Saturday’s Bowl Preview

by David Syvertsen

R+L CARRIERS NEW ORLEANS BOWL

Noon – ESPN – East Carolina vs Louisiana-Lafayette

LOUISIANA LAFAYETTE

#22 Melvin White – CB – 6’3/191

Has a legit shot at being a top 100 pick.  At his size, White can still move well enough to play corner in the NFL.  Has experience at safety as well.  Quick reaction, balanced lower half.  Physical player that takes a lot of pride in tackling, a rarity among most cornerbacks.  The versatility and size be brings to the table could get him drafted in the 3^rd round.

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MAACO BOWL LAS VEGAS

330pm – ESPN – Washington vs Boise State

WASHINGTON

#6 Desmond Trufant – CB – 6’0/186

One of the best senior cornerbacks in this class.  Ton of experience, missed one game this year, which was the only one of his career.  Productive cover man that does everything well.  Has been trusted on an island against some of the nation’s top receivers and done well.  Can turn and run deep.  Physical at the point of attack.  Has gotten away with a lot of contact downfield from the game tapes I’ve seen.  Average tackler, doesn’t play the run as assertive I like.  Likely a 2^nd round prospect, could sneak in to round one.

BOISE STATE

#5 Jamar Taylor – CB – 5’11/196

Fun player to watch.  Really physical, a lot of hustle.  Not sure if he can turn and run with NFL receivers, might be best suited for zone coverage.  But has value at the point of attack with his ability to out-physical most pass catchers.  Competes hard for the ball.  Lacks fluidity but that can come with time.  Mid round prospect right now.

#7 DJ Harper – RB – Boise State – 5’9/205

Sixth year senior.  Tore ACL in his left knee in both 2009 and 2010.  Showed a lot of promise after the 2007/2008 seasons. Coaching staff had him ahead of Doug Martin early on.  He is back from the injuries, does not even wear a brace on that knee. Has an explosive cut and can out run a lot of defensive backs.  Outstanding cutback ability, one of those ball carries that can make that 45 degree change of direction at full speed.  Runs hard and aggressive, but not exactly physical.  Won’t push a lot of tacklers back.  I see Harper as a mid round gamble guy worth taking.  He has NFL ability for sure.

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