Thursday, August 28, 2014 – Week 1 NDS TOP-50 DRAFT BOARD THE HOT READ By NFL Draft Scout Analyst Dane Brugler (@DPBrugler) 1. – QB – Oregon* 2. LEONARD WILLIAMS – DL – USC* . FOOTBALL IS BACK: School starting back up and summer winding down. Football is back! 3. – OT – Texas A&M Whether you prefer NFL or (or both), the NFL Draft, which no question is a 4. RANDY GREGORY – DE – Nebraska* 365 day process, is the marriage of the two. A lot will change between now and next 5. – OT – Iowa spring, but tracking the progress (or lack of progress) of prospects throughout the 2014 6. JAMEIS WINSTON – QB – Florida State* season will help shape how the 2015 NFL Draft plays out eight months from now. 7. SHILIQUE CALHOUN – DE – Michigan State*

. YEAR OF THE PASS RUSHER: Every year there is a certain position that emerges as the 8. ANDRUS PEAT – OT – Stanford* strength of each draft class. Looking at the potential prospects in the 2015 crop, some 9. – WR – Auburn* would say the position is the most stacked unit led by Oregon QB Marcus 10. IFO EKPRE-OLOMU – CB – Oregon Mariota (6-4 | 215 | 4.52 | #8) and Florida State QB Jameis Winston (6-4 | 235 | 4.83 | 11. – FS – Alabama* #5). However, it’s the potential of the pass group that has my attention. There are 12. – OLB – Clemson currently 10 defensive ends or pass rush in NFLDraftScout.com’s pre-season 13. MICHAEL BENNETT – DT – Ohio State top-50: Nebraska DE Randy Gregory (6-6 | 245 | 4.76 | #44), Michigan State DE Shilique 14. – WR – Alabama* Calhoun (6-4 | 257 | 4.72 | #89) and Florida State DE Mario Edwards (6-3 | 294 | 4.88 | 15. P.J. WILLIAMS – CB – Florida State* #15) lead the underclassman group and Clemson OLB Vic Beasley (6-2 | 235 | 4.58 | #3) 16. LA’EL COLLINS – OT – LSU represents the seniors. While there is no question that quarterback is the most important 17. MARIO EDWARDS – DE – Florida State* position in football, the player that can collapse the pocket and get to the quarterback is 18. TODD GURLEY – RB – Georgia* second on that list. 19. BRETT HUNDLEY – QB – UCLA* 20. DANTE FOWLER – DE – Florida* . PAC 12’s POISED PASSERS: While the SEC is still college football’s premier conference, the 21. – RB – Wisconsin* Pac-12 has the bragging rights to the top quarterback prospects in the country this season. 22. – WR – Arizona State* Entering the 2014 campaign, Oregon junior QB Marcus Mariota (6-4 | 215 | 4.52 | #8) and 23. MIKE DAVIS – RB – South Carolina* UCLA junior QB Brett Hundley (6-3 | 227 | 4.64 | #17) are considered potential top-10 24. CARL DAVIS – DT – Iowa draft picks and Oregon State senior QB Sean Mannion (6-5 | 220 | 4.94 | #4) is a possible 25. – QB – Stanford* top-50 prospect. Include Arizona State senior QB Taylor Kelly (6-2 | 211 | 4.84 | #10), 26. T.J. YELDON – RB – Alabama* Stanford junior QB Kevin Hogan (6-4 | 228 | 4.72 | #8) and Washington State senior QB 27. TY MONTGOMERY – WR - Stanford Connor Halliday (6-4 | 198 | 4.87 | #12) and the Pac-12 could realistically have six passers 28. NOAH SPENCE – OLB – Ohio State* drafted in next year’s class. Tracking their progress throughout this season will be an 29. ELLIS McCARTHY – DL – UCLA* interesting storyline for the 2015 NFL Draft. 30. KURTIS DRUMMOND – FS – Michigan State . EAGLES FLYING HIGH: The major college football conferences don’t kick off until Thursday, 31. SHAWN OAKMAN – DE – Baylor* Aug. 28, but the FCS-level is already open for business. Eastern Washington defeated Sam 32. CONNOR COOK – QB – Michigan State* Houston State, 56-35, last Saturday on the red turf and the Eagles showcased a few NFL 33. DeVANTE PARKER – WR – Louisville prospects worth keeping tabs on this season. Senior RT Jake Rodgers (6-6 | 318 | 5.29 | 34. SHAQ THOMPSON – OLB – Washington* #65) has adequate footwork in his kickslide to cut off speed and although he’s more apt to 35. JOSH SHAW – CB – USC absorb than deliver first contact, he can swallow rushers without giving up too much 36. – CB – Michigan State* ground. Senior FS Tevin McDonald (5-11 | 190 | 4.58 | #7), who was dismissed from UCLA 37. DEVIN FUNCHESS – TE – Michigan* due to a violation of team rules in 2013, is a rangy player who pops up quite a bit, throwing 38. A.J. CANN – OG – South Carolina his body around, but his reactionary awareness was disappointing. Junior QB Vernon 39. MARCUS PETERS – CB – Washington* Adams (5-11 | 190 | 4.64 | #3) is the spark plug of the EWU offense, but it was senior RB 40. ERECK FLOWRS – OT – Miami (Fla.)* Quincy Forte (5-11 | 195 | 4.53 | #22) who impressed with his energetic run style, 41. DORIAL GREEN-BECKHAM - WR - Oklahoma* finishing with a game-best 152 rushing yards, averaging 6.6 yards per carry. 42. – OT – Baylor* 43. JOSH HARPER – WR – Fresno State . SLEEPER ALERT: A transfer from Oregon, senior QB Bryan Bennett (6-2 | 205 | 4.72 | #3) 44. – DE – Oregon* rewrote the Southeastern Louisiana record books last season and is arguably one of the 45. DERRON SMITH – FS – Fresno State top-five senior quarterback prospects for the 2015 class with his -like style. 46. DENZEL PERRYMAN – ILB – Miami (Fla.) . INJURY ALERT: Louisville senior WR DeVante Parker (6-3 | 209 | 4.53 | #9) will be 47. RONALD DARBY – CB – Florida State* sidelined for 6-8 weeks due to surgery to repair a broken bone in his left foot. He led the 48. DEVONTE FIELDS – DE – Ex-TCU* Cardinals in receiving last season with 55 catches for 885 yards and 12 scores and is in the 49. JOSUE MATIAS – OG – Florida State discussion to be the top senior wideout drafted, possibly in the top-40 draft picks. 50. – DE – Louisville

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FILM ROOM NOTES Players catching the eyes of NFL Draft Scout Analysts Rob Rang (@RobRang) and Dane Brugler (@DPBrugler) ILB Darryl Monroe – Washington State, rJR (6-1 | 235 | 4.76 | #13) RB Karlos Williams – Florida State, SR (6-1 | 219 | 4.42 | #9)

For many, safety Deone Bucannon was the surprise first round The Seminoles lost Devonta Freeman and James Wilder to the NFL selection of the 2014 NFL Draft. Monroe is another Cougar who is Draft last spring, but Williams returns for his senior season, arguably quietly earning high marks from scouts due to many of the same traits the top back Florida State has had on the roster since Warrick Dunn. that helped his former teammate surprise on draft day - namely speed, Williams moved from safety to last season and finished explosive hitting and production. with 730 rushing yards and 11 scores, averaging 8.0 yards per carry.

Monroe has recorded 174 tackles, including 16.5 for loss as a starter Williams has light feet and flexible ankles to make strong cuts and over the past two seasons. He sports a chiseled frame and the strength redirect his momentum quickly. But while decisive and smooth, he also gained from time in the weight room is obvious on the field. He's an runs with forward lean and a physical style that makes him a tough guy explosive, aggressive defender whose hits make him an intimidating to slow down once he gains steam. Being a safety-to-back convert, presence up the middle and one of the few traditional inside Williams’ instincts and feel need time to develop as he clearly looks linebackers coming down the pike. Monroe is too willing to lunge to more comfortable on the outside rather than between the tackles. He make the big hit and doesn't possess great balance, which results in also needs to show improvement as a blocker and pass-catcher in some big collisions when he guesses right and some cut-back 2014, two areas where he appeared lackadaisical last season. Williams opportunities when he overruns the play. With improved patience, has the natural burst, agility and hungry streak that makes him Monroe could leap into the top 100 mix – RR appealing to NFL scouts and could land him in the draft’s top-50 – DB

DT Michael Bennett – Ohio State, SR (6-2 | 288 | 4.96 | #63) OLB C.J. Johnson – Mississippi, SR (6-2 | 237 | 4.67 | #10)

The Buckeyes have a lot of talent on their defensive line and several Johnson ranks among my favorite breakout candidates among seniors possible first round picks, including Bennett. He finished among the this season. He signed with the Rebels as a highly touted prospect and team leaders in sacks (7), tackles for loss (11.5) and forced (3) looked on the verge of stardom as a sophomore with 55 tackles, last season and projects as a possible first round pick next spring. including eight for loss and a team-leading 6.5 sacks as an edge rusher.

Bennett is quick out of his stance and displays outstanding balance Two separate leg injuries a year ago, however, forced Johnson to and coordination through contact to work off blocks and keep his feet redshirt after just four games. When healthy, Johnson has shown to be a factor in the play. He has the upper body strength and grip to explosiveness off the corner, especially out of the two-point stance and latch and pull blockers, using leverage and leg drive to stack and shed he'll be protected at Ole Miss this year with super-sophomore Robert at the point of attack. But he’s not a people mover and lacks the Nkemdiche the clear focus of opponents' blocking schemes. Johnson is a overwhelming strength or anchor power to bully blockers and needs fluid, coordinated athlete who doesn't shy from physicality or blockers to show more shock in his hands. Bennett has improved backfield on his way to the ball. Johnson is at his best attacking the quarterback vision with the controlled footwork and change of direction skills that but changes directions fluidly and appears to have the acceleration to is uncommon for the position, allowing him to play up and down the handle coverage responsibilities, as well. One need only look at the rise line of scrimmage. He might not be a fit for every NFL defense, but (6-foot-2, 252 pounds) enjoyed with Auburn a year ago to see compares favorably to DL Mike Daniels – DB how a star SEC pass rusher can vault up NFL draft boards. – RR

WR – East Carolina, SR (6-0 | 188 | 4.49 | #2) OT Spencer Drango – Baylor, rJR (6-5 | 315 | 5.10 | #58)

Characterized as a "definite first round pick" by his receivers coach One of the top offensive linemen in college football, Drango has an (Donnie Kirkpatrick), Hardy enters his senior campaign with an eye- impressive NFL skill-set as the game appears to come very easily to popping 266 receptions for 3,047 yards and 25 scores over his career. him, showing similarities to Dallas Cowboys’ 2014 first rounder Zach Martin in some areas. Hardy's production has certainly been inflated by a relatively simple attack that often schemes to get him the ball in space and rarely asks Baylor’s starting left tackle the last two seasons, Drango displays an him to run anything deeper than 10 yards downfield. However, even easy kickslide with a wide base and the fluid lower body movements to with defenders knowing what Hardy is likely to run, he is consistently properly protect the pocket from speed or power rushers. He is always able to gain separation due to his impressive quickness, agility and alert and rarely caught off guard with a high football IQ and overall balance as a route-runner. Hardy possesses a compact, athletic build awareness to process situations quickly. Drango has the stone hands and isn't afraid of the contact that comes with often playing out of the to jolt with little resistance, displaying the balance to handle defenders slot or as a returner and even shows better than anticipated physicality and stay off the ground. He has very few holes to his game, but back as a downfield blocker. He averaged 11.2 yards on 20 punts a season surgery last November is a bright red flag on his scouting report and ago and possesses the vision, elusiveness and creativity in the open definitely something to monitor. If healthy and there are no long-term field. To boost his stock Hardy needs to show greater consistency on 50- concerns with his back, Drango has the overall ability to compete to be 50 jump balls and must answer questions about his pure speed. – RR the top tackle drafted whenever he decides to go pro. – DB

STOCK REPORT: MOVING ON UP: Due to 2013 injuries, some thought Georgia junior RB Keith Marshall (5-11 | 219 | 4.49 | #4) would redshirt in 2014, but he has healed quicker than expected and coaches expect him at 100% for the opener.

ON THE WAY DOWN: After an injury plagued 2013 at Northwestern, senior RB Venric Mark (5-7 | 175 | 4.38 | #5) RB was set to rebound in 2014, but due to multiple factors he recently decided to transfer to West Texas A&M.

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PROSPECT MATCH-UP: WEEK 1 The NFL Draft prospects to watch in the biggest games this weekend – By NFL Draft Scout Analyst Dane Brugler (@DPBrugler)

WISCONSIN | LSU

Saturday, September 30, 9 p.m. Houston, Texas – ESPN

With the introduction of the College Football Playoff this season, look for more and more non-conference match-ups between marquee programs like this contest in Houston. LSU and Wisconsin haven’t faced each other on the football field since 1972 and it marks only the third time that the two teams have matched up (LSU won previous two meetings). Although the Tigers are favored in this game as well, it will feature over a dozen NFL prospects on both sides of the ball and on both sidelines.

FIVE PROSPECTS TO FOCUS ON:

RB MELVIN GORDON, rJR, WISCONSIN (6-1 | 207 | 4.54 | #25) Over the years, Wisconsin has been known for their mauling offense lines and talented backs who take advantage of the hogs up front. But Gordon creates a lot of yardage by himself and that will be tested in this match-up vs. a SEC defense. He has a well-rounded skill-set and is elite in two areas: balance and acceleration. Gordon goes 0-to-60 in a flash and bursts to top speed quickly with the vision and patience to follow blocks and find holes to daylight. His body type isn’t ideal, but he lowers his pads and keeps his legs pumping (think Jamaal Charles). Gordon, who finished with 1,609 rushing yards last season, averaged only 16 touches per game in 2013, but look for that number to go up in 2014.

RB TERRENCE MAGEE, SR, LSU (5-9 | 214 | 4.57 | #18) There has been so much hype around true freshman RB Leonard Fournette that Magee seems to be under-the-radar entering the 2014 season. But NFL scouts are well aware of the talented runner with several around the league ranking him among the top-three senior prospects at the position. Magee, who will don the coveted #18 jersey for the Tigers this season, finished second on the team in rushing in 2013 with 644 yards on 86 carries, averaging a team-best 7.3 yards per carry. He has a compact build and runs low to the ground, showing fight and determination to get every yard he can. Magee isn’t the fastest or most elusive, but he wins with the vision and feel as an inside runner to follow his blocks.

LT LA’EL COLLINS, SR, LSU (6-5 | 315 | 5.12 | #70) One of the top high school recruits four years ago, Collins started 13 games at left guard as a sophomore before moving to left tackle as a junior last season. He is expected to return to left tackle as a senior, but several around the league seem split on whether his best NFL position will be guard or tackle. Collins has a well-proportioned frame to square his shoulders and play with a strong base, using his physical mentality to finish once he gets his hands on defenders. He is agile, but not explosive and is often the last lineman to move off the snap, displaying average-at- best kickslide quickness and footwork that is more choppy than smooth. Collins projects as a serviceable NFL swing OT but might be best at OG.

SS RONALD MARTIN, SR, LSU (6-1 | 218 | 4.59 | #26) LSU struggled with inconsistent safety play last season and enter 2014 with question marks at the position. Martin, who started seven games last season before an injury sidelined him, is the most senior member of the Tigers’ secondary and will be expected to take on a leadership role for his final season in Baton Rouge. He lost almost 20 pounds from last year in hopes of playing faster and looser to better break down on the move to be more consistent as a tackler and recover after aggressive steps. With Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon regularly getting to the second level, NFL scouts will be focusing on Martin to see if he’s able to take accurate angles to the ball and finish at the ballcarrier.

DE JERMAURIA RASCO, SR, LSU (6-3 | 262 | 4.84 | #59) Despite only four sacks last season, Rasco was the team leader in that category as a first-year starter in 2013. He is the only senior projected to start on the Tigers’ defensive line in 2014 and will be expected to take on more of a leadership role this season. Although not a sudden or quick- twitch rusher, Rasco plays fast and active with sharp angles and good vision to the quarterback. He has a bad habit of popping upright and struggling to shed at the point of attack, but he also led all LSU defensive linemen with five passes batted down at the line of scrimmage, timing his jumps well even when he doesn’t get to the quarterback. Although not flashy, Rasco is a steady performer with All-SEC ability. OTHER WISCONSIN PROSPECTS TO WATCH: OTHER LSU PROSPECTS TO WATCH: 2015 NFL DRAFT

NG Warren Herring, rSR (6-2 | 294 | 5.06 | #45) FS Jalen Mills, JR (6-1 | 189 | 4.53 | #28) For the most TE Sam Arneson, SR (6-4 | 254 | 4.73 | #49) LG Vadal Alexander, JR (6-6 | 342 | 5.46 | #78) up-to-date and LT Tyler Marz, rJR (6-5 | 321 | 5.34 | #61) RB Kenny Hilliard, SR (6-0 | 233 | 4.63 | #27) comprehensive NFL RT Rob Havenstein, rSR (6-8 | 327 | 5.39 | #78) TE Travis Dickson, rSR (6-3 | 230 | 4.74 | #41) Draft information LG Dallas Lewallen, rSR (6-6 | 322 | 5.43 | #73) RG Hoko Fanaika, SR (6-6 | 348 | 5.54 | #69) available, visit RG Kyle Costigan, rSR (6-4 | 315 | 5.38 | #54) ILB D.J. Welter, rSR (6-0 | 235 | 4.76 | #31) NFLDraftScout.com

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OTHER KEY MATCH-UPS WHEN THE AGGIES HAVE THE BALL… The Manziel-less Texas A&M offense begins a new chapter in 2014 with only five returning starters, but senior LT Cedric Ogbuehi (6-5 | 300 | 5.15 | #70) is a valuable returner and also one of the top NFL prospects in the country. He moves from right tackle to left tackle as a senior, replacing Jake Matthews, and will have the benefit of not having to face or Chaz Sutton for the Gamecocks. Moving from RG, RS sophomore RT German Ifedi (6-5 | 312 | 5.34 | #74) takes over Ogbuehi’s old spot and has NFL talent himself.

TEXAS A&M at WHEN THE GAMECOCKS HAVE THE BALL… SOUTH CAROLINA A prospect expected to go pro after this season, junior RB Mike Davis (5-9 | 215 | 4.52 | #28) is questionable Thursday, Aug. 28, 6 p.m. for this contest and his status is something to watch. Whoever is toting the rock for South Carolina has the Columbia, S.C. - SEC Network opportunity to run behind one of the SEC’s top offensive lines. RS Senior LG A.J. Cann (6-3 | 314 | 5.08 | #50) has an excellent mix of power and agility and is one of the top senior prospects at his position. RS Senior LT Corey Robinson (6-6 | 341 | 5.36 | #53) has a wide base, but suspect body control and still needs a lot of work. OTHER TEXAS A&M PROSPECTS TO WATCH: OTHER SOUTH CAROLINA PROSPECTS TO WATCH:

LG Jarvis Harrison, RS Senior (6-3 | 325 | 5.27 | #51) DT J.T. Surratt, RS Senior (6-2 | 305 | 5.08 | #97) CB Deshazor Everett, Senior (5-11 | 188 | 4.54 | #29) TE Rory Anderson, Senior (6-5 | 232 | 4.73 | #81) C Mike Matthews, Junior (6-2 | 285 | 5.12 | #56) SS Brison Williams, Senior (5-11 | 218 | 4.57 | #12) RB Trey Williams, Junior (5-8 | 195 | 4.46 | #3) SPUR Sharrod Golightly, RS Senior (5-10 | 205 | 4.57 | #9)

WHEN THE BRUINS HAVE THE BALL… Over the past two seasons, RS junior QB Brett Hundley (6-3 | 227 | 4.64 | #17) has flashed outstanding NFL potential with the natural tools pro scouts look for at the position. Is this the season he takes the next step in his development? Time will tell and it starts with an underrated road test in Charlottesville. Senior SS Anthony Harris (6-1 | 190 | 4.57 | #8) is a ballhawking safety and ranks as one of the top safety prospects in all of college football. He and junior DE (6-4 | 235 | 4.73 | #7) are Virginia’s top prospects on defense.

UCLA at WHEN THE CAVALIERS HAVE THE BALL… VIRGINIA The offense is a large reason Virginia had just two wins last season so there is a lot of room for improvement. Saturday, Sept. 30, Noon RS senior RB Kevin Parks (5-8 | 205 | 4.53 | #25) led the team in rushing last season with 1,031 yards and 11 Charlottesville, Va. – ESPN and is a borderline draftable player entering his final collegiate season. On defense, the Bruins lose top-10 pick LB Anthony Barr, but return several impact players and potential top-100 prospects, including RS senior ILB (6-0 | 230 | 4.68 | #6) and junior DT Ellis McCarthy (6-4 | 330 | 5.18 | #90).

OTHER UCLA PROSPECTS TO WATCH: OTHER VIRGINIA PROSPECTS TO WATCH:

DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa, RS senior (6-3|270|4.79|#94) CB Demetrious Nicholson, senior (5-10 | 185 | 4.48 | #1) RB Jordan James, RS senior (5-9 | 196 | 4.49 | #6) ILB Henry Coley, RS senior (6-1 | 230 | 4.92 | #44) LG Malcolm Bunche, RS senior (6-7 | 327 | 5.24 | #78 WR Darius Jennings, senior (5-11 | 175 | 4.49 | #6) FS Anthony Jefferson, RS senior (6-1 | 190 | 4.58 | #23) WLB Daquan Romero, senior (6-1 | 235 | 4.76 | #13)

WHEN THE MOUNTAINEERS HAVE THE BALL… West Virginia is forced to replace RB Charles Sims in the backfield, but have a handful of capable backs, led by senior RB Dreamius Smith (5-11 | 216 | 4.59 | #2). One of his blockers up front, RS senior LG Quinton Spain (6-5 | 332 | 5.36 | #67), has received a lot of pre-season buzz, but his passive, top-heavy skill-set leaves a lot to be desired. Despite losing seven starters, Alabama’s defense will be one of the best in the SEC again in 2014, led by junior FS Landon Collins (6-0 | 215 | 4.53 | #26), who looks like the top safety prospect in the nation.

WEST VIRGINIA at WHEN THE CRIMSON TIDE HAVE THE BALL… ALABAMA Although Alabama is breaking in a new quarterback, the Tide return plenty of impact prospects at the skill Saturday, Sept. 30, 3:30 p.m. positions, including juniors WR Amari Cooper (6-1 | 202 | 4.56 | #9) and RB T.J. Yeldon (6-2 | 218 | 4.46 | #4). Tuscaloosa, Ala. – ABC Neither are elite prospects, but both project as potential top-50 picks next spring with well-rounded skill-sets that translate well to the NFL game. For the WVU defense, the most intriguing prospect to watch is senior DE Shaquille Riddick (6-5 | 242 | 4.82 | #98), who transferred to Morgantown from Gardner-Webb this summer.

OTHER WEST VIRGINIA PROSPECTS TO WATCH: OTHER ALABAMA PROSPECTS TO WATCH:

RB Rushel Shell, RS sophomore (6-0 | 210 | 4.57 | #7) LG , RS senior (6-5 | 318 | 5.43 | #77) FS Karl Joseph, junior (5-10 | 196 | 4.63 | #8) ILB Trey DePriest, senior (6-1 | 245 | 4.82 | #33) WR Kevin White, senior (6-3 | 209 | 4.49 | #11) WR , senior (5-11 | 187 | 4.56 | #22) WR Mario Alford, senior (5-8 | 178 | 4.39 | #5) DT Brandon Ivory, RS senior (6-3 | 312 | 5.38 | #99)

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OTHER KEY MATCH-UPS WHEN THE TIGERS HAVE THE BALL… No offense in the nation is forced to replace more firepower than Clemson with QB Tajh Boyd, WR Sammy Watkins and others now in the NFL. Senior QB Cole Stoudt (6-4 | 210 | 4.86 | #18) has waited his turn to be the starter, but faces a tough test in his first career start in a hostile environment. The Bulldogs return 11 of their top 13 tacklers from a year ago, led by senior MLB Ramik Wilson (6-2 | 232 | 4.76 | #51), junior OLB (6-2 | 246 | 4.76 | #59) and RS sophomore SLB Leonard Floyd (6-3 | 220 | 4.73 | #84).

CLEMSON at WHEN THE BULLDOGS HAVE THE BALL… GEORGIA Georgia’s backfield was banged up last year, but when healthy, juniors RB Todd Gurley (6-1 | 232 | 4.54 | #3) Saturday, Sept. 30, 5:30 p.m. and RB Keith Marshall (5-11 | 219 | 4.49 | #4) might be the best tandem in the country. Gurley has the type of Athens, Ga. – ESPN NFL potential to hear his name called in the first round and the coaching staff is hopeful that Marshall will be 100% by the season opener. For the Clemson defense, RS senior OLB Vic Beasley (6-2 | 235 | 4.58 | #3) and senior DT (6-1 | 295 | 5.03 | #50) are the tone-setters and both are highly graded by NFL scouts. OTHER CLEMSON PROSPECTS TO WATCH: OTHER GEORGIA PROSPECTS TO WATCH:

ILB Stephone Anthony, senior (6-2 | 245 | 4.78 | #42) QB Hutson Mason, RS senior (6-2 | 202 | 4.96 | #14) WR , RS junior (6-2 | 205 | 4.42 | #19) CB Damian Swann, senior (5-11 | 178 | 4.52 | #5) CB Garry Peters, RS senior (6-0 | 185 | 4.50 | #26) ILB Amarlo Herrera, senior (6-0 | 244 | 4.77 | #52) WR Adam Humphries, senior (5-11 | 190 | 4.58 | #13) C David Andrews, senior (6-2 | 295 | 5.15 | #61)

WHEN THE SEMINOLES HAVE THE BALL… Can RS sophomore QB Jameis Winston (6-4 | 235 | 4.83 | #5) repeat his unprecedented success from 2014? And if he does, will he make the jump to the NFL? The Winston storylines will be fascinating to watch, both on and off the field. Florida State must replace 2013’s leading rusher RB Devonta Freeman, but senior RB Karlos Williams (6-1 | 219 | 4.42 | #9) might be the top senior back in the country. Also gone is WR Kelvin Benjamin, but senior WR (6-0 | 178 | 4.47 | #80) is one of the top WR prospects for the 2015 class.

FLORIDA STATE vs. WHEN THE COWBOYS HAVE THE BALL… OKLAHOMA STATE The Seminoles’ defense produced four draft picks in the 2014 NFL Draft, but are once again loaded to make Saturday, Sept. 30, 8 p.m. another run at the National Title. Florida State must replace and Terrance Brooks at safety, Arlington, Tex. – ABC but have one of the best groups in the country led by juniors P.J. Williams (6-0 | 196 | 4.48 | #26) and CB Ronald Darby (5-11 | 188 | 4.46 | #3). Junior DE Mario Edwards (6-3 | 294 | 4.88 | #15) is a former top high school recruit and the light bulb seemed to come on for him last season, setting the stage for a big 2014.

OTHER FLORIDA STATE PROSPECTS TO WATCH: OTHER OKLAHOMA STATE PROSPECTS TO WATCH:

LG Josue Matias, senior (6-6 | 331 | 5.32 | #70) DT James Castleman, senior (6-2 | 300 | 5.12 | #91) LT Cameron Erving, RS senior (6-5 | 304 | 5.16 | #75) RB Desmond Roland, senior (6-2 | 210 | 4.62 | #26) RG Tre Jackson, senior (6-4 | 339 | 5.38 | #54) CB Kevin Peterson, junior (5-11 | 185 | 4.58 | #1) TE Nick O’Leary, senior (6-3 | 244 | 4.76 | #35) OT Daniel Koenig, RS senior (6-6 | 300 | 5.30 | #58)

WHEN THE AGGIES HAVE THE BALL… Although not a household name, senior QB Chuckie Keeton (6-1 | 200 | 4.67 | #16) is one of the top senior prospects at his position in the country. He tore the ACL in his left knee last October and will face a tough test in his return to the field as he leads the Aggies into SEC Country to face the Vols. Keeton has an energetic play style with laser arm strength and the gamer mentality that could make him a Heisman candidate. Tennessee’s talented senior MLB A.J. Johnson (6-2 | 243 | 4.73 | #45) will likely be spying Keeton most of the game.

UTAH STATE at WHEN THE VOLUNTEERS HAVE THE BALL… TENNESSEE The SEC lost a number of notable starting from a year ago, but senior QB Justin Worley (6-4 | Sunday, Aug. 31, 7 p.m. 224 | 4.92 | #14) returns for the Volunteers and leads an offense that must replace all five offensive line Knoxville, Tenn. – SEC Network starters. For the Utah State defense, RS junior OLB Kyler Fackrell (6-5 | 245 | 4.74 | #9) is a jack-of-all-trades type with the ability to rush the passer, drop in space and play the run. He has some limitations, but is putting himself on the draftable map. RS senior FS Brian Suite (6-3 | 205 | 4.71 | #21) is also worth watching.

OTHER UTAH STATE PROSPECTS TO WATCH: OTHER TENNESSEE PROSPECTS TO WATCH:

DE B.J. Larsen, RS senior (6-5 | 275 | 4.96 | #99) CB Justin Coleman, senior (5-10 | 190 | 4.53 | #27) ILB Zach Vigil, RS senior (6-2 | 232 | 4.86 | #53) RB Marlin Lane, senior (5-11 | 210 | 4.59 | #15) RB Joe Hill, senior (5-11 | 190 | 4.57 | #32) TE Brendan Downs, senior (6-5 | 228 | 4.76 | #85) RG Bill Vavau, senior (6-4 | 314 | 5.18 | #68) WR Jacob Carter, RS senior (6-0 | 190 | 4.65 | #87)

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POSITIONAL RANKINGS - OFFENSE QUARTERBACKS TIGHT ENDS 1. *Marcus Mariota, Oregon (6-4, 215) 1. *Devin Funchess, Michigan (6-5, 230) 2. *Jameis Winston, Florida State (6-4, 235) 2. Nick O’Leary, Florida State (6-3, 244) 3. *Brett Hundley, UCLA (6-3, 227) 3. Jeff Heuerman, Ohio State (6-5, 255) 4. *Kevin Hogan, Stanford (6-4, 228) 4. *Tyler Kroft, Rutgers (6-5, 240) 5. *Connor Cook, Michigan State (6-4, 220) 5. Ben Koyack, Notre Dame (6-4, 261) 6. Sean Mannion, Oregon State (6-5, 220) 6. E.J. Bibbs, Iowa State (6-3, 261) 7. , Baylor (6-3, 230) 7. Wes Saxton, South Alabama (6-4, 235) 8. , Ohio State (6-2, 215) 8. Clive Warford, Miami (Fla.) (6-4, 263) 9. Chuckie Keeton, Utah State (6-1, 200) 9. Jake McGee, Florida (6-5, 255) 10. , Nevada (6-2, 215) 10. Rory Anderson, South Carolina (6-5, 232) 11. Hutson Mason, Georgia (6-2, 202) 11. C.J. Uzomah, Auburn (6-4, 264) 12. Devin Gardner, Michigan (6-4, 218) 12. Gerald Christian, Louisville (6-3, 242) 13. Shane Carden, East Carolina (6-2, 221) 13. MyCole Pruitt, Southern Illinois (6-3, 255) 14. Taylor Kelly, Arizona State (6-2, 211) 14. Sam Arneston, Wisconsin (6-4, 254) 15. Garrett Grayson, Colorado State (6-2, 220) 15. , Oklahoma (6-6, 259) 16. sey Pachall, TCU (6-4, 230, 4.89) 16. Ben Cotton, Nebraska (6-6, 255, 4.86) 17. Lucas Reed, New Mexico (6-5, 250, 4.78) RUNNING BACKS OFFENSIVE TACKLES 1. *Todd Gurley, Georgia (6-1, 232) 18.1. MychalCedric Ogbuehi, Rivera, Tennessee Texas A&M (6 -(63,- 5,245, 300) 4.76) 2. *Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin (6-1, 207) 19.2. MattBrandon Furstenburg, Scherff, Iowa Maryland (6-5, 320) (6-4, 245, 4.86) 3. *Mike Davis, South Carolina (5-9, 216) 3. *Andrus Peat, Stanford (6-7, 312) 4. *T.J. Yeldon, Alabama (6-2, 218) 4. La’el Collins, LSU (6-5, 315) 5. Karlos Williams, Florida State (6-1, 219) 5. *Ereck Flowers, Miami (Fla.) (6-5, 322) 6. *Duke Johnson, Miami (Fla.) (5-9, 206) 6. *Spencer Drango, Baylor (6-5, 315) 7. Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska (5-9, 195) 7. Cameron Erving, Florida State (6-5, 304) 8. *Jay Ajayi, Boise State (6-0, 216) 8. Ty Sambrailo, Colorado State (6-5, 315) 9. , Michigan State (6-0, 205) 9. Sean Hickey, Syracuse (6-5, 300) 10. Malcolm Brown, Texas (6-0, 228) 10. Corey Robinson, South Carolina (6-7, 348) 11. David Johnson, Northern Iowa (6-2, 229) 11. Jake Fisher, Oregon (6-6, 299) 12. Corey Grant, Auburn (5-10, 205) 12. Tyrus Thompson, Oklahoma (6-5, 336) 13. Dominique Brown, Louisville (6-2, 216) 13. Trenton Brown, Florida (6-8, 350) 14. Terrance Magee, LSU (5-9, 214) 14. Daryl Williams, Oklahoma (6-6, 329)

15. , Missouri (5-9, 195) 15. Eric Lefeld, Cincinnati (6-6, 309) WIDE RECEIVERS OFFENSIVE GUARDS 1. *Sammie Coates, Auburn (6-2, 201) 1. A.J. Cann, South Carolina (6-3, 318) 2. *Amari Cooper, Alabama (6-1, 202) 2. Josue Matias, Florida State (6-6, 331) 3. *Jaelen Strong, Arizona State (6-4, 212) 3. Arie Kouandjio, Alabama (6-5, 318) 4. Ty Montgomery, Stanford (6-2, 215) 4. Tre’ Jackson, Florida State (6-4, 339) 5. DeVante Parker, Louisville (6-3, 209) 5. Aundrey Walker, USC (6-6, 318) 6. *Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma (6-5, 225) 6. Jarvis Harrison, Texas A&M (6-3, 325) 7. Josh Harper, Fresno State (6-1, 185) 7. , Duke (6-3, 320) 8. *Nelson Agholor, USC (6-1, 190) 8. John Miller, Louisville (6-2, 321) 9. Rashad Greene, Florida State (6-0, 178) 9. Miles Dieffenbach, Penn State (6-3, 303) 10. Kasen Williams, Washington (6-2, 221) 10. Christian Lombard, Notre Dame (6-5, 315) 11. *Deontay Greenberry, Houston (6-3, 198) 11. Adam Shead, Oklahoma (6-4, 339) 12. *, Maryland (6-0, 195) 12. Jamil Douglas, Arizona State (6-4, 300) 13. Justin Hardy, East Carolina (6-0, 188) 13. Jon Feliciano, Miami (Fla.) (6-4, 320) 14. Austin Hill, Arizona (6-2, 210) 14. Junior Salt, Utah (6-2, 315) 15. Antwan Goodley, Baylor (5-10, 225) 15. Leon Brown, Alabama (6-6, 328) 16. Dri Archer, Kent State (5-8, 178, 4.37) 16. Andrew Norwell, Ohio State (6-6, 320, 5.33) 17. *Jordan Matthews,FULLBACKS/H Vanderbilt-BACKS (6-3, 205, 4.59) 17. Lane Taylor, OklahomaCENTERS State (6-2, 328, 5.26) 18.1. *JoshJalston Boyce, Fowler, TCU Alabama (5-11, 203,(6-0, 4.54) 250) 1. Reese Dismukes, Auburn (6-3, 296) 2. Trayion Durham, Kent State (6-1, 248) 2. *Isaac Seumalo, Oregon State (6-4, 298) 3. Zach Zenner, South Dakota State (5-11, 220) 3. Hroniss Grasu, Oregon (6-3, 297) 4. Hunter Joyer, Florida (5-11, 232) 4. Andy Gallik, Boston College (6-2, 299) 5. Zach Zwinak, Penn State (6-1, 233) 5. Jake Smith, Louisville (6-3, 312) 6. Mark Weisman, Iowa (6-0, 240) 6. Brandon Vitabile, Northwestern (6-3, 300) 7. Conner Neighbors, LSU (5-11, 239) 7. B.J. Finney, Kansas State (6-4, 303) 8. De’Marieya Nelson, Arizona State (6-2, 224) 8. Greg Mancz, Toledo (6-5, 300) 9. Joey Iosefa, Hawai’i (6-0, 245) 9. David Andrews, Georgia (6-2, 295) 10. Aaron Ripkowski, Oklahoma (6-1, 257) 10. Austin Barron, Florida State (6-3, 292) 11. Devon Ramsay, North Carolina (6-2, 250, 4.68) 11. Matt Stankiewitch, Penn State (6-3, 300, 5.18) 12. Richard Samuel, Georgia (6-1, 236, 4.58) *Underclassmen

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POSITIONAL RANKINGS - DEFENSE DEFENSIVE ENDS 1. *Leonard Williams, USC (6-5, 298) 1. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon (5-9, 195) 2. *Randy Gregory, Nebraska (6-6, 245) 2. *P.J. Williams, Florida State (6-0, 196) 3. *Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State (6-4, 257) 3. Josh Shaw, USC (6-1, 200) 4. *Mario Edwards, Florida State (6-3, 294) 4. *Trae Waynes, Michigan State (6-1, 183) 5. *Dante Fowler, Florida (6-2, 261) 5. *Marcus Peters, Washington (6-0, 198) 6. *Shawn Oakman, Baylor (6-8, 275) 6. *Ronald Darby, Florida State (5-11, 188) 7. *Arik Armstead, Oregon (6-7, 296) 7. *Charles Gaines, Louisville (5-11, 175) 8. *Devonte Fields, Ex-TCU (6-4, 250) 8. , Ohio State (5-11, 193) 9. Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville (6-4, 243) 9. *Lorenzo Doss, Tulane (5-11, 187) 10. Alvin Dupree, Kentucky (6-4, 267) 10. Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest (6-0, 175) 11. Hauoli Kikaha, Washington (6-3, 250) 11. Cody Riggs, Notre Dame (5-9, 190) 12. Trey Flowers, Arkansas (6-4, 267) 12. D’Joun Smith, Florida Atlantic (5-11, 190) 13. Frank Clark, Michigan (6-2, 270) 13. Cam Thomas, Western Kentucky (6-1, 190) 14. Markus Golden, Missouri (6-3, 260) 14. Byron Jones, Connecticut (6-1, 196) 15. , Miami (Fla.) (6-4, 277) 15. Eric Rowe, Utah (6-1, 201) 16. Devin Taylor, South Carolina (6-7, 267, 4.76) 16. Ross Cockrell, Duke (6-0, 182, 4.52) DEFENSIVE TACKLES FREE SAFETIES 1. Michael Bennett, Ohio State (6-2, 288) 1. Kurtis Drummond, Michigan State (6-1, 200) 2. Carl Davis, Iowa (6-5, 315) 2. Derron Smith, Fresno State (5-11, 197) 3. *Ellis McCarthy, UCLA (6-4, 330) 3. *Durrell Eskridge, Syracuse (6-3, 203) 4. Gabe Wright, Auburn (6-2, 285) 4. Cody Prewitt, Mississippi (6-2, 212) 5. *Christian Covington, Rice (6-3, 295) 5. Jermaine Whitehead, Auburn (5-11, 193) 6. Danny Shelton, Washington (6-2, 332) 6. Adrian Amos, Penn State (6-0, 209) 7. Tyeler Davison, Fresno State (6-2, 309) 7. Justin Cox, Mississippi State (6-2, 190) 8. Leon Orr, Florida (6-4, 305) 8. Detrick Bonner, Virginia Tech (6-0, 194) 9. Luther Maddy, Virginia Tech (6-0, 292) 9. Dechane Durante, Northern Illinois (6-2, 193) 10. J.T. Surratt, South Carolina (6-2, 305) 10. Dean Marlowe, James Madison (6-2, 205) 11. Grady Jarrett, Clemson (6-1, 295) 11. Ronald Martin, LSU (6-1, 218) 12. Chucky Hunter, TCU (6-1, 305) 12. Tra’Mayne Bondurant, Arizona (5-10, 198) 13. Travis Raciti, San Jose State (6-5, 290) 13. Damarious Randall, Arizona State (6-0, 190) 14. Warren Herring, Wisconsin (6-2, 294) 14. Ray Vinopal, Pittsburgh (5-10, 200) 15. James Castleman, Oklahoma State (6-2, 300) 15. Kadetrix Marcus, South Carolina (6-1, 197) 16. Malcolm Bronson, McNeese St. (5-11, 192, 4.56) OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS 17. Brandon Bishop,STRONG NC State SAFETIES (6-2, 210, 4.57) 1. Vic Beasley, Clemson (6-2, 235) 1.18. *LandonKeelan Johnson, Collins, ArizonaAlabama State (6-0, (6 215)-0, 202, 4.58) 2. *Noah Spence, Ohio State (6-3, 252) 2. Anthony Harris, Virginia (6-1, 190) 3. *Shaq Thompson, Washington (6-2, 231) 3. Jordan Richards, Stanford (5-11, 208) 4. *Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State (6-4, 245) 4. Tyler Hunter, Florida State (5-11, 205) 5. *Eric Striker, Oklahoma (6-0, 221) 5. , Samford (6-1, 218) 6. Zach Hodges, Harvard (6-3, 235) 6. Kyshoen Jarrett, Virginia Tech (5-11, 192) 7. *Jordan Jenkins, Georgia (6-2, 246) 7. Ibraheim Campbell, Northwestern (5-11, 205) 8. Jake Ryan, Michigan (6-3, 235) 8. Isaiah Johnson, Georgia Tech (6-1, 213) 9. Geneo Grissom, Oklahoma (6-4, 252) 9. Robenson Therezie, Auburn (5-9, 212) 10. Tony Washington, Oregon (6-3, 250) 10. Serderius Bryant, Mississippi (5-9, 218) 11. J.R. Tavai, USC (6-2, 250) 11. Corey Cooper, Nebraska (6-1, 215) 12. James Vaughters, Stanford (6-2, 254) 12. Clayton Geathers, UCF (6-2, 208) 13. C.J. Johnson, Mississippi (6-2, 237) 13. John Lowdermilk, Iowa (6-1, 210) 14. Derrick Malone, Oregon (6-2, 220) 14. Brian Blechen, Utah (6-2, 216) 15. Michael Orakpo, Texas State (6-1, 226) 15. Sam Carter, TCU (6-1, 215) 16. Duron Harmon, Rutgers (6-1, 201, 4.58) INSIDE LINEBACKERS 17. Bradley McDougald,SPECIALISTS Kansas (6- 1, 209, 4.50) 1. Denzel Perryman, Miami (Fla.) (5-11, 242) 1. Mike Sadler, P, Michigan State (6-0, 172) 2. Eric Kendricks, UCLA (6-0, 230) 2. Jared Roberts, K, Colorado State (6-1, 205) 3. A.J. Johnson, Tennessee (6-2, 242) 3. Kyle Brindza, K, Notre Dame (6-1, 236) 4. Ramik Wilson, Georgia (6-2, 232) 4. Spencer Roth, P, Baylor (6-4, 225) 5. Hayes Pullard, USC (6-1, 235) 5. Jeremiah Detmer, K, Toledo (5-8, 170) 6. Ben Heeney, Kansas (6-0, 230) 6. Kyle Christy, P, Florida (6-2, 202) 7. Bryce Hager, Baylor (6-1, 235) 7. Kyle Loomis, P, Portland State (6-2, 230) 8. Trey DePriest, Alabama (6-1, 245) 8. Michael Hunnicutt, K, Oklahoma (6-1, 180) 9. Stephone Anthony, Clemson (6-2, 245) 9. Thomas Hibbard, P, North Carolina (5-10, 190) 10. Taiwan Jones, Michigan State (6-3, 252) 10. Justin Manton, K, UL-Monroe (6-2, 201) 11. DeDe Lattimore, South Florida (6-0, 236, 4.83) 11. *Underclassmen

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