D2Football.com Pro Hopefuls

Brad Roach
QB
Catawba
6'6 (6056),
248lbs
4.77/4.90 40.

Overview and Analysis

Roach's towering frame, strong arm, and better than expected mobility have teams giving him a 2nd look after his pro day performance. He is still growing, evidence by coming in over half an inch taller since last spring, and seems to be a late bloomer. He holds the school records for passing yards in a season with 3,322 and touchdown passes with 32 in a season while breaking many others during his career. He was certainly no stranger to postseason honors in 2007 after earning 1st team All-SAC, SAC Offensive Player of the Year, D2Football.com All-American, and earned an invite to the 2008 Cactus Bowl. Brad Roach, a late addition to the list, has earned anywhere from the 5th to 7th round grade from many and worst case will be a priority free agent.

Daniel Polk
RB/WR/QB
Midwestern State
6'1 (6010),
203lbs
4.58/4.62 40.

Overview and Analysis

Daniel Polk is the lone quarterback in college football (NCAA FBS, NCAA FCS, NCAA Divisions II and III, NAIA) to pass for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 more. Polk, A three-time All-Lone Star selection over his career, is the school's all-time leading rusher as well as the all-time leader in total offense (8,276 yards). He flashed some passing skills during his career; however, his postseason performance has many scouts looking at him as a receiver or running back. He showed flashes of a possible receiver conversion at the Texas vs. the Nation game. His size/speed combo and field vision as a runner also makes him a possible conversion to running back. His lack of consistency as a passer will force a position change and that will keep him from getting drafted but his athletic ability will get him a free agent contract.

Mark Nicolet
QB
Hillsdale
6'1 (6010),
217lbs
4.82/4.84 40.

Overview and Analysis

Nicolet burst onto the scene in 2007 with 31 touchdown passes and 3,335 yards to earn D2Football.com All-America Second Team honors. He also earned GLIAC Player of the Year honors. Nicolet does a good job of reading defenses and displays adequate enough arm strength to make the throws at the next level. One intangible he displays is leadership and that helps set him apart from most prospects. The knock on him is his level of competition and pure quickness. He shows upside as his play as improved over the two years he started. He helped the concern on level of competition by earning offensive player of the game honors in the 2008 Cactus Bowl where he was 10 of 18 passing for 103 yards and 3 touchdowns. If he can continue to improve, he will have a chance of making a roster due to better than expected intelligence. Don't be surprised to see him make a roster as an undrafted free agent or sneak into the 7th round.

Danny Woodhead
RB
Chadron State
5'8 (5074),
197lbs
4.38/4.40 40.

Overview and Analysis

Woodhead capped his illustrious career by winning the Harlon Hill Trophy for the 2nd straight year in 2007. He also became the NCAA's all-division career rushing record holder with 7,962 yard. He was also the first CSC football player to receive "a full-ride" scholarship. His size is obviously a big strike against his pro chances but his speed, burst, and change of direction ability could make him a lethal threat on special teams. His running style is more of a "make you miss" type than running between the tackles, which make his special teams potential key in his making a pro team. Regardless of whom he has played his size, or lack of NFL running style, a playmaker like Woodhead will get a chance. After a pro day workout in which Woodhead ran a 4.38 40, 10'1 broad jump, 4.20 short shuttle, and posted 20 reps on the bench press, he has a shot to go in the 7th round but that would be unlikely. Expect him to get a contract as an undrafted free agent signing.

Jamar Brittingham
RB
Bloomsburg
6'1 (6004),
210lbs
4.61/4.64 40.

Overview and Analysis

Brittingham has the ideal size/power combo for the next level. His physical running style and the use of his deadly stiff arm have made him difficult to stop during his career. His work ethic was shown with his significant speed and strength improvement heading into last season. He leads by example and shows a very high football IQ. Injuries slowed him down as a junior but he was able to bounce back and earn D2Football.com All-America honors after rushing for 1,435 yards and 23 touchdowns this year. His lack of ideal speed will keep him from getting drafted; however, his production will get him into a camp.

Xavier Omon
RB
Northwest Missouri
5'11 (5107),
230lbs
4.60/4.62 40.

Overview and Analysis

Omon led Division II with 2,337 yards rushing and 37 touchdowns as a senior. He became the first back in NCAA history to run for more than 1,500 yards each of his four seasons. He brings a tough downhill running style, an incredibly strong lower body, vision, balance, and work ethic scouts and coaches look for in a running back. He lacks the speed to be a home-run type back but he is tough to bring down, works hard, and gets the tough yards. He will be a very good backup in the NFL and even though he lacks home run speed, expect him to be drafted late due to his production and running style.

Edward Williams
WR
Lane College
6'4 (6035),
206lbs
4.52/4.58 40.

Overview and Analysis

Williams, a former Alabama State transfer, is looking to follow the footsteps of 2007 Lane draft pick Jacoby Jones. He has the prototypical size and displays decent speed. He also runs very good routes and shows good stop and start ability coming out of his breaks. His hands are one concern due to inconsistency. He is a very good route runner who is disciplined and physical. He has also shown a willingness to go across the middle of the field, something many players won't do. His solid play at the Texas vs. the Nation game cemented his status as a priority free agent.

James Banks
WR
Carson-Newman
6'2 (6014)
202lbs
4.58/4.62 40.

Overview and Analysis

Banks has had one of the most turbulent college careers of any player in recent memory. He started out at Tennessee and flashed promise in 2003 but was cited for underage drinking in the summer of 2004 and then missed 2004 with a knee injury. He was dismissed from Tennessee after being suspended three times for marijuana use. He attended Franklin College in spring 2005 and then transferred to Carson-Newman later that fall. He was not eligible to play in 2006 but did play this past season and flashed the talent he displayed at Tennessee in 2003. His 22 catches for 370 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 16.8 yard per catch average, despite teams scheming to shut him down and leave others open. He had an extra year of eligibility left but decided to come out since he was 24 years old and felt it was time to give the NFL a try. Banks had 18 teams come watch him workout in Indianapolis while the combine was going on and showed good route running and hands in the workout. Many teams complimented on the shape he was in as well. After interviewing him, you can see that he is ready to show everyone he has changed. Someone will take a shot on him as a free agent after decent workouts where he posted a 4.5 40.

Kolo Kapanui
TE
West Texas A&M
6'3 (6033),
271lbs
5.06/5.10 40.

Overview and Analysis

Kapanui started his career at Southern Cal but hurt his knee before camp, fell down the depth chart, and decided to transfer because he thought he could play and wanted to go closer to home so he went to El Camino CC. He earned All-America honors in '07 and capped his career as a two-time All-LSC selection. His age (24) and disappointing speed at the NFL Combine will likely drop him to free agent status on draft day.

Mike Peterson
FB/TE
Northwest Missouri
6'2 (6020),
251lbs
4.59/4.64 40.

Overview and Analysis

Peterson has one of the best stories of any prospect after working in a lumberyard before walking on at Northwest Missouri. He lacks the size for a true tight end but he has the speed, hands, and athletic ability to be a quality H-Back in the NFL. He showed his speed and catching ability at the Texas vs. Nation game where he impressed all week and in the game. Blocking technique, hand usage, and questions regarding his ability to digest plays are also concerns from scouts. He finished his career as a three-time All-MIAA selection and two-time All-America honoree. Postseason play is key for small school prospects and due to his solid workouts he will certainly get into a camp.

Brandon Barnes
OG/OT
Grand Valley State
6'2 (6016),
326lbs
4.99/5.06 40.

Overview and Analysis

Barnes is one of the most decorated offensive linemen in recent Division II memory after earning All-American honors each of the last two seasons and 1st team All-GLIAC in the last three seasons. He won the 2007 Gene Upshaw Award after dominating the competition throughout his career and thus earned him a spot in the East-West Shrine Game where he began to flash potential later in the practice week. His lack of height will probably force a move from tackle to guard but he is certainly a project that a team will take on. He has a very small chance of getting drafted but is more likely a priority free agent signing.

Mackenzy Bernadeau
OG/OT
Bentley
6'4 (6041),
306lbs
5.25/5.29 40.

Overview and Analysis

Bernadeau's dominant career was cut short this past season by a torn meniscus halfway through the year. It stopped a streak of 37 straight starts and sidelined him for all postseason all-star games. Despite missing half the season he still repeated as the NE-10 Offensive Lineman of the Year and was named to the D2Football.com All-America team. Pulling, trapping, use of hands, awareness, upside, and flexibility are among his biggest positives in the minds of scouts. He played tackle in college but is expected to make the move to guard in the NFL. His injury, inconsistency, lack of lower body strength, and level of play are his top concerns. Expect anywhere from the 6th round to priority free agent depending on the status of his knee when medical tests are done.

Alex Hall
DE
Saint Augustine's
6'5 (6051),
238lbs
4.65/4.79 40.

Overview and Analysis

Hall's draft status was a free agent heading into the postseason but might have increased after his 2008 Cactus Bowl performance. He finished the bowl game with 4 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Even though he posted solid numbers with 46 tackles, 15 TFL, and 7 sacks, many felt his senior season was a disappointment. He leaves St. Augustine's as the career sack leader with 25.5. His size/speed combo is one of the most impressive of any defensive end coming out this year, which has made him a fast rising prospect. He had scouts buzzing after the Cactus Bowl and could go late in the draft or as a free agent.

Kurt Hout
DT/DE
Ferris State
6'1 (6011),
285lbs
4.77/4.85 40.

Overview and Analysis

Hout, a former Northern Colorado transfer, quickly became one of the best defensive linemen in the D2 ranks and finished his career as a two-time All-GLIAC selection. His lack of height and ideal speed might put him at tackle in the NFL. He will need to add weight to be a tackle, though. His high-motor, strength, and quickness have gotten the attention of NFL teams. Due to level of competition, tweener label, and lack of projected upside, he will probably have to make a team as an undrafted free agent.

Michael Eubanks
SS/OLB
Delta State
5'11 (5112)
193lbs
4.55/4.64 40.

Overview and Analysis

Eubanks is an ideal example of player who will change positions in the pros from what he played in college. He has been one of the best linebackers in D2 over the last 4 years but lacks the ideal size to play that position in the NFL. Eubanks was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy this year after he led the team with 90 tackles, 27 TFL, 12 sacks, and 14 quarterback hurries. He finished his magical career as a 3-time 1st team All-GSC performer, 2-time GSC Defensive Player of the Year, and 3-time All-American. Many expected him to weigh around 220 when he came to the Cactus Bowl but only weighed in around 193 pounds, spurring the talk of a move to strong safety. He earned defensive player of the game honors after collecting 6 tackles, 5 TFL, 3 sacks, forced fumble, and interception returned for a touchdown. He also has the bloodlines as his brother John was drafted by Washington after playing his college career at Southern Miss. When all is said and done a move to SS will probably be best because of his speed and ability to close on the football. Someone might take a chance on him in the 7th round and convert him to strong safety but most have him as a priority free agent grade.

Shane Simmons
OLB/ILB
Western Washington
6'1 (6012),
236lbs
4.58/4.65 40.

Overview and Analysis

Simmons left Idaho after 2004 due to a close friend being shot and killed. From the day he got to Western Washington he was a dominant force. His 66 tackles, 6.5 TFL, and 5 sacks earned him 1st team All-GNAC honors in '05. He then started off the '06 year leading the nation in tackles (56) before an injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. He still went on to earn 2nd team All-NCC honors in '06. He closed his career as a 1st team All-NCC selection in 2007 and followed that up with a solid performance at the Cactus Bowl. He can play both inside and outside linebacker and adds value by being able to play special teams. His pro day was certainly impressive in his pro day workouts after running in the 4.58-4.63 range, 7.54 3-cone, 4.55 20-yard shuttle, and 34 inch vertical. His stock has risen after the pro day workout and now has him in the 6th to 7th round on many boards.

Steve Allen
ILB
West Texas A&M
6'1 (6004),
236lbs
4.71/4.75 40.

Overview and Analysis

Allen, a former Fresno City JC transfer emerged as one of the top players in the Lone Star Conference with 76 tackles, 7.5 TFL, and 3 sacks on his way to 1st team All-Lone Star honors last year. His senior campaign was a good follow up with 78 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, a sack, interception, pass breakup, hurry, and 2 fumble recoveries. His athletic ability, hard-hitting style, and ability to read and react have gotten the attention of scouts. His poor 40 time at the combine, character flags, and technique flaws dropped his stock to free agent status but was able to salvage his stock somewhat with a 4.71 40 at his pro day. His 40, 1.63 10-yard, 4.48 20-yard shuttle, and 7.40 3 cone were good but not enough to land him on draft boards. He projects as an undrafted free agent due to the red flags.

Brandon Carr
CB
Grand Valley
6'1 (6010),
207lbs
4.38/4.43 40.

Overview and Analysis

Carr brings the total package from a physical standpoint at 6'1, 207, 4.4 40, 35-inch vertical, 6.80 3-cone, and 10'4 broad jump. His production (5 INT, 14 PBU) doesn't hurt either. He shows the athletic ability, quickness, speed, and cover skills the NFL is looking for in a cornerback. Catches the ball well and can play in the slot or outside. He does lack physical play, doesn't press much, and will have a tough time against quicker receivers. His senior season and pro day workouts have probably moved him up boards into the late rounds.

Brian Witherspoon
CB
Stillman
5'10 (5103),
175lbs
4.29/4.33 40.

Overview and Analysis

Witherspoon is a raw but talented corner who ran a 4.29 40 at his pro day. His ability to return kicks, punts, and his amazing speed have caught the attention of many NFL teams. He was the SIAC 2006 Track & Field 100 and 200 meter dash champion. He has been tabbed as the fastest man in the SIAC. He finished 4th in the NCAA D-II Outdoor Track & Field Championships and was named a D-II Track All-American. Witherspoon earned 2nd team All-SIAC honors as a return specialist in '07, however, mostly a track athlete with limited playing time and will earn an invite to camp purely on potential. He has a slight chance of getting drafted but is more of a priority free agent type at this point.

Cary Williams
CB
Washburn
6'1 (6010),
187lbs
4.43/4.46 40.

Overview and Analysis

Williams, a former Fordham transfer dismissed for disciplinary reasons, probably earned a late round grade from teams after his senior season, but if he didn't, he certainly got it after picking off a pass and putting up 6 tackles in the Cactus Bowl.  A move to free safety is possible due to his height. Level of play and strength are a concern so many consider him a developmental prospect. After his pro day workout in which he posted a 4.43 40, 9'11 broad jump, 4.34 short shuttle, and 6.94 3-cone, Williams confirmed what he flashed at the Cactus Bowl and should land in the 6th or 7th round and worst case as a priority free agent.