SKILL POSITION SLEEPER PICKS IN THE UPCOMING DRAFT
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The Ancient Enemy
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SKILL POSITION SLEEPER PICKS IN THE UPCOMING DRAFT
SKILL POSITION SLEEPER PICKS IN THE UPCOMING DRAFT
Nothing to do with this article: Kip Winger.
The 2004 season has come and gone, and as I age this keeps happening faster and faster. I can't believe the season went by so quickly. Many things happened this season that no one could have possibly forseen, as usual. Players stepped up out of nowhere, stock fell for guys who were supposed to be great, the bad blood of the BCS is still running higher than a horses' bridle, and supposed experts are still scratching their heads, digging under the Sphinx for clues, and sending radio signals into space in hopes of a super race of alien college football analysts enlightening them on what the heck happened. It is an inexact science, folks. It's like women: you can analyze them all you want, but the game keeps changing, because there is no real answer. They're irrational, very simple yet extremely complicated, unpredictable, and irrational. College football teams are the same way. You are searching for answers that don't exist. You can burn the numbers into your head until you are casted in the next 'Omen' movie, but the outcomes will never make any sense come Saturday. Or sometimes Thursday. Well, Wednesday's and Friday's too. And maybe Tuesday's. The answer to the riddle is that there is no answer, and that's what makes it so wonderful.
And the key component in all of that is 18-22 year old kids. Remember being 18-22? I look back on those years, which weren't long ago, but seem as if a lifetime of maturity has transpired since then. Irrational, unpredictable, simple but complicated. And now a handful of these grid-iron heroes to so many of us fans get to go on to play professional football and make so much money in one day that it will force Your Literary Hero to cry himself into a case of Shiner or Rolling Rock, and you are all welcomed to join the party of 'Where the Hell did I Miss the Boat?'
Many supposed experts are saying that this draft class is thin. I disagree with that completely. The entire level of college football elevates every season, from top to bottom, as high school coaches brow-beat kids to hit the weights and bust **** in the offseasons. As that happens in more and more high schools across our nation, the over-all pool of talent has elevated. Five-star athletes are not necessarily better nowadays that Hershel Walker or Jerry Rice, but the rest of the pool has picked up. The bottom-feeder conferences in college football are getting better for this reason. The incoming recruits (that is, especially the lower-star recruits) are better than ever. There is a lot of hidden talent out there on those obscure rosters that doesn't get widespread exposure unless it's on a random weeknight or at midnight on the east coast. Let's take a look at some of these diamonds in the rough in the 'skill positions'.
QUARTERBACKS:
Here is a picture of Charlie Frye about to put the ketchup on some dumbass defense.
Charlie Frye: Maybe not a no-namer anymore, but people still doubt this man's talent. There's a lot of hype going into Alex Smith as this year's best quarterback in the draft class, but Frye's performance in the all-star bash is hard to pass up. Frye went 220-346 this season for 2623 yards and 18 TD's vs. 8 picks. Not bad. But the real quality of Frye is his ability to remain calm and play his game. This guy has thrown over 11,000 yards for 64 touchdowns in his career with the Zips. He is another in a nice list of recent MAC quarterbacks who will soon steal the spotlight from bigger-named players drafted before him, just like those other MAC fellas have done. Also, worth note, he was the MVP of that all-star game.
The King of Pain.
Timmy Chang: The first thing I did when I sawed my way out through my mother's stomach was to put on a Timmy Chang jersey. What's not to say about the guy who broke the NCAA passing record? This guy has thrown for over 17,000 yards and racked up 117 touchdowns as the quarterback of the former Rainbow Warriors. Chang has been the poster boy of Hawaii football for half a decade, and with good reason. I have personally never seen a college football player throw a ball as hard as Chang. Cannon for an arm, good footwork, and good downfield vision. The thing is, though, Timmy Chang is one of those guys that you'll probably never hear of once he gets to the pros. He lacks body size, and does not fit the NFL mold of a quarterback. However, if anyone can break into the league and bust that mold, it's Timmy Chang. Probably a second day pick for my favorite all time college quarterback. One thing is for certain: it's gonna take more than a day-one snub to stop The Chisel from kicking people's asses in the National Football League.
"I'm beggin' ya here, people."
Brock Berlin: Is the tank empty? Was it ever full once he left high school? Is Brock Berlin the greatest quarterback or the biggest flop in quite some time? I like my Brock Berlin the same way I like those Blackhawk helicopters. Pretty reliable for the most part, got a lot of firepower, but generally crash and kill everyone on board. But the memory of glory days still remains. If someone can take this kid and get his act together on a football field, he could end up being a solid quarterback at any level. Now I know what you're thinking: "Maestro, how can you say that after the kid just played for the Canes, who are basically no longer the 'University of Miami' and are now 'NFL: Coral Gables'?" Well, that is an excellent question. But the potential still remains. Berlin's college numbers have fallen drastically short of expectations, airing 6,000 yards for 34 TD's while in orange and green. But Berlin isn't Kyle Orton, who was on top of the world and crashed and burned and never got his confidence back (which is also because he was never that good to begin with), Berlin has been consistent, at least. That's a plus, right? Consistently inconsistent. You have Rick Neuhisel taking over the quarterbacks in Baltimore. You have countless other NFL coaches who have the ability to take a kid like Berlin and make him decent NFL material. He's a project, but may be completely worth it. The kid is clearly a better quarterback than everyone on the Cardinals' depth chart. Roll the dice, take a chance, Arizona. You're not getting any better to begin with. Brock Berlin is not, and should not be, labeled as damaged goods.
Think he looks tall in this picture? That other guy is 6'10".
Matt Jones: I'll admit that I am a sucker for a backwoods quarterback. I can't really name any other ones right now, but you can imagine what it would be like if I could. Matt Jones has been riding around Arkansas holding a shotgun in the back of a pick-up for quite some time now. Personally, I'm partial to the huge beard he was displaying for awhile. Jones had been working out as a receiver at the Senior Bowl practices, to help boost his stock come April. The question isn't whether or not he will be drafted, but at what position? ESPN has him listed at 6'6" and going about 235-240 pounds. That is a giant of a man. At Arkansas, Jones passed for almost 6,000 yards, for 53 touchdowns. He also ran for 2,535 and 24 TD's. He is very competent athletically for his size, which is something to consider come the draft. He is also fast for his size, and doubled as serious contributor to the Razorback basketball team as well. Someone of his athleticism and on-field intelligence could adopt a new position at the next level without much problem. There is no easier move for a QB than to WR, and that is where Jones may end up if not out-right taken as quarterback. This is obviously a project, but a small one. Matt Jones is a big-time sleeper pick in this upcoming draft.
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Sonny Cumbie: The important thing here is that Sonny Cumbie gets drafted by a football team. Why, you ask? You ever see that kid with his helmet off? Jeepers creepers. There's a reason why Leach makes him keep his helmet on when he's on the sideline. Leave it to Mike Leach to become the first coach in NCAA history to start a quarterback who is undead. But not that it didn't work like a charm. Zombie threw for 4,742 yards and 32 TD's in his one-and-done role as the Texas Tech quarterback. The system is genius. The real jewel of Cumbie's short career as a starter was how he completely annihilated the Cal Golden Bears, showing exactly why the Pac-10 is, and will continue to be, the weakest respectable conference in football. You don't throw for 4,742 yards and not be any good. He's tall, pretty lean, throws the ball 400 times a game, and has a cannon for an arm. Like Chang, not a typical NFL quarterback, but then again, Losman seems to be the future of the Buffalo Bills. If J.P. Losman, whom I like a lot, has the ability to break into a starting role, there is certainly hope for guys like Sonny Cumbie. Plus he cannot be killed unless you shoot him in the brains.
Cajun quarterbacks git-r-done
Stefan LeFors: Stefan LeFors' parents are deaf. LeFors knows sign language. The huddle concept was invented by a deaf college so the other team couldn't see what they were planning. There, now you learned something, and reading this article wasn't a complete waste of your effort. Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino was blessed with not only having one competent quarterback, but two. LeFors and Brohm split time this season, and instead of stumbling along, Louisville left a trail of blood all over the country, with their only loss coming to the Hurricanes in a nail-biter. LeFors is a 5th year player at Louisville, who redshirted in year 1. He does not possess an enormous arm, but what he does possess is the ability to remain calm and play the game. He is a leader and has what they call "huddle presence". The real test is whether or not he can improve his downfield throwing ability. He does not have significant height, being only an even 6 ft. tall. But as the old saying goes, it is not the size of the dog in the fight. In the last two seasons, LeFors has thrown for 5,700 yards and 37 touchdowns, and that includes a season where he split time. Not a first rounder by any means, but a late gem nonetheless that may end up leaving people pretty surprised down the road.
Shown Above: The Broad Street Badass Walter Washington tears one off around the right side
Walter Washington: Yes, there are people from Temple that are worth being included in this segment. Walter Washington was a joy to watch while he participated in college football. 6'2" and weighing 240 lbs., Washington put up strong numbers even on a team that is infamously inept. So inept in fact that the Big East gave them the heave-ho at the end of the '04 season. But, being from the Keystone State, I supported my struggling Owls, maybe because no one else did. Washington is leaving school early to join this draft class, and there's probably not many people who can blame him for it. Looking at Temple's schedule for '05, they probably won't win a game, and are playing pretty strong programs. Programs good enough to bury Walter's hopes of a drafting in 2005. He is leaving behind two years of starts for the Owls, tallying up almost 3,500 yards of passing offense and about 1,500 on the ground. All for 39 touchdowns. Saying his departure is a dent in Temple's offense is a enormous understatement. Without Washington, Temple might not score a point in 2005. What he offers the NFL is a big, dual threat in the backfield. He may not be the caliber of Vick or of past McNabb seasons, but who really is? Probably a second day pick-up, but a worthwhile project. Go ask the now ex-Syracuse coach Paul Pasqualoni if Washington is any good.
RUNNING BACKS:
Right call to bolt, or missing an enormous opportunity?
Ciatrick Fason: Many in the swamp felt that Fason was the best Gator back since Emmitt Smith. The Gators have had their troubles as of late, but the hiring of Urban Meyer, plus an enormously talented depth chart and recruiting class, are indicators that the light is brighter than ever at the end of the tunnel. The 6'0" 215 lb. junior is forgoing his senior season to spring into the NFL draft. One website has Fason listed 40th in the top 100 picks for the upcoming draft. He is coming off his first 1,000 yard season of his short career, racking up 1,267 and 10 TD's.
Moats easily avoids that notoriously stingy SMU defense
Ryan Moats: I had Moats listed as one of the top backs in 2005, and it was somewhat of a surprise to me that this junior had decided to leave college early and head for the land of splendor. It may not be all that surprising, though, when you look at his numbers. Moats has been an enormous part of the Lousiana Tech offense for a number of years now, and in 2004 alone rushed for 1,774 yards and 18 touchdowns, all en route to becoming the 2004 WAC player of the year. In virtually half of the Bulldogs' games in '04, Moats went over the 200 yard mark. Clearly the guy has some talent. The thing that really irritates me about this, is that I can no longer talk about people "getting stuck in the Moat" and "dying in the Moats" and all that. This guy basically ruined my entire 2005 comedic life.
RECEIVERS:
"Through me ye pass through the city of woe."
Dante Ridgeway: How about the fact that he finished second in the country in receiving, piled up back to back 1,000+ yard seasons, and has 18 TD's in those years combined? And oh yeah, he's 6'2" and 200 lbs. He was also a receiver for the Ball State Cardinals, and racked up those numbers on a team who isn't exactly powerdriving anyone in the Win column. Oh yeah, he was also named to the second-team all-america team. One pre-draft showcase not only does not have The Inferno in the top 100 draft picks, but he's not even in the top 70 receivers! It is right now the end of February, Ridgeway declared in mid-January. He also led the nation in receiving yards per game (127.2) and also led the nation in receptions per game (9.5). Saying he is "under the radar" is an under-statement. Dante Ridgeway is a infinitely excellent pick-up in this draft. Big-time sleeper pick for anyone who is paying attention. I have another Alighieri quote for you: "Remember tonight, for it is the beginning of always."
I just play one of the internet. I'm not this much of a prophet in real life.
OR AM I?
If they drafted people based on talent AND how sweet your uniforms and logo are, White would be a top 5 pick.
Roddy White: Yet another mid-major conference receiver that is quietly rolling along. White, unlike the others I have listed, is making some pre-draft waves. He has already climbed up to 4th or 5th in the wide receiver category, and had a nice week at the Senior Bowl. White has all the tools for success at the next level. He's 6'2", weighs 205 lbs., runs a 4.45, and led the nation in receiving this past year. He racked up 1,452 enroute to 14 touchdowns. But hey, it doesn't hurt when your quarterback is a physical monster of a man like Darrell Hackney. White is yet another receiver who is extremely talented yet over-looked by supposed experts that say this draft class is thin at receivers, despite 2,900 yards of receiving in his career and 24 touchdowns. He'll probably go before the end of the third round, but my guess is second if not late first.
Craig Bragg is so dang good he had to guard himself at practice
Craig Bragg: USC's Mike Williams is not the only Los Angeles wideout worthy of your draft choice. This 6'2" 205 lb. senior has been under-rated for quite some time. Bragg led the Bruins in receiving every year he was at UCLA, and although he did miss four games this season, he still hauled in close to 500 yards and tallied 4 touchdowns in 2004. His career numbers are 2,850 yards and 19 touchdowns. He's big, has excellent hands, and is fast, running a clocked 4.5 40 yard dash. Bragg also elevated his draft status in the mind of Your Literary Hero by displaying a very sweet light blue Bruins helmet in a post-season all-star game. Hopefully this is the sign of things to come in Bruin-land. You may be asking yourself what this has to do with Craig Bragg's draftabilty. In the immortal words of Clinton Portis, "If you wanna play sweet you gotta look sweet." Amen, brother.
Craphonso Thorpe demonstrates why he is a gem of a pick: tosses the ball to a teammate because he is a true friend and hero to the common receiver as well as a hero to all of the Little Craphonsoities that fill the Doak.
Craphonso Thorpe: The kid is 8 and a half feet tall and runs a 2.7 40-yard dash. That is all you need to know. People are saying that Thorpe's stock dropped in 2004. His numbers are definitely down, but that doesn't mean he's not stillone of the best hidden gems of the draft class. 2,153 and 18 career touchdowns. Keep in mind who this kid had to deal with at quarterback. Chris Rix, and a as-yet inept Wyatt Sexton. People say his catching ability is questionable. We're talking about NFL coaches here, people, who know how to develop talent and teach people how to play at the professional level. You don't coach height, and speed for the most part. You can coach catching ability, and it can be easily fixed. Tall, fast, and great. That's all I need to know to draft a guy. Might be a "project", but not a big one.
I love Roscoe Parrish more than I love my family, but this picture was taken miliseconds before Roscoe took the biggest hit in college football history. And if you saw it, you'll never forget it.
Roscoe Parrish: These eyes have not seen tears quite like the day Roscoe Parrish pledged himself to the NFL draft. I'm a Roscoe fan since way back (like a year), and I was really looking forward to the Canes having him around next season to help Alex Wright. Wait, I don't think that's his name. Alex Wright was Das Wunderkind in the old WCW days.
The future of Miami football.
Anyways, the kid's name is not Alex Wright. The point here is that Roscoe Parrish is three and a half feet tall and is, as Rob Halford would say, "Faster! Than! A! Laser-Bullet!"I think that pretty much sums it up. If you can work Judas Priest into a kid's description, I'd say it's more than likely he's going to the pro-bowl as a rookie. What's not to love? Even his lack of size can be compensated for the fact that every Miami player in the past decade has gone on to a huge career in the NFL. Look up the numbers, really. Either they get drafted and are great, or they are great in the near future. 9/10's of the Canes every season get drafted. The other 1/10 of them go to Europe and then end up in the NFL in 2 weeks. Not bad statistics. Parrish endeed up with 1,355 yards and 13 touchdowns. This year's draft class is dominated by receivers who are overlooked because of their height, and Roscoe gets the wood put to him by the experts because of this. As much as Craig James needs kicked off the planet, he is right that sometimes you have to go on talent, not statistics. This is the only intelligent thing Craig James has ever said in his life, but hey, even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile. Draft Roscoe Parrish.
MLTHUG6: reppin' Cincinnati like a war hero.
Mike Larkin: Another MAC receiver that is excellent that no one gives a crap about. This is another guy who is extremely overlooked by all the naysayers who think this year's receiver corps is weak, weak, weak. Well, they are wrong as hell. There are two great receivers on this Redhawks team: Larkin and cohort Martin Nance, another Miami WR that will be drafted. MLTHUG6 was supposed to be the number two man on Josh Betts' checklist, but Larkin is leaving Moho with the NCAA record for longest streak of receptions in consecutive games. Along with fellow vertically challenged receiver Chad Owens, Larkin is one of my top two sleeper picks in this whole draft. Fast as hell, can catch virtually anything, and got stabbed in a parking lot. Why wouldn't you draft a guy who can take a shiv and still rack up 832 with 8 touchdowns? 2,772 and 32 career touchdowns as a Redhawk. Not a serious downfield threat, but only in the sense of the NFL mold. Just like Chad Owens: sometimes you need to think about talent over size and 'potential'. If the NFL misses the boat on this guy, which may happen, he will make a lot of fans in Canada very, very happy. If you're in Canada, start emailing your team's owner.
This picture was taken by a special camera in the helmet of an opposing defender, right before Chad Owens juked so hard that the kid's eyes exploded and he died a very horrible death as well as placed immense shame on his family for getting destroyed by a man he knew in his heart he could never stop to begin with.
Chad Owens: This is my official #1 sleeper pick in the entire draft. Chad Owens is absolutely what you want on your football team. He is the hardest working player in college football. This kid walked on at Hawaii, not only made the team but made the starting team, led the team in receiving the past two seasons with over a thousand yards in each, is the heart and soul of a team whose quarterback just broke the NCAA passing record, is a serious threat returning kicks, and has sweet tattoos. 3,039 yards receiving and 39 touchdowns, 1,014 yards on punt returns and 6 touchdowns, 1,354 yards on kick returns and 2 touchdowns. What more do you want? Chad Owens looks sweet, and he plays sweet. The knock on Owens is his height. He's 5'9", not real big at all for an NFL receiver. Don't let that height fool you. Chad Owens plays football like he's seven feet tall. Physical specimen, enormous heart, and enormous work ethic. This is the biggest sleeper pick in the entire draft.
LINEBACKERS:
One of the three best players Temple will see for a LONG time. And all three have declared for the draft.
Troy Bennett: Two Temple guys have made this list. Yes, you heard right. There would have been three if I included Wallace, but he is too obvious. Bennett has kind of been hiding in Wallace's shadow on that stingy Owls defense. You may be asking how it's possible that there are two good pick-ups from the Temple defense. The answer to that question is "hell if I know". Troy Bennett goes 6'2", 245, and ran a recorded 4.75 dash. During this past season, Bennett picked off one pass and ranked sixth in the Big East in total tackles with 95, and tallied double-digit tackles in 3 of this year's 11 contests. He played in 46 consecutive games, was named the defensive player of the year at Temple, and was named as a preseason Street and Smith's Honorable Mention All-American in 2004. Strong and reliable, he is one of three guys at Temple about to prove that if there is talent, it is found no matter where you play football.
"When Bears Attack" runs 24-7 on this guys' TV channel
Derek Wake: Derek Wake came into Penn State as the pride of the freshman draft class. He excelled tremendously as a special teams monster, and the next season was given the starting linebacker job. But the first game of his new career, his knee decided it no longer wanted to be a team player. Wake was lost for the season, and under-went reconstructive knee surgery. He came back but was never really able to reach his earlier level of potential. Graduating this season and entering the draft, some draft sites are saying that Wake's stock has climbed pretty well. he still possesses an enormous athleticism, with a giant wingspan and vertical leap. During his tenure in State College, Wake tallied six blocked kicks: three field goals, a punt, and two extra points. Not bad for a guy with a "bum" knee.
Look for Michael Boley to be the first guy in this year's draft class with a confirmed kill.
Michael Boley: Another player defying the crap spewed by the "experts" is Southern Mississippi's Michael Boley. A lot of people said the 2005 draft class was thin at linebacker. That couldn't be any more wrong. Boley is another guy on this list who, in addition to the obvious pick-ups of Johnson and Cody, is a linebacker that deserves to be drafted. Boley has been dominating for years. He's 6'3", 220, and ran a recorded 4.5 40 yard dash. His 2004 stats alone are quite solid: 117 solo tackles, 7 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and a pick. He has recorded 17 double-digit tackling games in his career at Southern Miss. He was a 2003 All-American, and made SI's second team All-Americans for 2004. Boley has an enormous overall athletic talent as a playmaker and pass-rusher. Because of his size, he may be moved in the NFL to strong safety. Either way, look for Boley to get playing time and kill at least one unsuspecting offensive player in 2005, either on defense or special teams.
This man is highly responsible for me losing a bet of 5 dozen wings.
Kirk Morrison: Kirk Morrison ruined my life one snowy, Colorado day. I was pulling for Air Force to beat San Diego State, but I should have known better to begin with. Never bet on Air Force. Marching down the field to win, the Falcon QB threw a pass that was picked off by none other than one of the best unknown linebackers in the country: San Diego State's Kirk Morrison. The 6'2", 240 lb. senior is technically as sound as linebacker as you will find, and is a commander on the grass. Morrison was a 2003 All-American according to the College Football News, was the 2003 Mountain West defensive player of the year, and is the first Aztec since Marshall Faulk to be named as an All-American in consecutive seasons, and recorded nearly 400 tackles in his career in San Diego. He had 115 this year, and 115 last year. One observer on Morrison described the almost "eerie" signature 'smack' that Morrison puts on people. Not bad stats and accolades for a guy who is at the top of a corps of linebackers who are not supposed to be any good!
SECONDARY:
Despite downed numbers in '04, the depth of the Pool is still worth a swim.
Brodney Pool: The player out of these three secondary players that has the most upside at the pro level is Oklahoma's Brodney Pool. Pool is a surprisingly good player despite the fact that Oklahoma's secondary in 2004 had more holes in it than James Caan's body in 'The Godfather'. Hey, I'm no expert... well, I am, of course... but I'd say that it says a lot about a secondary when you need to ask a redshirt freshman to give up his redshirt status to play against one of the most inconsistent and unreliable quarterbacks in the country, Reggie McNeal of Texas A&M. As much as I like Brodney Pool (and I hate Oklahoma), he did not have a killer year in 2004. In 2003, Pool had 7 interceptions, 2 sacks, and 68 tackles from the free safety position. There is a possibility that with the new defensive minds this year in Norman, Pool did not have the ability to showcase he may have had previously. In 2003, Pool came up big in conference play, and all but 2 of his picks were against Big XII competition. And although they lost the national championship, Pool came up big in that LSU game when he took a pick 50 yards and set up a touchdown. This past season, his number of tackles rose to 87, but his INT's dropped to 2. He also recorded zero sacks, a slightly above average D'Juan Woods tore him up, and let's not even bring up the USC game. Pool may be leaving Norman when the getting is good, his stock is still credible as far as the stock of big money hustlas is concerned. Maybe him and Craphonso Thorpe are good buddies. The knock on Pool is a possible complacency on the football field, where he does not give 100%. All that being said, the safety position is also under fire from the experts for not being any good. Pool has shown he has a great amount of potential at the next level, and has an abundance of raw athletic talent. He's 6'3" 210 lbs. and ran a recorded 4.5 40-yard dash. A top draft website has Pool listed as 6th on the chart for strong safeties, and that is preposterous. I liked Pool a lot when he was at OU, even though I hate the undeserved hype OU receives. I'm sad to see him leave early, but he'll be a nice fit for somebody in the NFL.
Mountain West offenses found out real quick that gambling tables were not the only things in Vegas breaking people's hearts.
Jamaal Brimmer: Jamaal Brimmer leaves the Runnin' Rebels pretty highly decorated. He was a 2003 and 2004 pre-season All-American, a 2 time Jim Thorpe candidate, and held by many as one of the best defensive players in the country, not just best strong safety. In 2002, as a sophomore, Brimmer made a ton of waves for the Rebels. He had 100 tackles, 17 of them for a loss, he had 5.5 sacks and also 3 forced fumbles. In his junior season, he once again simply dominated. 77 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 4 recovered fumbles, and 6 interceptions. In his senior season in Las Vegas, his numbers dropped a little, which is possibly evidence of shyness by other coaches. Same goes for the Pool situation. Brimmer had 82 tackles, 6.5 for a loss, 1.5 sacks, and an interception. He was elected three times to the All-Mountain West first team, and was twice the Mountain West defensive player of the year. The accolades are almost unreal, as you can see. Brimmer kind of fell off the mainstream map after his sophomore season, probably because of the fact that UNLV is atrocious. It also doesn't help when you play in that conference, which does not get much attention, and even less respect once you pass the Utes on the Mountain West foood-chain. Because of a potential lack in foot speed, expect Brimmer to drop manybe even into the second day of the NFL draft. He is 6'1", 215 lbs., and ran a 4.6. The whole slivers-of-a-second thing with speed will never make much sense to me, but it's always a selling point with any athlete in any sport. I cannot stress enough the "diamond in the rough" cliche with this kid. He will play in the National Football League, and do well.
The Diamond Stud.
Diamond Ferri: The Syracuse Orange(men) will be losing a lot more than a safety when Ferri leaves campus. They'll be losing their ace kick-returner, who in 2004 tallied 669 receiving yards, and they'll be the third ranked leading rusher. The Diamond Stud ran the ball in only 3 games, but racked up 173 yards and 2 touchdowns. On defense in 2004, Ferri led the team with 4 interceptions (161 yards total, 1 INT for a touchdown) and tied the team-high a fumble recovery. He will hopefully now be taking his talents to much $greener$ pastures. His size is something of a potential problem. He's currently listed at 5'10" and going about 215 pounds. His footspeed may be a problem as well, recording only a 4.63. For all that, Ferri is a special teams standout, is very athletic, and is a team leader. Not first day material, but may end up as a hidden special teams gem in the near future in the NFL. Ferri went wild against Boston College. He had 2 touchdowns on offensive and one on defense in what was an enormous conference upset, at that point. If his last regular season game is any indication of his potential, look out.
Okay, so I admit it. Maybe there's a little more touting of some of these guys than there should be. Hey, how else can a fan give back? It's a shame that not all of the college greats can make the big-time in the NFL. I guess that's why there's a college hall of fame. One thing is for certain, and that there is a boatload of talent to be had in this year's draft class. Positions like WR and LB are not empty chambers. So when your team is up next, and that guy walks to the podium and reads a name you never heard before you heard it right here, don't fret. Go to the water-coolers the day after the draft and tell your co-workers you knew all about Jamaal Brimmer and Dante Ridgeway eons ago. Rub it in somebody's face, make them look bad. I'm just tryin' to help you out. I'm a people person.
Nothing to do with this article: Kip Winger.
The 2004 season has come and gone, and as I age this keeps happening faster and faster. I can't believe the season went by so quickly. Many things happened this season that no one could have possibly forseen, as usual. Players stepped up out of nowhere, stock fell for guys who were supposed to be great, the bad blood of the BCS is still running higher than a horses' bridle, and supposed experts are still scratching their heads, digging under the Sphinx for clues, and sending radio signals into space in hopes of a super race of alien college football analysts enlightening them on what the heck happened. It is an inexact science, folks. It's like women: you can analyze them all you want, but the game keeps changing, because there is no real answer. They're irrational, very simple yet extremely complicated, unpredictable, and irrational. College football teams are the same way. You are searching for answers that don't exist. You can burn the numbers into your head until you are casted in the next 'Omen' movie, but the outcomes will never make any sense come Saturday. Or sometimes Thursday. Well, Wednesday's and Friday's too. And maybe Tuesday's. The answer to the riddle is that there is no answer, and that's what makes it so wonderful.
And the key component in all of that is 18-22 year old kids. Remember being 18-22? I look back on those years, which weren't long ago, but seem as if a lifetime of maturity has transpired since then. Irrational, unpredictable, simple but complicated. And now a handful of these grid-iron heroes to so many of us fans get to go on to play professional football and make so much money in one day that it will force Your Literary Hero to cry himself into a case of Shiner or Rolling Rock, and you are all welcomed to join the party of 'Where the Hell did I Miss the Boat?'
Many supposed experts are saying that this draft class is thin. I disagree with that completely. The entire level of college football elevates every season, from top to bottom, as high school coaches brow-beat kids to hit the weights and bust **** in the offseasons. As that happens in more and more high schools across our nation, the over-all pool of talent has elevated. Five-star athletes are not necessarily better nowadays that Hershel Walker or Jerry Rice, but the rest of the pool has picked up. The bottom-feeder conferences in college football are getting better for this reason. The incoming recruits (that is, especially the lower-star recruits) are better than ever. There is a lot of hidden talent out there on those obscure rosters that doesn't get widespread exposure unless it's on a random weeknight or at midnight on the east coast. Let's take a look at some of these diamonds in the rough in the 'skill positions'.
QUARTERBACKS:
Here is a picture of Charlie Frye about to put the ketchup on some dumbass defense.
Charlie Frye: Maybe not a no-namer anymore, but people still doubt this man's talent. There's a lot of hype going into Alex Smith as this year's best quarterback in the draft class, but Frye's performance in the all-star bash is hard to pass up. Frye went 220-346 this season for 2623 yards and 18 TD's vs. 8 picks. Not bad. But the real quality of Frye is his ability to remain calm and play his game. This guy has thrown over 11,000 yards for 64 touchdowns in his career with the Zips. He is another in a nice list of recent MAC quarterbacks who will soon steal the spotlight from bigger-named players drafted before him, just like those other MAC fellas have done. Also, worth note, he was the MVP of that all-star game.
The King of Pain.
Timmy Chang: The first thing I did when I sawed my way out through my mother's stomach was to put on a Timmy Chang jersey. What's not to say about the guy who broke the NCAA passing record? This guy has thrown for over 17,000 yards and racked up 117 touchdowns as the quarterback of the former Rainbow Warriors. Chang has been the poster boy of Hawaii football for half a decade, and with good reason. I have personally never seen a college football player throw a ball as hard as Chang. Cannon for an arm, good footwork, and good downfield vision. The thing is, though, Timmy Chang is one of those guys that you'll probably never hear of once he gets to the pros. He lacks body size, and does not fit the NFL mold of a quarterback. However, if anyone can break into the league and bust that mold, it's Timmy Chang. Probably a second day pick for my favorite all time college quarterback. One thing is for certain: it's gonna take more than a day-one snub to stop The Chisel from kicking people's asses in the National Football League.
"I'm beggin' ya here, people."
Brock Berlin: Is the tank empty? Was it ever full once he left high school? Is Brock Berlin the greatest quarterback or the biggest flop in quite some time? I like my Brock Berlin the same way I like those Blackhawk helicopters. Pretty reliable for the most part, got a lot of firepower, but generally crash and kill everyone on board. But the memory of glory days still remains. If someone can take this kid and get his act together on a football field, he could end up being a solid quarterback at any level. Now I know what you're thinking: "Maestro, how can you say that after the kid just played for the Canes, who are basically no longer the 'University of Miami' and are now 'NFL: Coral Gables'?" Well, that is an excellent question. But the potential still remains. Berlin's college numbers have fallen drastically short of expectations, airing 6,000 yards for 34 TD's while in orange and green. But Berlin isn't Kyle Orton, who was on top of the world and crashed and burned and never got his confidence back (which is also because he was never that good to begin with), Berlin has been consistent, at least. That's a plus, right? Consistently inconsistent. You have Rick Neuhisel taking over the quarterbacks in Baltimore. You have countless other NFL coaches who have the ability to take a kid like Berlin and make him decent NFL material. He's a project, but may be completely worth it. The kid is clearly a better quarterback than everyone on the Cardinals' depth chart. Roll the dice, take a chance, Arizona. You're not getting any better to begin with. Brock Berlin is not, and should not be, labeled as damaged goods.
Think he looks tall in this picture? That other guy is 6'10".
Matt Jones: I'll admit that I am a sucker for a backwoods quarterback. I can't really name any other ones right now, but you can imagine what it would be like if I could. Matt Jones has been riding around Arkansas holding a shotgun in the back of a pick-up for quite some time now. Personally, I'm partial to the huge beard he was displaying for awhile. Jones had been working out as a receiver at the Senior Bowl practices, to help boost his stock come April. The question isn't whether or not he will be drafted, but at what position? ESPN has him listed at 6'6" and going about 235-240 pounds. That is a giant of a man. At Arkansas, Jones passed for almost 6,000 yards, for 53 touchdowns. He also ran for 2,535 and 24 TD's. He is very competent athletically for his size, which is something to consider come the draft. He is also fast for his size, and doubled as serious contributor to the Razorback basketball team as well. Someone of his athleticism and on-field intelligence could adopt a new position at the next level without much problem. There is no easier move for a QB than to WR, and that is where Jones may end up if not out-right taken as quarterback. This is obviously a project, but a small one. Matt Jones is a big-time sleeper pick in this upcoming draft.
+ = Sonny Cumbie: The important thing here is that Sonny Cumbie gets drafted by a football team. Why, you ask? You ever see that kid with his helmet off? Jeepers creepers. There's a reason why Leach makes him keep his helmet on when he's on the sideline. Leave it to Mike Leach to become the first coach in NCAA history to start a quarterback who is undead. But not that it didn't work like a charm. Zombie threw for 4,742 yards and 32 TD's in his one-and-done role as the Texas Tech quarterback. The system is genius. The real jewel of Cumbie's short career as a starter was how he completely annihilated the Cal Golden Bears, showing exactly why the Pac-10 is, and will continue to be, the weakest respectable conference in football. You don't throw for 4,742 yards and not be any good. He's tall, pretty lean, throws the ball 400 times a game, and has a cannon for an arm. Like Chang, not a typical NFL quarterback, but then again, Losman seems to be the future of the Buffalo Bills. If J.P. Losman, whom I like a lot, has the ability to break into a starting role, there is certainly hope for guys like Sonny Cumbie. Plus he cannot be killed unless you shoot him in the brains.
Cajun quarterbacks git-r-done
Stefan LeFors: Stefan LeFors' parents are deaf. LeFors knows sign language. The huddle concept was invented by a deaf college so the other team couldn't see what they were planning. There, now you learned something, and reading this article wasn't a complete waste of your effort. Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino was blessed with not only having one competent quarterback, but two. LeFors and Brohm split time this season, and instead of stumbling along, Louisville left a trail of blood all over the country, with their only loss coming to the Hurricanes in a nail-biter. LeFors is a 5th year player at Louisville, who redshirted in year 1. He does not possess an enormous arm, but what he does possess is the ability to remain calm and play the game. He is a leader and has what they call "huddle presence". The real test is whether or not he can improve his downfield throwing ability. He does not have significant height, being only an even 6 ft. tall. But as the old saying goes, it is not the size of the dog in the fight. In the last two seasons, LeFors has thrown for 5,700 yards and 37 touchdowns, and that includes a season where he split time. Not a first rounder by any means, but a late gem nonetheless that may end up leaving people pretty surprised down the road.
Shown Above: The Broad Street Badass Walter Washington tears one off around the right side
Walter Washington: Yes, there are people from Temple that are worth being included in this segment. Walter Washington was a joy to watch while he participated in college football. 6'2" and weighing 240 lbs., Washington put up strong numbers even on a team that is infamously inept. So inept in fact that the Big East gave them the heave-ho at the end of the '04 season. But, being from the Keystone State, I supported my struggling Owls, maybe because no one else did. Washington is leaving school early to join this draft class, and there's probably not many people who can blame him for it. Looking at Temple's schedule for '05, they probably won't win a game, and are playing pretty strong programs. Programs good enough to bury Walter's hopes of a drafting in 2005. He is leaving behind two years of starts for the Owls, tallying up almost 3,500 yards of passing offense and about 1,500 on the ground. All for 39 touchdowns. Saying his departure is a dent in Temple's offense is a enormous understatement. Without Washington, Temple might not score a point in 2005. What he offers the NFL is a big, dual threat in the backfield. He may not be the caliber of Vick or of past McNabb seasons, but who really is? Probably a second day pick-up, but a worthwhile project. Go ask the now ex-Syracuse coach Paul Pasqualoni if Washington is any good.
RUNNING BACKS:
Right call to bolt, or missing an enormous opportunity?
Ciatrick Fason: Many in the swamp felt that Fason was the best Gator back since Emmitt Smith. The Gators have had their troubles as of late, but the hiring of Urban Meyer, plus an enormously talented depth chart and recruiting class, are indicators that the light is brighter than ever at the end of the tunnel. The 6'0" 215 lb. junior is forgoing his senior season to spring into the NFL draft. One website has Fason listed 40th in the top 100 picks for the upcoming draft. He is coming off his first 1,000 yard season of his short career, racking up 1,267 and 10 TD's.
Moats easily avoids that notoriously stingy SMU defense
Ryan Moats: I had Moats listed as one of the top backs in 2005, and it was somewhat of a surprise to me that this junior had decided to leave college early and head for the land of splendor. It may not be all that surprising, though, when you look at his numbers. Moats has been an enormous part of the Lousiana Tech offense for a number of years now, and in 2004 alone rushed for 1,774 yards and 18 touchdowns, all en route to becoming the 2004 WAC player of the year. In virtually half of the Bulldogs' games in '04, Moats went over the 200 yard mark. Clearly the guy has some talent. The thing that really irritates me about this, is that I can no longer talk about people "getting stuck in the Moat" and "dying in the Moats" and all that. This guy basically ruined my entire 2005 comedic life.
RECEIVERS:
"Through me ye pass through the city of woe."
Dante Ridgeway: How about the fact that he finished second in the country in receiving, piled up back to back 1,000+ yard seasons, and has 18 TD's in those years combined? And oh yeah, he's 6'2" and 200 lbs. He was also a receiver for the Ball State Cardinals, and racked up those numbers on a team who isn't exactly powerdriving anyone in the Win column. Oh yeah, he was also named to the second-team all-america team. One pre-draft showcase not only does not have The Inferno in the top 100 draft picks, but he's not even in the top 70 receivers! It is right now the end of February, Ridgeway declared in mid-January. He also led the nation in receiving yards per game (127.2) and also led the nation in receptions per game (9.5). Saying he is "under the radar" is an under-statement. Dante Ridgeway is a infinitely excellent pick-up in this draft. Big-time sleeper pick for anyone who is paying attention. I have another Alighieri quote for you: "Remember tonight, for it is the beginning of always."
I just play one of the internet. I'm not this much of a prophet in real life.
OR AM I?
If they drafted people based on talent AND how sweet your uniforms and logo are, White would be a top 5 pick.
Roddy White: Yet another mid-major conference receiver that is quietly rolling along. White, unlike the others I have listed, is making some pre-draft waves. He has already climbed up to 4th or 5th in the wide receiver category, and had a nice week at the Senior Bowl. White has all the tools for success at the next level. He's 6'2", weighs 205 lbs., runs a 4.45, and led the nation in receiving this past year. He racked up 1,452 enroute to 14 touchdowns. But hey, it doesn't hurt when your quarterback is a physical monster of a man like Darrell Hackney. White is yet another receiver who is extremely talented yet over-looked by supposed experts that say this draft class is thin at receivers, despite 2,900 yards of receiving in his career and 24 touchdowns. He'll probably go before the end of the third round, but my guess is second if not late first.
Craig Bragg is so dang good he had to guard himself at practice
Craig Bragg: USC's Mike Williams is not the only Los Angeles wideout worthy of your draft choice. This 6'2" 205 lb. senior has been under-rated for quite some time. Bragg led the Bruins in receiving every year he was at UCLA, and although he did miss four games this season, he still hauled in close to 500 yards and tallied 4 touchdowns in 2004. His career numbers are 2,850 yards and 19 touchdowns. He's big, has excellent hands, and is fast, running a clocked 4.5 40 yard dash. Bragg also elevated his draft status in the mind of Your Literary Hero by displaying a very sweet light blue Bruins helmet in a post-season all-star game. Hopefully this is the sign of things to come in Bruin-land. You may be asking yourself what this has to do with Craig Bragg's draftabilty. In the immortal words of Clinton Portis, "If you wanna play sweet you gotta look sweet." Amen, brother.
Craphonso Thorpe demonstrates why he is a gem of a pick: tosses the ball to a teammate because he is a true friend and hero to the common receiver as well as a hero to all of the Little Craphonsoities that fill the Doak.
Craphonso Thorpe: The kid is 8 and a half feet tall and runs a 2.7 40-yard dash. That is all you need to know. People are saying that Thorpe's stock dropped in 2004. His numbers are definitely down, but that doesn't mean he's not stillone of the best hidden gems of the draft class. 2,153 and 18 career touchdowns. Keep in mind who this kid had to deal with at quarterback. Chris Rix, and a as-yet inept Wyatt Sexton. People say his catching ability is questionable. We're talking about NFL coaches here, people, who know how to develop talent and teach people how to play at the professional level. You don't coach height, and speed for the most part. You can coach catching ability, and it can be easily fixed. Tall, fast, and great. That's all I need to know to draft a guy. Might be a "project", but not a big one.
I love Roscoe Parrish more than I love my family, but this picture was taken miliseconds before Roscoe took the biggest hit in college football history. And if you saw it, you'll never forget it.
Roscoe Parrish: These eyes have not seen tears quite like the day Roscoe Parrish pledged himself to the NFL draft. I'm a Roscoe fan since way back (like a year), and I was really looking forward to the Canes having him around next season to help Alex Wright. Wait, I don't think that's his name. Alex Wright was Das Wunderkind in the old WCW days.
The future of Miami football.
Anyways, the kid's name is not Alex Wright. The point here is that Roscoe Parrish is three and a half feet tall and is, as Rob Halford would say, "Faster! Than! A! Laser-Bullet!"I think that pretty much sums it up. If you can work Judas Priest into a kid's description, I'd say it's more than likely he's going to the pro-bowl as a rookie. What's not to love? Even his lack of size can be compensated for the fact that every Miami player in the past decade has gone on to a huge career in the NFL. Look up the numbers, really. Either they get drafted and are great, or they are great in the near future. 9/10's of the Canes every season get drafted. The other 1/10 of them go to Europe and then end up in the NFL in 2 weeks. Not bad statistics. Parrish endeed up with 1,355 yards and 13 touchdowns. This year's draft class is dominated by receivers who are overlooked because of their height, and Roscoe gets the wood put to him by the experts because of this. As much as Craig James needs kicked off the planet, he is right that sometimes you have to go on talent, not statistics. This is the only intelligent thing Craig James has ever said in his life, but hey, even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile. Draft Roscoe Parrish.
MLTHUG6: reppin' Cincinnati like a war hero.
Mike Larkin: Another MAC receiver that is excellent that no one gives a crap about. This is another guy who is extremely overlooked by all the naysayers who think this year's receiver corps is weak, weak, weak. Well, they are wrong as hell. There are two great receivers on this Redhawks team: Larkin and cohort Martin Nance, another Miami WR that will be drafted. MLTHUG6 was supposed to be the number two man on Josh Betts' checklist, but Larkin is leaving Moho with the NCAA record for longest streak of receptions in consecutive games. Along with fellow vertically challenged receiver Chad Owens, Larkin is one of my top two sleeper picks in this whole draft. Fast as hell, can catch virtually anything, and got stabbed in a parking lot. Why wouldn't you draft a guy who can take a shiv and still rack up 832 with 8 touchdowns? 2,772 and 32 career touchdowns as a Redhawk. Not a serious downfield threat, but only in the sense of the NFL mold. Just like Chad Owens: sometimes you need to think about talent over size and 'potential'. If the NFL misses the boat on this guy, which may happen, he will make a lot of fans in Canada very, very happy. If you're in Canada, start emailing your team's owner.
This picture was taken by a special camera in the helmet of an opposing defender, right before Chad Owens juked so hard that the kid's eyes exploded and he died a very horrible death as well as placed immense shame on his family for getting destroyed by a man he knew in his heart he could never stop to begin with.
Chad Owens: This is my official #1 sleeper pick in the entire draft. Chad Owens is absolutely what you want on your football team. He is the hardest working player in college football. This kid walked on at Hawaii, not only made the team but made the starting team, led the team in receiving the past two seasons with over a thousand yards in each, is the heart and soul of a team whose quarterback just broke the NCAA passing record, is a serious threat returning kicks, and has sweet tattoos. 3,039 yards receiving and 39 touchdowns, 1,014 yards on punt returns and 6 touchdowns, 1,354 yards on kick returns and 2 touchdowns. What more do you want? Chad Owens looks sweet, and he plays sweet. The knock on Owens is his height. He's 5'9", not real big at all for an NFL receiver. Don't let that height fool you. Chad Owens plays football like he's seven feet tall. Physical specimen, enormous heart, and enormous work ethic. This is the biggest sleeper pick in the entire draft.
LINEBACKERS:
One of the three best players Temple will see for a LONG time. And all three have declared for the draft.
Troy Bennett: Two Temple guys have made this list. Yes, you heard right. There would have been three if I included Wallace, but he is too obvious. Bennett has kind of been hiding in Wallace's shadow on that stingy Owls defense. You may be asking how it's possible that there are two good pick-ups from the Temple defense. The answer to that question is "hell if I know". Troy Bennett goes 6'2", 245, and ran a recorded 4.75 dash. During this past season, Bennett picked off one pass and ranked sixth in the Big East in total tackles with 95, and tallied double-digit tackles in 3 of this year's 11 contests. He played in 46 consecutive games, was named the defensive player of the year at Temple, and was named as a preseason Street and Smith's Honorable Mention All-American in 2004. Strong and reliable, he is one of three guys at Temple about to prove that if there is talent, it is found no matter where you play football.
"When Bears Attack" runs 24-7 on this guys' TV channel
Derek Wake: Derek Wake came into Penn State as the pride of the freshman draft class. He excelled tremendously as a special teams monster, and the next season was given the starting linebacker job. But the first game of his new career, his knee decided it no longer wanted to be a team player. Wake was lost for the season, and under-went reconstructive knee surgery. He came back but was never really able to reach his earlier level of potential. Graduating this season and entering the draft, some draft sites are saying that Wake's stock has climbed pretty well. he still possesses an enormous athleticism, with a giant wingspan and vertical leap. During his tenure in State College, Wake tallied six blocked kicks: three field goals, a punt, and two extra points. Not bad for a guy with a "bum" knee.
Look for Michael Boley to be the first guy in this year's draft class with a confirmed kill.
Michael Boley: Another player defying the crap spewed by the "experts" is Southern Mississippi's Michael Boley. A lot of people said the 2005 draft class was thin at linebacker. That couldn't be any more wrong. Boley is another guy on this list who, in addition to the obvious pick-ups of Johnson and Cody, is a linebacker that deserves to be drafted. Boley has been dominating for years. He's 6'3", 220, and ran a recorded 4.5 40 yard dash. His 2004 stats alone are quite solid: 117 solo tackles, 7 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and a pick. He has recorded 17 double-digit tackling games in his career at Southern Miss. He was a 2003 All-American, and made SI's second team All-Americans for 2004. Boley has an enormous overall athletic talent as a playmaker and pass-rusher. Because of his size, he may be moved in the NFL to strong safety. Either way, look for Boley to get playing time and kill at least one unsuspecting offensive player in 2005, either on defense or special teams.
This man is highly responsible for me losing a bet of 5 dozen wings.
Kirk Morrison: Kirk Morrison ruined my life one snowy, Colorado day. I was pulling for Air Force to beat San Diego State, but I should have known better to begin with. Never bet on Air Force. Marching down the field to win, the Falcon QB threw a pass that was picked off by none other than one of the best unknown linebackers in the country: San Diego State's Kirk Morrison. The 6'2", 240 lb. senior is technically as sound as linebacker as you will find, and is a commander on the grass. Morrison was a 2003 All-American according to the College Football News, was the 2003 Mountain West defensive player of the year, and is the first Aztec since Marshall Faulk to be named as an All-American in consecutive seasons, and recorded nearly 400 tackles in his career in San Diego. He had 115 this year, and 115 last year. One observer on Morrison described the almost "eerie" signature 'smack' that Morrison puts on people. Not bad stats and accolades for a guy who is at the top of a corps of linebackers who are not supposed to be any good!
SECONDARY:
Despite downed numbers in '04, the depth of the Pool is still worth a swim.
Brodney Pool: The player out of these three secondary players that has the most upside at the pro level is Oklahoma's Brodney Pool. Pool is a surprisingly good player despite the fact that Oklahoma's secondary in 2004 had more holes in it than James Caan's body in 'The Godfather'. Hey, I'm no expert... well, I am, of course... but I'd say that it says a lot about a secondary when you need to ask a redshirt freshman to give up his redshirt status to play against one of the most inconsistent and unreliable quarterbacks in the country, Reggie McNeal of Texas A&M. As much as I like Brodney Pool (and I hate Oklahoma), he did not have a killer year in 2004. In 2003, Pool had 7 interceptions, 2 sacks, and 68 tackles from the free safety position. There is a possibility that with the new defensive minds this year in Norman, Pool did not have the ability to showcase he may have had previously. In 2003, Pool came up big in conference play, and all but 2 of his picks were against Big XII competition. And although they lost the national championship, Pool came up big in that LSU game when he took a pick 50 yards and set up a touchdown. This past season, his number of tackles rose to 87, but his INT's dropped to 2. He also recorded zero sacks, a slightly above average D'Juan Woods tore him up, and let's not even bring up the USC game. Pool may be leaving Norman when the getting is good, his stock is still credible as far as the stock of big money hustlas is concerned. Maybe him and Craphonso Thorpe are good buddies. The knock on Pool is a possible complacency on the football field, where he does not give 100%. All that being said, the safety position is also under fire from the experts for not being any good. Pool has shown he has a great amount of potential at the next level, and has an abundance of raw athletic talent. He's 6'3" 210 lbs. and ran a recorded 4.5 40-yard dash. A top draft website has Pool listed as 6th on the chart for strong safeties, and that is preposterous. I liked Pool a lot when he was at OU, even though I hate the undeserved hype OU receives. I'm sad to see him leave early, but he'll be a nice fit for somebody in the NFL.
Mountain West offenses found out real quick that gambling tables were not the only things in Vegas breaking people's hearts.
Jamaal Brimmer: Jamaal Brimmer leaves the Runnin' Rebels pretty highly decorated. He was a 2003 and 2004 pre-season All-American, a 2 time Jim Thorpe candidate, and held by many as one of the best defensive players in the country, not just best strong safety. In 2002, as a sophomore, Brimmer made a ton of waves for the Rebels. He had 100 tackles, 17 of them for a loss, he had 5.5 sacks and also 3 forced fumbles. In his junior season, he once again simply dominated. 77 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 4 recovered fumbles, and 6 interceptions. In his senior season in Las Vegas, his numbers dropped a little, which is possibly evidence of shyness by other coaches. Same goes for the Pool situation. Brimmer had 82 tackles, 6.5 for a loss, 1.5 sacks, and an interception. He was elected three times to the All-Mountain West first team, and was twice the Mountain West defensive player of the year. The accolades are almost unreal, as you can see. Brimmer kind of fell off the mainstream map after his sophomore season, probably because of the fact that UNLV is atrocious. It also doesn't help when you play in that conference, which does not get much attention, and even less respect once you pass the Utes on the Mountain West foood-chain. Because of a potential lack in foot speed, expect Brimmer to drop manybe even into the second day of the NFL draft. He is 6'1", 215 lbs., and ran a 4.6. The whole slivers-of-a-second thing with speed will never make much sense to me, but it's always a selling point with any athlete in any sport. I cannot stress enough the "diamond in the rough" cliche with this kid. He will play in the National Football League, and do well.
The Diamond Stud.
Diamond Ferri: The Syracuse Orange(men) will be losing a lot more than a safety when Ferri leaves campus. They'll be losing their ace kick-returner, who in 2004 tallied 669 receiving yards, and they'll be the third ranked leading rusher. The Diamond Stud ran the ball in only 3 games, but racked up 173 yards and 2 touchdowns. On defense in 2004, Ferri led the team with 4 interceptions (161 yards total, 1 INT for a touchdown) and tied the team-high a fumble recovery. He will hopefully now be taking his talents to much $greener$ pastures. His size is something of a potential problem. He's currently listed at 5'10" and going about 215 pounds. His footspeed may be a problem as well, recording only a 4.63. For all that, Ferri is a special teams standout, is very athletic, and is a team leader. Not first day material, but may end up as a hidden special teams gem in the near future in the NFL. Ferri went wild against Boston College. He had 2 touchdowns on offensive and one on defense in what was an enormous conference upset, at that point. If his last regular season game is any indication of his potential, look out.
Okay, so I admit it. Maybe there's a little more touting of some of these guys than there should be. Hey, how else can a fan give back? It's a shame that not all of the college greats can make the big-time in the NFL. I guess that's why there's a college hall of fame. One thing is for certain, and that there is a boatload of talent to be had in this year's draft class. Positions like WR and LB are not empty chambers. So when your team is up next, and that guy walks to the podium and reads a name you never heard before you heard it right here, don't fret. Go to the water-coolers the day after the draft and tell your co-workers you knew all about Jamaal Brimmer and Dante Ridgeway eons ago. Rub it in somebody's face, make them look bad. I'm just tryin' to help you out. I'm a people person.