In our first taste of the of the BCS bowl games of the year, we’ll get to see maybe the most intriguing match-up in this bowl season, and maybe the most lopsided talent-wise game in BCS history.
Still, Wisconsin and TCU have a few under the radar prospects, and Oklahoma has some impressing underclassmen that could declare early as they take on one of the better linebacking crews in the country in UConn’s defense.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. TCU Horned Frogs – Rose Bowl
Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Almost the unquestioned top senior offensive tackle in this draft, Carimi could go anywhere from number one overall to the bottom of the Top 10, but likely no further than that. He won the Outland trophy, literally paved the way for this outstanding rushing offense, and has the quickness to protect the quarterback and play left tackle in the NFL.
JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin (JR)
A former walk-on transfer from Central Michigan, Watt’s a high character, high intensity, and high motor guy that has really developed and emerged onto the Big Ten scene, especially since that Ohio State game. Watt doesn’t have elite athletic ability, but he has a good skill set and a motor that will sure get him to the NFL, whether it’s this year or the next.
John Moffitt, OG, Wisconsin
Right next to Carimi is this solid NFL prospect at guard. Moffitt has been a great pass protector over his career, and he’s also been a strong, stable force in the run game. He needs to improve in his regaining of his balance at the 2nd level and against blitzers, but he has NFL skills.
Lance Kendricks, TE, Wisconsin
Taking over the reigns as the next great Wisconsin tight end, Kendricks has been impressive this season in being a middle of the field target for quarterback Scott Tolzien, who’s a solid NFL prospect himself. Kendricks can be both a solid blocker and receiver, and that completeness could make him a mid round tight end prospect.
Tank Carder, ILB, TCU (JR)
An All-American for one of the best defense’s in the country, Carder is the only Horned Frog to make this list because if he comes out, he’ll likely be the only one taken before the 4th round. Still, Carder should stay in school and get stronger and quicker in his drops, but there is a reason he was voted the best inside linebacker in the country.
Connecticut Huskies vs. Oklahoma Sooners – Fiesta Bowl
Demarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
A top recruit out of college, Murray was thought to be as dominate as Reggie Bush. While it never turned out like that, Murray has been dynamite this season and has gone the whole year without any major injuries and great production. He’ll be battling with Daniel Thomas to be the first senior rusher taken.
Lawrence Wilson, OLB, UConn
This UConn team won’t get much credit in this game as they are heavy underdogs understandably. However, while fellow linebacker Scott Lustrus is more of a mid to late round pick, Wilson has a chance to be taken someplace in the early part of round two, depending on the system. Great athlete, great feel for the game, and he can fit in both coverage, blitzing, and versatile defenses.
Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma (JR)
Broyles has been remarkable most of the year, and at times has made Landry Jones appear better than he actually was. Broyles is great after the catch, and can make multiple defenders miss. He’s been great on the sidelines, and his quickness after the ball is in his hands could make him a 1st-2nd round pick if he declares.
Jordan Todman, RB, UConn (JR)
From Donald Brown to Andre Dixon to now Todman, Randy Edsall has done a good job in getting very talented running backs to his program, and Todman could very well be the best of the bunch. He’s very quick through the hole, runs hard, and has more deep speed than Donald Brown had, and he’s in the NFL now.
Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma
Beal has been a surprise for this team to an extent this season because he never really lived up to expectations over his career at Oklahoma. This season, however, Beal has shown streaks of dominance and could find his way into the Top 64 picks in the draft.
Greg Lloyd, DE, UConn
I really like what Lloyd can bring to an NFL team, especially as a taller, longer 3-4 outside linebacker, which I believe is his best and maybe only fit for the NFL. He has great moves, uses his length well, can defend the run on the outside, and has enough quickness to move inside and outside on blockers.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
