The granddaddy of the 2011 all-star college games is now in the books. Some college stars shined brightly, while other stars fell to the earth, a few stars had limited visibility, and some faint stars became brighter.
This writer especially enjoys the differences of opinion within the world of draft gurus. Each set of eyes sees something a bit different from everyone else. There were plenty of players that made an impression at Mobile.
The stars that shined brightly:
- Leonard Hankerson (WR)- He ran good routes, got separation, and made plays. Yes, Hankerson did catch with his body a bit too much, but showed he can be at least a productive #2 WR on the next level if not a #1A. I would love to see him in a Houston Texans uniform lining up opposite from Andre Johnson.
- Brooks Reed(DE/OLB)-If pressure is the name of the game, Reed got game and then some. With those long flowing locks, I thought I was looking at Clay Matthews lite. He exploded off the line and should be a productive pro.
- Derrick Locke (RB)-I don’t believe Locke knows his measurables. He ran well for a smaller guy and reminded me of Danny Woodhead with his toughness and ability to run through the trash and find a seam in the defense. He could be very productive with 5-10 touches per game.
The stars that fell to earth:
- Jake Locker (QB)-I know he can play, but has too many issues with his game now. His footwork is bad, and has issues completing passes with pressure bearing down on him. If a team drafts him early, that team won’t have the o-line to give him clear lanes to throw. I would only draft him in a dynasty league if you didn’t need him until 2013, as it might take him that long to correct his issues.
- Noel Devine (RB)-He looked as small as he is at 160 lbs. Devine couldn’t run through the trash at the line of scrimmage and had a TD only because the o-line did a great job sealing everything. I see a kick returner as he can’t pass block and would not be that useful as a 3rd down back.
- Titus Young (WR)-Maybe I have been spoiled by DeSean Jackson, but you sir are no D-Jax! Young has athletic gifts, but doesn’t show that “my ball” mentality that Jackson has shown. Young needs to demonstrate that he has different gears of speed and can use his lateral movement more effectively.
The stars that were not visible:
- Kendall Hunter (RB)-Scouts were raving about his quickness, speed, and pass blocking at the practices. Hunter didn’t get the chance to show much. He will get extra attention from me at the combine to show his abilities.
- DeMarco Murray (RB)-Another RB I wanted to see in action that didn’t do much on Saturday, but then never really had the opportunity to shine. I hope his combine knocks my socks off…please DM.
- DJ Williams (TE)-This move TE blocked well in the game, and is willing to play FB/H-Back/TE. Just like in the Senior Bowl, he may disappear from time to time in the NFL; however, if a team decides to use him with his strengths I believe he will be an effective offensive weapon.
The faint stars that shined:
- Dane Sanzenbacher (WR)-In a dominant passing offense, this man could find a way to shine. When I watched him play, he seemed like someone with the skills in between Austin Collie and Blair White. Sanzenbacher found holes in the seam and turned up field. He might just be a #3 WR in fantasy circles, but could make the most of his targets.
- Bilal Powell (RB)-He did a good job carrying the ball on 10 carries for 51 yards and added a catch as well. This guy reminds me of Rudi Johnson, because he doesn’t have a shifty bone in his body while running with power. Powell runs hard and reads his blocks well. May start off as a reserve RB who once the season starts will earn a spot in short yardage situations and grow into a more featured role.
Remember this is only the beginning of the scouting of the rookies. There is the combine, pro days, and a few gems that might surface from The Texas vs The Nation game that is played on February 5.
If you have any rookie or dynasty questions, please feel free to contact me here or on Twitter @AndrewMiley.
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