I’ll update this post as games conclude. I’m currently running through tape of Alabama against Penn State and I’ve got Michigan/Notre Dame for later. Expect some thoughts on individual prospects over the next few days. JMPasq has supplied tape on Nick Foles’ performance against Oklahoma State on Friday. Regulars will know I’m not a fan of Foles – and his performance in this game did nothing to change that. I’ve given him a late round grade. Check out the tape and here’s what’s happening today…
Two of the best wide receiver prospects in a decent group for 2012 faced off in the Rutgers/UNC game. Mohamed Sanu (Rutgers) continued his fast start to the new season with 13 catches for 119 yards and a touchdown. At 6-2 and 215lbs, he carries a fairly unique skill set and the production is starting to match the potential. He stood out as a true freshman and I’ve followed his progress since and he certainly appears to be benefiting from a more settled QB situation. It’s interesting that for the second week in a row he didn’t have a single rushing attempt – he’s being used as an out-right receiver this year instead of a dual threat.
Dwight Jones (UNC) is also making up for lost time with a much more consistent start to 2011. He had 6 catches for 135 yards today, including a 66-yard touchdown grab. Jones has good hands and excellent deep speed and if he can maintain this kind of early season pace he’ll pick up real momentum for next year’s draft.
Quarterback Geno Smith and West Virginia struggled a bit against Norfolk State but recovered to put up big numbers. Smith went 20-34 for 371 yards and four touchdowns. He also looked sharp against Marshall last week and his stock will continue to improve in Dana Holgorsen’s wide open offense. Kirk Cousins and Michigan State had a much easier afternoon against Florida Atlantic going 16-21 for 183 yards and two scores in a 44-0 win. I’ll take a look at the tape on Monday and have some thoughts on Cousins’ performance.
Vinny Curry and the rest of the Marshall defensive line made life difficult for Austin Davis and Southern Miss in a 26-20 victory. Curry was among the sacks in a dominating display and also recorded a saftey. The game was littered with errors including three interceptions by Davis, but he was far from the main culprit for the Golden Eagles and ended with a stat line of 25-49 for 309 yards and two touchdown passes.
Andrew Luck threw an interception against Duke but responded with four scores in a comfortable win. Luck will remain a Heisman favorite as long as Stanford keep winning and he maintains big numbers against weaker opponents – today he went 20-28 for 290 yards. It wasn’t as good a day for Logan Thomas (QB, Virginia Tech) who struggled in a close 17-10 win over ECU. He went 8-20 for just 91 yards and an interception. He added 61 yards on the ground. Better news for another player who may end up being an outsider for the 2012 draft – Mike Glennon (QB, NC State) – he couldn’t lead the Wolfpack to victory over Wake Forest but did achieve a 24-41 passing display for 315 yards and three touchdowns.
South Carolina and Georgia played out a thriller that ended in a 45-42 win for the Gamecocks. Melvin Ingram (DE, South Carolina) had an interesting game, scoring a 68 yard rushing touchdown, getting a further score on a fumble recovery and icing the game by grabbing an onside kick – quite a day for someone predominantly known as a speedy pass rusher. Alshon Jeffery had four catches for 76 yards and a touchdown but Stephen Garcia generally struggled at quarterback going 11-25 for 141 yards and two interceptions.
Rob,
Wondering if you caught the Arizona State game last night? I was impressed with ASU JR QB Brock Osweiller. Really tall (6’8), yet has good maneuverability, above average arm and showed good accuracy. I was also really impressed with his pocket presense and poise under pressure. Could be a guy to keep an eye on.
You know, after they won last night I forgave the terrible traffic on a Friday Night…
But I love ASUs team this year, very underrated. Then again, I am a bit of homer.
Nick Foles looks worse and worse every time I see him. The guy has a lot of red flags, but maybe the biggest is that almost any decent college defense makes him look terrible.
I watched UW/Hawaii today. Austin Seferian-Jenkins looks like a legit future 1st round pick, and he’s a true freshman. He stands 6’7″ and had 91 yards on just 3 catches today.
Chris Polk seems to just get better and better, and while he’s probably going to be a 2nd or 3rd round RB, he’s a complete natural in a ZBS running game. Solid vision, decisive, good burst, solid speed, tough runner, and excellent decision maker. On one run today, he was staring down a likely 2 yard loss, so he gave up on the run instantly and dove forward for an extra 3 yards, turning a negative play into a small positive. If Polk goes to the right team, I wouldn’t mind betting on him to become the next Arian Foster success story.
Erik Folk is probably the best Huskies kicker I can remember watching. Last week, he kicked a 53 yarder that set a Huskies record. Folk isn’t just a good % kicker with a good leg, it seems like he perfectly splits the uprights every time too. Breaking into the NFL is tough as a kicker, but if anyone can do it, Folk can. Especially since his older brother already has an NFL job kicking for the Jets.
Last of all, I was lucky enough to catch the end of the Michigan/Notre Dame game live. Easily one of the most remarkable regulation finishes I have ever witnessed.
Rob,
Try and get some Ryan Lindley tape. He’s a guy who we all know has the potential to be anything he wants with his killer skillset, but has never gotten close to putting it together. His numbers thus far are wretched-read he only has completed 50% of his passes thus far this year- but I’d like to see the tape. The guys over at draftbreakdown will likely have something up soon. Analyze it when they do?
Rob,
Did you watch the UW-HI game? I was listening to it on radio at work and it sounds like Devin Aguilar and Polk are the real deal. What are your thoughts on theses two and any other prospects you think draft worthy from the UW?
I’m a huge Polk fan, really think he has a shot at the next level. I don’t have much access to Huskies football – the Locker factor made sure I had more than usual last year. I suspect I’ll get a chance to see them at some point and I’ll take a greater look at Aguilar.
Rob. What are your thoughts on Weeden and Randle? I thought Folk looked terrible as always.