A great match-up of a BCS regular in Ohio State and a surprising SEC second place finishing Arkansas team. With all the attention being paid to the improper selling of awards and improper benefits of the Ohio State feature players on offense, this game isn’t getting the match-up attention it should.
Terrelle Pryor, DeVier Posey, and Mike Adams, all decent NFL draft prospects if they declared, are not on this list because they said they will be back. However, we still have one of the top underclassmen in this game who also could be a franchise quarterback next football year against a very consistent and relentless Ohio State defense.
Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas (JR)
At one point early in the year, we felt and I believe most felt that Mallett was very close to Andrew Luck as a top quarterback prospect. However, Mallett didn’t play consistent enough against good SEC defenses, and he hasn’t improved his mobility, pocket presence, and in his on the move passing. He still likely will be a first rounder if he comes out, but he could use another year to develop.
Demarcus Love, OT, Arkansas
Protecting Mallett on his left side all season has been Love. Love has really aided in the great protection Mallett has had, and it’s really up to Love to allow Mallett to stay back in the pocket and pick apart defense and hide his mobility weakness. Love’s balance on the outside and quickness to the edge will be the deciding factor on whether he can play left tackle at the NFL level, and will have a chance to prove it against NFL caliber pass rushers.
Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
The pass rushers that Love and right tackle Ray Dominquez will be facing will have Cameron Heyward as their leader. A huge bodied defensive end who moves well, once he gets his hands on you, he can really move you quickly as he gets to the backfield. Still, he needs a 4-3 defense and doesn’t have much versatility, but still could end up being a 1st round pick.
DJ Williams, TE, Arkansas
In what looks like a relatively weak tight end year this season, Williams has been the top tight end prospect since the pre-season and there’s not much reason to move him now. He moves very well in space, can make a defender or two miss, and has shown he can be a willing run blocker. Not an elite tight end prospect, but he can be productive in the NFL .
Justin Boren, OG, Ohio State
While it may not be a great tight end class, I think it really can be a great class for guards, which may not be the sexiest position, but one that could quickly help a team. Boren likely isn’t an elite mobile guard and will likely be a right guard, but he still should be a mid round pick.
Ross Homan, OLB, Ohio State
Not as exciting of a crop of linebackers as far as Ohio State is concerned based on past years, Homan can be a draftable outside linebacker and has been productive this year when at 100 percent. He’ll get a chance to showcase his pass coverage skills as he’ll have to make quick breaks and inside reads to contain this quick passing Arkansas offense.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Arkansas Razorbacks – Sugar Bowl
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