| PRO HOPEFULS
I have officially profiled 23 players as
Pro Hopefuls as the group of the most elite of Division II.
Michael Hill
Missouri Western State
RB
5101 (5-10), 209 lbs
4.60-4.62 40
Career Snapshot
AFCA, 1st team, All-American, 1st team All-MIAA, OFF POY
w/311-2168-7.0-16 rush, 21-220-10.4-3 rec in 14 gms in 2012. 1st team
All-MIAA w/265-1305-4.9-8 rush, 31-257-8.2-4 rec in 12 gms in 2011. HM
All-MIAA w/172-704-4.1-3 rush, 27-269-10.0-2 rec in 12 gms in 2010.
180-792-4.4-8 rush, 14-136-9.7-0 rec in 12 gms in 2009. Redshirted in
2008.
Analysis and Projection
Hill improved heavily as a senior showing good power, natural catching
ability, and blocking on his way to an All-American season. He is
quicker than fast with good strength and shows great patience and vision
to set up his runs. He would be projected in the 4th or 5th round if he
ran sub 4.5s. Expect him to come off the board in the sixth or seventh
round or be signed quickly after the draft. For what it is worth, I gave
him an early seventh round grade.
Khiry Robinson
West Texas A&M
RB
5093 (5-9), 206 lbs
4.69-4.76 40
Career Snapshot
1st team All-Lonestar RB, RS, OFF BACK of YR w/247-1621-6.6-15 rush,
38-430-11.3-4 rec, 19-175-9.2-0 PR, 1-26-26.0-0 KR in 13 gms in 2012.
Suspended first 2 gms in 2012. 103-669-6.5-11 rush, 22-182-8.3-2 rec in
8 gms in 2011. Transferred from Blinn JC for 2011. All-American RB,
All-Conference S in 2009.
Analysis and Projection
The Buffaloes running back had a breakout year in 2012 showing a good
burst, natural movement skills, ability to catch out of the backfield,
and some punt return ability. The former JUCO product has a character
flag but could have put himself in the draft had he ran better at his
pro day. He is a likely priority free agent signing.
Charles Johnson
Grand Valley State
WR
6020 (6-2), 215 lbs
4.39-4.42 40
Career Snapshot
1st team All-GLIAC w/72-1199-16.7-16 rec in 2012. HM All-American, 1st
team All-GLIAC w/56-1030-18.4-15 rec in 2011. Redshirted in 2010.
Transferred from Eastern Kentucky for 2010. 3-63-21.0-0 rec in 2009.
Transferred from Antelope Valley CC for 2009. 24-231-9.6-3 rec in 2008.
Analysis and Projection
It was a surprise he did not get a combine invite with his measurables
and production this year. His blocking needs improvement and his hands
are inconsistent but he is a good vertical threat with good movement
skills and explosion. Some have him as high as the fourth round but I
project him to go in the sixth or seventh round.
Jason Thompson
New Haven
WR
6030 (6-3), 190 lbs
4.54-4.55 40
Career Snapshot
1st team All-Northeast 10 w/44-881-20.0-16 rec in 2012. 1st team
All-Northeast 10 w/43-1046-24.3-14 rec, 1-3-3.0-0 rush, 2-2-52-0-0-100.0
pass in 13 gms in 2011. 16-217-13.6-3 rec in 7 gms in 2010.
29-367-12.7-3 rec in 10 gms in 2009.
Analysis and Projection
Thompson was somehow snubbed by all of the all-star games but he still
attracted a lot of NFL interest this fall. He jumps out on film as one
of the fastest players and shows good hands and use of his body to make
plays by shielding defenders. He scored a lot of touchdowns in the end
zone. After dominating the last two years on film and the pro day he had
worst case he will be signed quickly after the draft.
Michael Bowie
Northeastern State
OT
6045 (6-5), 330 lbs
5.28-5.42 40
Career Snapshot
2nd team All-MIAA at LT in 2012. Transferred from Oklahoma State for
2012. Dismissed from program due to 5 failed drug tests in August 2012.
Started 5 gms, played in 12 at LT in 2011. Transferred from Navarro JC
for 2011.
Analysis and Projection
After transferring from Oklahoma State Bowie showed up on campus and was
instantly their best lineman. He does not finish plays like he should
but has good feet, athleticism, and some natural bend. There are off the
field flags on him but if he puts in the time this former Oklahoma State
starter could be a quality backup in the NFL. It would be a huge
surprise if he were drafted but should be a priority free agent signing.
Luke Marquardt
Azusa Pacific
OT
6083 (6-8), 317 lbs
5.33-5.41 40
Career Snapshot
Started at LT but missed half of season with bone injury in foot in
2012. Started at LT in 2011. Started at LT in 2010. Medical redshirt
w/broken foot in 2009. Redshirted in 2008. Hurt knee in HS. Former
basketball player recruited to play TE.
Analysis and Projection
Marquardt is an interesting player because of his size, movement skills,
and athleticism but has a lot of past injury issues, including a bone
injury in his foot as a senior. He was invited to the NFL Scouting
Combine and is considered a potential late round pick with a lot of
upside. His coach, Jackie Slater, believes he will play in the NFL and
when you watch his limited tape there is reason to believe someone may
take him in the 7th round. I have a 5th-6th round grade on him but
consider him a borderline draft projection who could go either way.
Ryan Schraeder
Valdosta State
OT
6067 (6-7), 304 lbs
5.13-5.14 40
Career Snapshot
AFCA, 1st team All-American, 1st team All-Gulf South at LT in 2012. AFCA,
2nd team All-American, 1st team All-Gulf South at LT in 2011.
Transferred from Butler CC for 2011: All-American, 1st team All-Jayhawk
Conference in 2010. Started out at Kansas State and was asked to join
football team.
Analysis and Projection
While snubbed by the combine, he is a former basketball player who is
incredibly raw but has great movement skills and size. At 6-7, 298
pounds with 5.1 speed and ability to mirror he is a solid left tackle
prospect. He will need to improve on leverage, technique, finish more,
and get stronger but has a shot. I have a free agent grade on tape but
with his upside could be a 6-10-year pro.
Manase Foketi
West Texas A&M
OT/OG
6051 (6-5), 317 lbs
5.54-5.80 40
Career Snapshot
AFCA, 1st team All-American, 1st team All-Lonestar at LT in 2012.
Transferred from Kansas State in Aug 2012. Medical redshirt w/achilles
heal injury in 2011. Started 13 gms at LT in 2010. Transferred from Mt.
San Antonio JC for 2010. 2nd team All-SCFA at LT in 2009. Started at OT
in 2008. Wore #57 at KSU.
Analysis and Projection
Foketi transferred from Kansas State, and while the KSU coaches did not
give him a great endorsement, he showed character by paying his own way
at WTAMU just to continue his dream of playing. He can mirror, has
decent strength, and good size but is a little tight in the knees and
needs some coaching. The only reason the NFL Scouting Combine invite is
projected as a priority free agent and not draft pick is the fact he was
hurt at the Shrine Game, past baggage, and lack of great workouts.
Garrett Gilkey
Chadron State
OT/OG
6067 (6-7), 304 lbs
5.29-5.37 40
Career Snapshot
1st team All-American, 1st team All-RMAC at LT in 2012. Started at LT,
BLK, missed 2 gms when appendix burst in 2011. 1st team All-RMAC at LT
in 2010. Started 2 gms, played in 6 gms in 2009. Redshirted in 2008.
Walked on to basketball team in 2011 and played in almost every game.
Analysis and Projection
Gilkey was always overlooked but that stopped in 2012 as he earned
All-America honors and flashed a mean streak scouts love. He has good
movement skills, plays hard, and has shown decent footwork. A move
inside to guard is very likely but he has the strength and body to make
the transition. He should come off the board in the late fifth to
seventh round.
Mark Jackson
Glenville State
OT/OG
6055 (6-6), 332 lbs
5.48-5.50 40
Career Snapshot
AFCA, 1st team All-American, 1st team All-WVIAC at LT in 2012. 1st team
All-WVIAC at LT in 2011. 1st team All-WVIAC at LT, 1-14-14.0-1 rec in
2010. Transferred from Dupage JC for 2010: Transferred from Illinois for
2009. Redshirted in 2008. Originally a rivals 4 star recruit coming out
of high school, signing with Illinois in 2008.
Analysis and Projection
The massive left tackle is heavy footed and lacks great athleticism but
is a strong and has the body to move inside to guard. He played through
some injuries and is tough. He was also consistent during his career
rarely getting beat. There have been weight concerns with him but if he
works hard and stays healthy he could be a solid backup in the NFL. He
is a likely free agent.
Ryan Jensen
CSU-Pueblo
OT/OG
6033 (6-3), 316 lbs
5.23-5.34 40
Career Snapshot
1st team All-American, 1st team All-RMAC at LT in 2012. 2nd team
All-American, 1st team All-RMAC at LT in 2011. 2nd team All-RMAC at LT
in 2010. Started 9 gms at LT in 2009.
Analysis and Projection
Jensen got reps on both sides of the line in college showing good
strength, feet, and improved play each year during his career. He showed
a little bit of a nasty streak and while there were times he looked only
like a camp body he got a lot better later in his senior year and showed
the upside of a late round pick to potentially develop into a starter.
Keep an eye on this one as he could be a real gem in the late rounds or
worse case as a priority free agent.
Garth Heikkinen
Minnesota Duluth
OG
6041 (6-4), 315 lbs
5.32-5.38 40
Career Snapshot
AFCA, 1st team All-American, 1st team All-NSIC North at LG in 2012. AFCA,
2nd team All-American, 1st team All-NSIC North at LG in 2011. 1st team
All-NSIC North at LG in 2010. HM All-NSIC North at LG in 2009.
Redshirted in 2008.
Analysis and Projection
This massive guard has good knee bend and shows the ability to pull and
anchor. He lacks a mean streak and does not finish a lot but has a good
initial pop and was a consistent player. Interesting to note that of all
the linemen on this list he is the only one who is a four-time
All-Conference pick and two-time AFCA All-American. Heikkinen played
well at the Shrine Game and had a decent pro day that should earn him a
contract quickly after the draft.
Edmund Kugbila
Valdosta State
OG
6043 (6-4), 319 lbs
5.13-5.20 40
Career Snapshot
3rd team All-American, 1st team All-Gulf South at RG in 2012. 1st team
All-Gulf South at RG, TT in 2011. Started at RG in 2010. Backup at OG in
2009.
Analysis and Projection
The massive guard prospect showed well during their playoff run helping
anchor a line that plowed their way to a national championship. He did a
good job with the big Winston Salem State note tackle and showed the
strength and mauling type of play that teams who look for road graders
in the run game will be enamored with. He is a likely late round pick.
Eric Kush
California PA
C
6037 (6-4), 304 lbs
5.04-5.08 40
Career Snapshot
1st team All-PSAC West at C in 2012. Started at C in 2011. Moved from LT
to C for 2011. Started 9 gms at LT in 2010. Backup in 15 gms in 2009.
Played 2 gms, medical redshirt in 2008.
Analysis and Projection
Kush improved greatly from his junior year to senior year as a guy who
many did not view as a NFL prospect in 2011 and became a player who
created a buzz in 2012. He plays high but is an athletic zone blocker
with good feet and movement skills. While his zone blocking limits him
to certain teams, he could still find his way in the late rounds after
running a 5.04 40 at 6-4, 304 pounds. His pro day did not end with good
results in the vertical (30), broad jump (9-0), short shuttle (4.35),
and position drills during his private workouts. It would not surprise
if he was taken in the seventh round despite the lack of media
attention.
David Bass
Missouri Western State
DE
6036 (6-4), 256 lbs
4.74-4.78 40
Career Snapshot
2nd team All-American, 1st team All-MIAA w/61 TT, 16 TFL, 11.5 SCK, 2
INT/returned one for TD, 7 PBU, 5 QBH, FR returned for TD, FF in 14 gms
in 2012. 1st team All-American, 1st team All-MIAA w/55 TT, 20 TFL, 14.5
SCK, 4 PBU, 8 QBH, FF in 12 gms in 2011. 2nd team All-MIAA w/47 TT, 10.5
TFL, 8 SCK, 4 QBH, 2 INT, 4 PBU in 2010. 47 TT, 9.5 TFL, 6.5 SCK, FR,
INT, 8 PBU, 3 QBH in 2009. Redshirted in 2008.
Analysis and Projection
Bass was a productive player in college with 46.5 tackles for loss over
his last htree years to earn All-MIAA honors all three seasons and
All-America honors each of the last two. He got good length and shows he
can shed blocks. He is athletic enough to change direction well and drop
into coverage but plays high and needs to improve his use of hands.
There is room for him to improve with more coaching and he needs to work
on finishing plays but has the tools you look for in a late round pick.
If not taken late in the draft he should definitely be signed very early
after it.
Rufus Johnson
Tarleton State
DE
6054 (6-6), 268 lbs
4.82-4.84 40
Career Snapshot
1st team All-Lonestar, DL of YR w/50 TT, 17.5 TFL, 10 SCK, 2 PBU, 7 QBH,
FF in 9 gms in 2012. HM All-Lonestar w/46 TT, 15.5 TFL, 5.5 SCK, PBU, 11
QBH, FF in 2011. Transferred from Kilgore JC for 2011.
Analysis and Projection
The 2012 Lonestar defensive Lineman of the Year is intriguing due to his
size, length, production, and movement skills. He is raw and was
inconsistent on tape but flashed the potential teams look for in the
late rounds. He finished with 50 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 10
sacks in 2012 and could have done more damage had he played with better
leverage, something he can easily fix at the next level. His support of
the run needs work in terms of finishing plays but he is able to keep
opponents from latching on and shows good body control, which should
make him that much better once he gets the coaching he needs. Expect him
to be taken in the 6th or 7th round.
Brandon Williams
Missouri Southern State
DT
6012 (6-1), 332 lbs
5.32-5.37 40
Career Snapshot
AFCA, 1st team All-American, 1st team All-MIAA, DEF POY w/68 TT, 16.5
TFL, 8.5 SCK, 2 PBU, 8 QBH, 5 FF, SAF in 2012. AFCA, 1st team
All-American, 1st team All-MIAA w/35 TT, 16 TFL, 8 SCK, 5 PBU, 3 QBH in
9 gms in 2011. AFCA, 1st team All-American, 1st team All-MIAA w/50 TT,
17 TFL, 9 SCK, 3 PBU, 6 QBH, FF in 2010. Medical redshirt in 2009. 38 TT,
3 TFL, 1.5 SCK, 4 PBU, QBH in 2008.
Analysis and Projection
There are concerns such as his height and has a medical flag but he is
athletic, explosive, strong as a bull, and quick off the snap. He
dominated the MIAA over the last three years, the only three-time AFCA
All-American on this list, and did well at the Senior Bowl. His ability
to break double teams, push the pocket, and chase makes him a quality
prospect. His grade is more of a third round value but with his flags it
would not be a surprise if he were to slip into the fourth round.
Armonty Bryant
East Central
DE/OLB
6046 (6-5), 249 lbs
4.69-4.84 40
Career Snapshot
AFCA All-American, 1st team All-GAC w/54 TT, 17.5 TFL, 10.5 SCK, 2 PBU,
7 QBH, 2 FR/returned one for TD, 4 FF, 2 BLK in 8 gms, suspended 3 gms
due to arrest in 2012. 1st team All-GAC w/63 TT, 12.5 TFL, 2.5 SCK, 2
PBU, 3 FFF, 3 BLK in 2011. 1st team All-American, 1st team All-LSC
North, DL of YR w/49 TT, 19.5 TFL, 13.5 SCK, INT returned for TD, 2 PBU,
4 QBH, FR returned for TD, 2 FF, 4 BLK in 2010. Had problems with
coaches so did not go back to ACU. Transferred from Cisco JC for 2010.
1st team All-American, 1st team All-Conference: 65 TT, 3 sacks. Spent
time at ACU but ineligible to return the next year.
Analysis and Projection
Bryant is a player that many graded as a 5th round value but his off
field flag has some thinking he is 50/50 to get drafted. I will almost
guarantee you he makes a roster and has a career in the NFL (if he stays
trouble free). He is being looked at as a 3-4 outside linebacker and 4-3
end. He moves well and has good quickness. The All-American consistently
jumps out on tape and despite the three game suspension in 2012 still
managed to post 17.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. He can make plays
on special teams as well. He is projected to be a sixth round pick on my
list but could go as high as the fifth and no lower than the late
seventh.
Ridge Wilson
West Alabama
DE/OLB
6031 (6-3), 246 lbs
4.76-4.82 40
Career Snapshot
2nd team All-American, 1st team All-Gulf South, GSC DEF POY w/69 TT, 18
TFL, 8.5 SCK, PBU, 4 QBH, FR, FF in 13 gms at DE in 2012. Transferred
from Kentucky for 2012. Dismissed from team due to arrest for bag full
of xanax and 1,947 in cash in his jeans in Feb 2012. 47 TT, 3 TFL, 2 SCK,
3 QBH, FR in 9 gms in 2011. 30 TT, 3 TFL, INT, 2 PBU, FR in 2010. TT on
special teams in 2009. 3-star recruit by Rivals.com in HS in 2008. Wore
#48 at Kentucky.
Analysis and Projection
There are some flags with Wilson but the talent is definitely there. He
was a surprise transfer to West Alabama and became a Harlon Hill
Semi-Finalist with 69 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks.
Wilson has good movement skills and speed. He showed the hips to drop
back into coverage but needs to be more consistent as he would go silent
at times. There is a lot of ability though and he can be very
disruptive. Like Bryant, some view him as an end while others as a
linebacker. It would not be a complete shock if he got drafted but is
more likely a free agent.
Ty Powell
Harding
ILB
6021 (6-2), 246 lbs
4.60-4.65 40
Career Snapshot
1st team All-GAC w/40 TT, 15 TFL, 8.5 SCK, PBU, 3 QBH, 2 FR, FF, 4 BLK
in 2012. 7 TT, 2.5 TFL, 2 SCK in 2 gms in 2011. Transferred from DeAnza
College for 2011.
Analysis and Projection
Powell is an interesting story as a guy who has played safety,
linebacker, and end in his career. While raw in terms of pass rush
technique his athletic ability and speed make him someone who should
convert to linebacker in the NFL. Special teams play is a strong point
for him as he blocked four field goals in 2012. There are games where he
goes silent at times but there are parts of games where he dominates and
changes plays. He can flip his hips and run very well. He showed
explosion off the ball blowing up the tackle several times on tape. He
could be a good 3-4 or 4-3 linebacker as he is good when he stands up at
the line of scrimmage. Over pursuing is a weakness of his at times as
you can tell he needs to learn the game more but the upside is there
despite just one year of production at a four-year school. This athletic
freak could go as high as the 4th as some teams are really enamored with
his upside.
Vernon Kearney
Lane College
CB
6015 (6-2), 179 lbs
4.45-4.52 40
Career Snapshot
1st team All-SIAC w/24 TT, 2 INT, 6 PBU, FR, FF in 10 gms in 2012. 21 TT,
TFL, 7 PBU in 10 gms in 2011. 23 TT, 4 PBU in 9 gms in 2010. no stats in
5 gms in 2009.
Analysis and Projection
This is one of the most interesting prospects of the group because of
his lack of production over his career, as a player who did not really
stand out until his senior year. He is considered very raw but has good
length, height, and runs well. Expect a team who signs him or selects
him late to fill out his frame some but after a year of coaching and
physical development he could be a quality No. 3 corner in the NFL with
potential for a solid No. 2 corner down the road. It is interesting to
note that of all small school corners he has the best size/speed combo.
Rontez Miles
California PA
FS
5117 (6-0), 203 lbs
4.59-4.63 40
Career Snapshot
AFCA, 1st team All-American, 1st team All-PSAC West, PSAC West DEF POY
w/75 TT, 3 TFL, 2 SCK, 4 INT, 2 PBU, QBH, FR returned for TD, FF, BLK,
1-42-42.0-0 PR in 2012. AFCA, 1st team All-American, 1st team All-PSAC
West, DEF POY w/71 TT, 6 TFL, 5 INT, 8 PBU, 2 BLK in 13 gms in 2011.
Moved from SS to FS for 2011. 1st team All-PSAC West w/60 TT, 12 TFL, 2
SCK, 5 PBU, 2 QBH, FR, SAF in 12 gms in 2010. 2nd team All-PSAC West,
FOY w/51 TT, 2.5 TFL, INT, 4 PBU, QBH, FF, BLK in 14 gms in 2009.
Attended Kent State for a year trying to find a way to get clearance out
of HS.
Analysis and Projection
Miles has had a tough life but has shown great character and hard work.
He has been highly productive and shown he can play either safety spot.
He had to improve his coverage skills based on his junior tape and did
so in 2012 by picking off four passes. He is active, has good closing
speed, hits hard, and has good range. From the moment he stepped on the
field at Cal PA he made an impact and improved his ball skills and cover
skills over time while always showing the ability to impact in the run
game. During the postseason he showed his aggressive play and really
stood out against better competition. I view him as a mid round caliber
player but even those close to him are expecting the sixth round. There
are a few teams who really like him so it is possible he is taken a
little earlier than his projection.
Jeff Heath
Saginaw Valley State
FS
6011 (6-1), 209 lbs
4.48-4.51 40
Career Snapshot
1st team All-GLIAC w/77 TT, 3 TFL, 5 INT, 7 PBU, 2 FR in 2012. 2nd team
All-GLIAC w/81 TT, 9 TFL, SCK, INT, 3 PBU, FF in 2011. 49 TT, 3 TFL, INT,
2 PBU, 2 FR in 8 gms in 2010. 13 TT, TFL, INT, FR, FF in 5 gms in 2009.
Turns 21 in 2013.
Analysis and Projection
Heath is a very athletic kid who can run well and has good ball skills
(5 INTs, 7 PBUs in 2012). He was much improved as a senior not only in
the pass game but did a better job against the run. He needs coaching
and will take time before he is more than a special teams and backup but
has some ability to go along with great size and speed for his position.
It would not be a shock if he were taken in the seventh round but is
likely a priority free agent.
2013 NFL COMBINE INVITES
DE David Bass, Missouri Western
DE/LB Armonty Bryant, East Central
OT/OG Manase Foketi, West Texas A&M
OT/OG Garrett Gilkey, Chadron State
OT/OG Mark Jackson, Glenville State
OG Edmund Kugbila, Valdosta State
OT Luke Marquardt, Azusa Pacific
S Rontez Miles, California PA
LB Ty Powell, Harding
DT Brandon Williams, Missouri Southern |
