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D2Football.com Pro Hopefuls
Brad Roach
QB
Catawba
6'6 (6056),
248lbs
4.77/4.90 40.
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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.
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Daniel Polk
RB/WR/QB
Midwestern State
6'1 (6010),
203lbs
4.58/4.62 40.
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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.
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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. |
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Danny Woodhead
RB
Chadron State
5'8 (5074),
197lbs
4.38/4.40 40.
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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.
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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.
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Xavier Omon
RB
Northwest Missouri
5'11 (5107),
230lbs
4.60/4.62 40.
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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.
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Edward Williams
WR
Lane College
6'4 (6035),
206lbs
4.52/4.58 40.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Mike Peterson
FB/TE
Northwest Missouri
6'2 (6020),
251lbs
4.59/4.64 40.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Kurt Hout
DT/DE
Ferris State
6'1 (6011),
285lbs
4.77/4.85 40.
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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.
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Michael Eubanks
SS/OLB
Delta State
5'11 (5112)
193lbs
4.55/4.64 40.
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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.
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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. |
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Steve Allen
ILB
West Texas A&M
6'1 (6004),
236lbs
4.71/4.75 40.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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