Prospect Watch: Week Seven

Each week, www.NFLHouse.com and the Optimum Scouting Department will be bringing you the top prospects for the 2010 NFL Draft that we will be in-depth scouting each week. Here are the best matchups of the college football weekend.

Sergio Kindle vs. Trent Williams
The main struggle for the Sooners this season has been their constant iffy protection. Sergio Kindle is one of the best pass rushers in the country for Texas, and he’ll likely be matched up with a potential Top 15 pick in Trent Williams of Oklahoma. The Red River Rivalry could hinge on pass protection for these two gifted quarterbacks, and Kindle and Williams is as good of a line match-up as you’ll find all season.

Adam Ulatoski vs. Austin English, Gerald McCoy
While Kindle and Williams battle it out on one side, the Longhorns have their own defensive lineman to worry about. Austin English is a very underrated and talented defensive end, and he’ll likely be matched-up with possible NFL tackle Adam Ulatoski. English is a power rusher, and Ulatoski handles power rushers better than speed guys. Ulatoski will also have to be weary of Gerald McCoy. Although he’s on the inside, the Sooners will run stunts and move McCoy around because of his elite level talent.

Kam Chancellor vs. GT Running Game
It’s no secret that the Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech want to run the ball. And thanks to their cohesive unit and scheme, the usually can get past the intial 7 defenders. Therefore, it will be up to the possible 1st-2nd round safety Kam Chancellor to step up big time. If he can play in the box and shut down the play under 4-5 yards each time, the Hokies will control the Paul Johnson offense and be in complete control.

Joe Haden, Major Wright vs. Ryan Mallet, Bobby Petrino
While Arkansas’s record doesn’t yell out national contender, Bobby Petrino has shown that even though he may not be well-liked in many areas, he can sure coach. With the help of coach Petrino, quarterback Ryan Mallett has exploded from a near forgotten transfer into a possible NFL draft declaree. He’ll have to play near-flawlessly to beat Joe Haden, Major Wright and the Gators defense though. Haden has shown mental lapses in his game, and if he has a few here, Mallett could talk advantange and make this one.

Dan LeFevour vs. Tim Hiller
These two players won’t be on the field at the same time at any point of this game, but both Dan LeFevour of Central Michigan and Tim Hiller of Western Michigan will be compared and contrasted all game long. Both players are just behind McCoy and Pike on the senior quarterback list for most teams, and a win in this game could push them into 1st round consideration. LeFevour has great touch and athletisism, Hiller has the rocket arm and a pure pocket passer.

Eric Norwood vs. Doug Davis, Michael Johnson
If the Gamecock’s hope to pull off the upset, Norwood will need to bring pressure and force Alabama QB Greg McElroy to make plays outside the pocket. Right tackle and guard combo Doug Davis and Michael Johnson will be spotlighting Norwood all game long and will be on their toes for his blitzes. This will be an underriding theme throughout the game, and could have a definite impact on the final score.

Jimmy Clausen vs. USC Speedy Defense
The most important match-up for Jimmy Clausen and the Fighting Irish all season, this one will determine alot. Is Jimmy Clausen Heisman worthy? Are the Irish a Top 10 team? Is Jimmy Clausen a future Top 10 pick? All of this could be determined as they play a USC defense that is nearly as fast as last year’s and hungry to claw back into the Top 5.