at all for you guys until 2013. SEC and Big 12 teams are looking for players who can play early. Do they miss on some guys? Yes. Do they hit on majority by far? Yes. As good as Lewis is, you do realize there are 3 or 4 like that on several teams in FBS.

I don't know of a single player the last 5-8 years who should have made it in the NFL that did not. You don't scout the helmet, you scout the player. If we went by the helmet then UCA would never have a player in the pros. Lewis is a NFL talent, thus getting the attention. Do scouts miss on some who go undrafted and make it? Yes. Do most players who impact in the NFL come through the draft? Yes. It just so happens that about 40-50 or so undrafted players make a roster each year and I would guess 15-20 of them per draft have a 3-year career or so.

[BEAR]

The big school have more players in the NFL because they have better players or at least more NFL talent. Nobody can argue that FCS has more NFL talent than the FBS. After all, there are very few like Dezmin Lewis in FCS. Lewis was a late bloomer anyway. He wasn't an impact player at all for you guys until 2013. SEC and Big 12 teams are looking for players who can play early. Do they miss on some guys? Yes. Do they hit on majority by far? Yes. As good as Lewis is, you do realize there are 3 or 4 like that on several teams in FBS.

I don't know of a single player the last 5-8 years who should have made it in the NFL that did not. You don't scout the helmet, you scout the player. If we went by the helmet then UCA would never have a player in the pros. Lewis is a NFL talent, thus getting the attention. Do scouts miss on some who go undrafted and make it? Yes. Do most players who impact in the NFL come through the draft? Yes. It just so happens that about 40-50 or so undrafted players make a roster each year and I would guess 15-20 of them per draft have a 3-year career or so.

Oh I agree with that. But too often FCS players are overlooked just because they are FCS. There obviously is more talent in FBS but when you name some of the biggest stars in the NFL, you can't help but observe they are lower division players. Yes there are more from the FBS but what a boring league it would be without a Flacco or Rice or one of the many influential lower level players. Next year UCA has a solid draft pick in Jonathan Woodard. I can't wait to see what other small school picks are out there! I just wish the NFL would increase the number of FCS players in the league.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Oh I agree with that. But too often FCS players are overlooked just because they are FCS. There obviously is more talent in FBS but when you name some of the biggest stars in the NFL, you can't help but observe they are lower division players. Yes there are more from the FBS but what a boring league it would be without a Flacco or Rice or one of the many influential lower level players. Next year UCA has a solid draft pick in Jonathan Woodard. I can't wait to see what other small school picks are out there! I just wish the NFL would increase the number of FCS players in the league.

I don't think anyone is missing from FCS who truly belongs. The ones who had talent and did not make it had things going on off the field. The draft class for FCS is much better next year. I don't think there are more than 2 or 3 FCS players I would take in the top 4 rounds this year. There may be 4 or 5 FCS players in the top 90-100 picks alone next year, plus 20 or more draftable FCS players. I only have about 13 or 14 FCS players with a draftable grade this year.

[clenz]

DJ goes 19 yards for a score on his first touch.

Typical DJ fashion... Sweep, put his dead leg move on about 8 people and turns a 4 yard loss into a 19 yard score.


Commentators left speechless other than "David Johnson...that's... David Johnson”.

MVFC fans will know exactly the type of run I'm talking about.

Man I'm going to miss him

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[clenz]

DJ is going to break someone's ankles today.

3 carries 36 yards and a TD already

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[BEAR]

Man I thought Lewis had that one. What a messed up rule.

throw it to Dez!

small school players showing out!

[clenz]

Man I thought Lewis had that one. What a messed up rule.

throw it to Dez!

small school players showing out!
One of the worst rules ever

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[semobison]

DJ goes 19 yards for a score on his first touch.

Typical DJ fashion... Sweep, put his dead leg move on about 8 people and turns a 4 yard loss into a 19 yard score.


Commentators left speechless other than "David Johnson...that's... David Johnson”.

MVFC fans will know exactly the type of run I'm talking about.

Man I'm going to miss him

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Great runs by DJ! I will not miss him one bit!

[BEAR]

Tough sledding for the south running game now. DJ can't get those legs moving.

[clenz]

Tough sledding for the south running game now. DJ can't get those legs moving.
With the OL in front of him your think he wouldn't have to be making juke moves 4 yards behind the LOS...smh

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[clenz]

From Twitter

http://s3.amazonaws.com/br-cdn/temp_images/2015/01/24/2015-01-2413_20_24.gif

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[PantherRob82]

Hopefully he can get a few catches out of the backfield.

[BEAR]

Seriously south coaches have a stiffee for #18 Coates. Give someone else a chance. Geez.

[PantherRob82]

Boyle from Delaware drops a big one.

- - - Updated - - -


Seriously south coaches have a stiffee for #18 Coates. Give someone else a chance. Geez.

Or his QB does

[BEAR]

Lewis ended up catching 3 balls for 59 yards to lead the south team. Wonder why they waited so long to throw it to him. Bennett under threw him big time on the INT. Oh well, FCS repped big time!

[clenz]

Bennett looked pretty bad.

Lewis was damn impressive, IMO.

DJ was DJ. Didn't get a ton of reps but made some nice plays and was talked about a lot...means he's on people's radar. Most important, though,he didn't make any big mistakes to give a reason to knock him

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[JayJ79]

Bennett looked pretty bad.

Lewis was damn impressive, IMO.

DJ was DJ. Didn't get a ton of reps but made some nice plays and was talked about a lot...means he's on people's radar. Most important, though,he didn't make any big mistakes to give a reason to knock him

the South team seemed to have questionable QB play, problematic O-line performance at times, and rather ineffective playcalling.
So pretty much what DJ has dealt with all year. haha

[clenz]

the South team seemed to have questionable QB play, problematic O-line performance at times, and rather ineffective playcalling.
So pretty much what DJ has dealt with all year. haha

It's about true.

I actually think he saw better blocking at UNI than he did today. I wouldn't have thought that before watching the game due to the guys he had in front of him

[bulldog10jw]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiVoDUkFfyQ&feature=youtu.be

[PantherRob82]

It's about true.

I actually think he saw better blocking at UNI than he did today. I wouldn't have thought that before watching the game due to the guys he had in front of him

Sometimes it's better to have 5 guys playing as a unit rather than having 5 guys with more individual talent. :)

[BisonFan02]

Sometimes it's better to have 5 guys playing as a unit rather than having 5 guys with more individual talent. :)

The practices are more important than the actual game with these things....same thing happened to Crockett and Zenner with the Shrine game.

[SU DOG]

The practices are more important than the actual game with these things....same thing happened to Crockett and Zenner with the Shrine game.

BINGO!! That is why I am excited for our Jaquiski Tartt. He had a good game with 3 tackles(1 TFL), but he really wow'ed em in the Senior Bowl practices. He may go in the 2nd round is what I'm hearing. He will give Samford 3 NFL draft picks in the last 4 years. Yes, I know numerous schools can boast more, but a few short years ago we weren't even on the radar for putting ANY player in the NFL. Good luck to all of the FCS guys.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Bennett looked pretty bad.

Lewis was damn impressive, IMO.

DJ was DJ. Didn't get a ton of reps but made some nice plays and was talked about a lot...means he's on people's radar. Most important, though,he didn't make any big mistakes to give a reason to knock him

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He is not draftable, IMO. Bennett is overrated by the media. I don't think he gets drafted. He is a solid PFA but I just don't see him lighting up the NFL as a passer. I think he could make a practice squad but don't see him as a long term NFL guy.

This year is the worst QB class for depth I have ever seen. I only have 6 in the entire draft with a draftable grade and the average is like 11 or 12.

[smallcollegefbfan]

The practices are more important than the actual game with these things....same thing happened to Crockett and Zenner with the Shrine game.

To a certain extent. A dominant performance in the game can help just as much but a bad performance in the game won't hurt as much, for the most part. Crockett and Zenner didn't need a huge game to show well because you could see a lot of good things in drills during practice. All-star games are about one on one matchups. I think both Crockett and Zenner are legit late round possibilities.

[smallcollegefbfan]

BINGO!! That is why I am excited for our Jaquiski Tartt. He had a good game with 3 tackles(1 TFL), but he really wow'ed em in the Senior Bowl practices. He may go in the 2nd round is what I'm hearing. He will give Samford 3 NFL draft picks in the last 4 years. Yes, I know numerous schools can boast more, but a few short years ago we weren't even on the radar for putting ANY player in the NFL. Good luck to all of the FCS guys.

2nd round is a little bit rich. I think Tartt is the best FCS prospect but to me he is more of a late 3rd round to 4th round prospect. He has been dinged up over his career. Needs to show he can stay healthy for an entire season. One thing I love about him is the fact he could be a SS or FS. He is big and can run. I would take him in the 3rd. Look at all the SoCon DBs who have been overdrafted and they weren't ready. I don't want that happening to him. THe best thing for him is to go in the 4th round, play special teams and be a role player on defense as a rookie without expectations to be an immediate starter. After a year of that then I would put him in as my starter.

I know it sounds weird but I hate seeing FCS players taken higher than they should or extremely high unless they are ready to play right off the bat. Look at JJ Wilcox of Georgia Southern. He was way too high and you see what happened with him. I also think with how the talent in the SoCon isn't quite what it was a long time ago that players are seeing a much bigger jump. Just being a freak athletically isn't enough anymore. Hate to tell the CAA and SoCon fans but the MVFC is the most pro ready league in FCS right now. I think the CAA and Big Sky are both close though and a clear notch above the SoCon. To me, Tartt is the only definite starter at some point with Tull being a developmental one who I would project as more of a solid backup than anything.

[PantherRob82]

He is not draftable, IMO. Bennett is overrated by the media. I don't think he gets drafted.

This year is the worst QB class for depth I have ever seen. I only have 6 in the entire draft with a draftable grade and the average is like 11 or 12.

I was shocked when NFL Live on ESPN mentioned 2 players from the senior bowl on Friday and one was Bennett.

[smallcollegefbfan]

I was shocked when NFL Live on ESPN mentioned 2 players from the senior bowl on Friday and one was Bennett.

Record all of these practices, path to the draft, save all the draft rankings, etc. You would be surprised how many "risers" or "buzz" guys don't get drafted or make it and how many are never mentioned who actually do get drafted.

[PantherRob82]

Record all of these practices, path to the draft, save all the draft rankings, etc. You would be surprised how many "risers" or "buzz" guys don't get drafted or make it and how many are never mentioned who actually do get drafted.

I'm sure. They need something to talk about.

Do all the drops the Delaware TE had hurt him, or just a small piece of the puzzle so not an issue?

[citdog]

2nd round is a little bit rich. I think Tartt is the best FCS prospect but to me he is more of a late 3rd round to 4th round prospect. He has been dinged up over his career. Needs to show he can stay healthy for an entire season. One thing I love about him is the fact he could be a SS or FS. He is big and can run. I would take him in the 3rd. Look at all the SoCon DBs who have been overdrafted and they weren't ready. I don't want that happening to him. THe best thing for him is to go in the 4th round, play special teams and be a role player on defense as a rookie without expectations to be an immediate starter. After a year of that then I would put him in as my starter.

I know it sounds weird but I hate seeing FCS players taken higher than they should or extremely high unless they are ready to play right off the bat. Look at JJ Wilcox of Georgia Southern. He was way too high and you see what happened with him. I also think with how the talent in the SoCon isn't quite what it was a long time ago that players are seeing a much bigger jump. Just being a freak athletically isn't enough anymore. Hate to tell the CAA and SoCon fans but the MVFC is the most pro ready league in FCS right now. I think the CAA and Big Sky are both close though and a clear notch above the SoCon. To me, Tartt is the only definite starter at some point with Tull being a developmental one who I would project as more of a solid backup than anything.

seriously bro you're an appy homer. the SoCon isn't as talented anymore because you mountain gayboys aren't in it anymore is tired. let it go. you couldn't win in the SoCon anymore and had to go to easier pastures.

[smallcollegefbfan]

I'm sure. They need something to talk about.

Do all the drops the Delaware TE had hurt him, or just a small piece of the puzzle so not an issue?

Didn't help him to make those drops but he doesn't fall 2 or 3 rounds because of it. He's more of a 5th or 6th round pick for me. I don't think he goes higher than the early 5th unless he runs much better than expected at the combine.

[smallcollegefbfan]

seriously bro you're an appy homer. the SoCon isn't as talented anymore because you mountain gayboys aren't in it anymore is tired. let it go. you couldn't win in the SoCon anymore and had to go to easier pastures.

The talent in the SoCon was a little bit down this year but not by much. Last year I said the league wouldn't have but one in the playoffs and they did. This year there was just one again. Next year the younger talent will have experience and so the league will be better. The SoCon will be back to having 2-3 teams in the playoffs for sure next year or in 2016. But the proof is in the facts that the talent has been down for a few years. The playoffs expand and less SoCon teams make it. I remember when 3 would make it when there were just 16 spots and now just 1 with 24 spots. With that said, I do project the SoCon has at least 2 this coming year. I would think Chattanooga and Samford or Furman makes the playoffs this coming season. Mercer has an outside shot as they get more experienced. Western Carolina is another rising team to keep an eye on.

[BisonFan02]

The talent in the SoCon was a little bit down this year but not by much. Last year I said the league wouldn't have but one in the playoffs and they did. This year there was just one again. Next year the younger talent will have experience and so the league will be better. The SoCon will be back to having 2-3 teams in the playoffs for sure next year or in 2016. But the proof is in the facts that the talent has been down for a few years. The playoffs expand and less SoCon teams make it. I remember when 3 would make it when there were just 16 spots and now just 1 with 24 spots. With that said, I do project the SoCon has at least 2 this coming year. I would think Chattanooga and Samford or Furman makes the playoffs this coming season.

This plus Mercer will make noise after a few years in the league as well.

[smallcollegefbfan]

This plus Mercer will make noise after a few years in the league as well.

I expect Mercer to be a top 15-20 team in 2016. I was going back and adding in they have an outside shot this coming year to that. They are a riser. Western Carolina and Mecer could be 2 of the SoCon's playoff participants in 2016 or perhaps in 2015, depending on how much of a jump they can make and if there are some impact newcomers this year. I could see Furman, Wofford, Chattanooga, Mercer, Samford, and Western Carolina all in the top 40 in the polls next year with 2 for sure, maybe 3, making the playoffs.

[citdog]

I expect Mercer to be a top 15-20 team in 2016. I was going back and adding in they have an outside shot this coming year to that. They are a riser. Western Carolina and Mecer could be 2 of the SoCon's playoff participants in 2016 or perhaps in 2015, depending on how much of a jump they can make and if there are some impact newcomers this year. I could see Furman, Wofford, Chattanooga, Mercer, Samford, and Western Carolina all in the top 40 in the polls next year with 2 for sure, maybe 3, making the playoffs.

If the Soph Corporals stay away from them the class Houston is putting together is full of those impact type a
players.

[bulldog10jw]

NFL scouts on Varga

http://www.sportsnet.ca/football/nfl/nfl-scouts-talk-canadian-running-back-tyler-varga-senior-bowl/

Do you hear that sound? It’s Tyler Varga’s NFL draft stock shooting through the roof after a successful week for the Canadian running back at the 2015 Senior Bowl.

[smallcollegefbfan]

NFL scouts on Varga

http://www.sportsnet.ca/football/nfl/nfl-scouts-talk-canadian-running-back-tyler-varga-senior-bowl/

Do you hear that sound? It’s Tyler Varga’s NFL draft stock shooting through the roof after a successful week for the Canadian running back at the 2015 Senior Bowl.

He had a good week and I did bump him up some but honestly NFL teams don't soar the stock of players after an all-star game. They get a bump a little bit but guys don't go from undrafted to 3rd round in games like those. Varga was very solid on several draft boards (Dolphins like him a lot saying 4th round to folks during the fall) while some had him as a PFA. He should definitely get drafted as long as he runs a 4.5 or better at the combine. I'm hoping he does. The big question for him was whether he had enough juice and he showed that he does in Mobile. I would say he projects in the 5th or 6th round right now. The Dolphins liking him that much was interesting. They were that high on him back in October and November.

[BEAR]

Dezmin Lewis had a great week at the Senior Bowl.

His upside is his natural talent at WR. He and the other receivers were teaching each other moves and skills.
His downside is that he will apparently need a little more training in those NFL type moves and skills but he does learn quickly. He needs to also run a 4.45 - 4.5 at the combine. He got that invite today.

I predict a 5th round pick. Maybe late fifth round, but we'll take it.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Dezmin Lewis had a great week at the Senior Bowl.

His upside is his natural talent at WR. He and the other receivers were teaching each other moves and skills.
His downside is that he will apparently need a little more training in those NFL type moves and skills but he does learn quickly. He needs to also run a 4.45 - 4.5 at the combine. He got that invite today.

I predict a 5th round pick. Maybe late fifth round, but we'll take it.

I would say that's close. I would say anywhere from mid 5th round to late 6th round for him. He should definitely get drafted.