2016 NFL Draft: C-USA’s Top Five Prospects by Position

Not a glamour conference by any stretch of the imagination; but the talent, while devout of any household names is definitely there in the C-USA.

By: Uri Piterberg

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Leading the senior class this year for C-USA is by far and away the running back class, which at this moment boasts three prospects that have a good chance to be drafted. Of the aforementioned; Western Kentucky’s Leon Allen, is one of the more underrated running backs in the country. Allen’s teammate, QB Brandon Doughty, has the ability to establish himself on an NFL roster, even if not as a starter.

On the defensive side of the ball the strength of the class lay at cornerback, where Florida International’s Richard Leonard heads things up. Middle Tennessee safety Kevin Byard is another defensive back that could hear his name come draft day, and along the front seven UTEP’s Roy Robertson Harris, at 6’7 260 lbs, will peak the interests of scouts.

Western Kentucky figure to be the conference favorites with Doughty and Allen leading the way, but Marshall still have the talent to put up a fight for their conference crown even with Rakeem Cato-Christmas gone.

 

Quarterback

1. Brandon Doughty, Western Kentucky – 6’3 “, 220. 5th-6th Round

QBs such as Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Hoyer have turned skillsets similar to Doughty’s into solid NFL careers, and Doughty has every chance to follow suit. While his lurid numbers in 2014 (4830 yards passing and 49 touchdowns) might very well be a product of the system he plays in and his level of competition, Doughty’s skillset will catch the eyes of NFL scouts. He possesses a very compact set up and efficient release, as well as an adequate NFL arm. His accuracy, particularly his ball placement, can be immaculate at times. Seven of Doughty’s receivers caught at least 29 balls and this is not by coincidence, as he has tremendous field vision and moves around very well in the pocket in accordance to what his receivers are doing, allowing him to more often than not locate the open man.

2. Jaquez Johnson, Florida Atlantic – 6’1“, 225. 7th Round-UDFA

Athletic with a strong arm and quick release, the 2013 Conference USA Newcomer of the Year must continue to improve his short to intermediate accuracy and develop a changeup, which he currently does not have. Game has progressed from his sophomore to junior seasons and has an outside shot of getting drafted if he can carry that on to his senior year.

3. Jeff Driskel, Louisiana Tech – 6’4”, 235. UDFA

Blessed with more athletic talent than countless QBs that have had substantial NFL careers, the inability to process the mental aspect of the position and pressure of leading a marquee SEC program in down years talent wise made Driskel’s time in Gainesville forgettable at best.

4. Driphus Jackson, Rice – 6’0”, 210 UDFA

Can throw an aesthetically pleasing ball and flashes some accuracy along with solid anticipation and timing. Shows some athleticism and runs with nice power for a QB.

5. Andrew McNulty, North Texas – 6’1”, 209 UDFA

Displays some desirable traits such as accuracy on intermediate throws and movement with common sense in the pocket, but lack of velocity will be hard to compensate for in the NFL

 

Running Back

1. Leon Allen, Western Kentucky – 5’11”, 235 3^rd-4^th round

The expression “jack of all trades, master of none” is often used to describe prospects with a multifaceted skill set but that doesn’t do what Allen brings to the table justice. He may indeed not be elite in in any single facet of his game but he is well above average in enough of them to give him a chance at a long NFL career, and perhaps become more than a solid role player. A tough, compact runner with a sneaky burst, making him hard to slow down once he plants his foot and turns upfield. In addition to this, Allen is an intelligent runner that shows the ability to anticipate the development of his blocks. Also an asset in the passing game with natural hands and an understanding of coverages, Leon Allen is the best all-around back in the conference.

2. Kenneth Dixon, Louisiana Tech – 5’10”, 212 3rd-4th round

Not a dissimilar back to Leon Allen, Dixon is a hard-nosed back that accelerates quickly and runs with his brain and eyes as well as his legs. Where the two differ and Allen gets the edge is lower body strength as Dixon, even though he can be a punishing runner and run over defenders, does not consistently run through arm tackles the way Allen does.

3. Devon Johnson, Marshall – 6’1”, 247 4^th-5^th round

It is fitting that Johnson plays for a program nicknamed the Thundering Hurd, as thundering is perhaps the most apt word to describe how this kid runs the ball. As soon as he hits the gas pedal his entire 6’1, 247 pound frame is behind him in full force and the scary thing is he can change direction surprisingly well while at a high gear. A tight end for the first two years of his career, Johnson ran for 1,767 on just 206 carries in his first season at the position. If he continues progressing Johnson could shoot up draft boards but it will be interesting to see how he fares without Rakeem Cato-Christmas marshalling the passing attack. He is gifted enough to end up a second day pick in the upcoming draft.

4. I’Tavius Mathers, Middle Tennessee – 5’11”, 198 7^th round-UDFA

Former Ole Miss four star recruit transferred to MTU due to lack of carries, which is a bit baffling because Mathers’ ability warrants a lot more carries than the meager 189 he was given in three seasons, on which he non-coincidentally gained 5.6 yards per carry. Not a big back at just under 200 lbs, but Mathers is well built and an aggressive, authoritative runner that attacks the hole and consistently gains yards after contact. A prospect by the name of Ahmad Bradshaw came out of Marshall with a similar skill set to forge a very good NFL career for himself. The only caveat with Mathers (and a rather significant one) is that he has to sit out the 2015 season, but ability wise this is a player that merits a selection in the NFL draft.

5. Anthon Samuel, Florida International – 5’11”, 200 UDFA

Another transfer player who started his career as the feature back at Bowling Green ended up at Florida International to be closer to his family, Samuel is a tough runner for his size who can stop on a dime and has very good feet and lateral agility.

Wide Receivers

1. Deonte Allen, Marshall – 6’2”, 205 4^th round

While Allen’s game is a tad one-dimensional, he does what he does well, very well. He possesses a long stride that helps him gain ground on his DB quickly, and strong hands that made him tough to prevent getting into his stride. With the build up speed to run behind defenders and impressive hand eye coordination to go with good timing to get himself off the ground at the right moment and tremendous body control, Allen could carve himself a Nate Washington type niche as a legitimate deep threat in the NFL.

2. Jared Dangerfield, Western Kentucky – 6’3”, 215 4^th round

The Hilltoppers have certainly done their homework when it comes to recruiting from the deep talent pool of the Kansas JuCos, and the former Fort Scott Greyhound was the best of such imports last season. A cerebral receiver that runs very controlled routs, and knows how to use his 6’3, 215 lb frame to get open, Dangerfield was Brandon Doughty’s go-to-guy on 3^rd downs in his first season at WKU and has a chance to put up some numbers that will turn heads this season in an offense that is a wide receiver’s dream. Torched Marshall’s secondary which included two NFL draft picks at cornerback. Think of another junior college standout, T.J Houshmanzadeh, as an NFL ceiling.

3. Carlos Harris, North Texas – 5’8”, 190 7^th round-UDFA

Standing at only 5’8, Harris was the Mean Green’s main playmaker last season and put up decent numbers in a below average offense. Competitive with a nice burst and stop/start ability, Harris may get an NFL look at a return specialist.

4. Antwane Grant, Western Kentucky – 6’0” 200 UDFA

Another potentially unearthed JuCo gem at wide receiver for the Hilltoppers. Grant shows impressive ease of movement in his routes with quick acceleration and ability to get off the ground. Don’t be shocked if he breaks out in his senior season.

5. Jenson Stoshak, Florida Atlantic – 6’1”, 195 UDFA

Decent hands with a sneaky straight line burst. Former walk-on should be Jaquez Johnson’s main playmaking threat this coming season

Tight End

1. Tyler Higbee, Western Kentucky – 6’5” 235, 4^th-5^th round

One of two C-USA tight ends on the Mackey award watch list, Higbee has a good all-around game for a tight end. Not an overpowering but savvy blocker that gets off the line well and is a threat down the seam. Numbers may be skewed the wrong way due to playing in an offense that not only spreads the ball a lot but doesn’t overly emphasize getting tight ends involved.

2. Jonnu Smith, Florida International – 6’3” 235, 5^th-6^th round

The other Mackey award watch list prospect broke out last year for FIU with 61 catches for 709 yards and 8 touchdowns, including hauling in a hail Mary against Middle Tennessee. Smith has the burst to get down the field to go along with a solid frame. Has a chance to contribute in the NFL at multiple positions.

3. Ya’Keem Griner, Florida International – 6’4 235”, 7^th round-UDFA

Second Panther on the list who didn’t put up the numbers Smith did, but at 6’4 235 and the type of athlete you would associate with prospects produced by the state of Florida, Griner could make scouts take note this season.

4. David Morgan II, UTSA – 6’4” 250, UDFA

An “old school” tight end that gets his hands dirty in the running game and despite the fact that he will never, ever be confused for a flex tight end, he knows how to find open spots and has a good pair of mitts to haul the ball in.

5. Tim Gorski, Western Kentucky – 6’7”, 260 UDFA

Doesn’t get too many balls thrown his way in an offense with a plethora of weapons but Leon Allen will be licking his chops every time he sees Gorski’s jersey number lined up in front of him.

Offensive Tackle

1. Conor Mewbourne, Old Dominion – 6’4”, 285 UDFA

Polished player that gets set very quickly and understands how to out-leverage opposing defenders. Stiff and on the light side but is smart and tenacious, has good feet and finds a way to maintain his blocks

2. Clint Van Horn, Marshall – 6’5”, 310

Rugged, “old school” blocker that flashes impressive country strength. Doesn’t go backwards too often once his feet are set and plays with a good base when run blocking, which is his strong suit.

3. Norman Price, Southern Mississippi – 6’4”, 320 UDFA

Yet another C-USA JuCo find. Price struggled with weight and conditioning issues last season (had to drop 20 lbs to get to 335) but he is an impressive athlete with very good lateral movement for his size and will start at right tackle for the Golden Eagles this season.

4. Jens Danielsen, Louisiana Tech – 6’5’, 280 UDFA

Will be the starter at left tackle for the Bulldogs this season. Has appeared in every game over the past two season, starting 13 of them.

5. Ely Anderson, Old Dominion – 6’6”, 295 UDFA

One of the top JuCo offensive linemen available in last year’s recruiting class. 6’6 290 with good reach and upper body strength will start at left tackle for ODU this season

Interior Offensive Line:

1. Mikingson Marsaille, Florida Atlantic – 6’6”, 320 4^th-5^th round

Those unfamiliar with this name may very well become familiarized with it by the time the 6’6 320 lb left guard has written his story for the Owls. Marsaille has an engulfing frame and absolutely fires off the snap. He is also light on his feet and while his technique in the open field is far from where it needs to be, he moves incredibly well for a kid his size. Vincent Valentine and Maliek Collins of Nebraska might, unlike Marsaille, be household names in the college football world, but in their week one matchup there were plays in which he completely erased them. Remember this name.

2. Sebastian Johansson, Marshall – 6’5”, 280 UDFA

Marshall’s offensive line receives very little fanfare, but it’s football 101 to know that you don’t put up the numbers they did without a good offensive line. Johansson epitomizes what this group is all about as he is tough, fundamentally sound and intelligent.

3. Eric Lee, UTEP – 6’1”, 295 UDFA

Compact, tenacious center that pivots well and understands blocking angles. Plays with an outstanding base and is very quick to get down into it. The leader of the UTEP offensive line earned himself a place on the Rimmington watch list this season and could have a shot at an NFL training camp as he is the type of player that coaches and scouts root for

4. Darius Johnson, Middle Tennessee – 6’3”, 305 UDFA

Former left tackle now at guard has some favorable athletic traits. Strong, gets off the ball well and was the anchor for a running game that produced 209 yards a game over the season. A move inside will help bring to light his strengths.

5. Andrew Reue, Rice – 6’5”, 295

Experienced two year starter won’t blow anyone away athletically but is a scrapper with a high football (and non-football for that matter) IQ.

 

Defensive End

1. Roy Robertson-Harris, UTEP – 6’7”, 260 5^th round

Cousin of former pro-bowl offensive lineman Carl Nicks, Robertson Harris is an intriguing prospect. Standing at 6’7 with length that you just can’t teach, Harris was a disruptive force last season even though he only managed 3.5 sacks, recording 9.5 tackles for loss and 4 forced fumbles. Long and agile, covers ground with his first step and bends the edge fairly well, this could be a name we haven’t heard the last of.

2. Michael Smith, Southern Mississippi – 6’4”, 277 6^th round

Quick off the ball with an efficient first step that covers good ground. Quick laterally along with quick, coordinated hands. Could land in an NFL defensive line rotation as an end/3 tech hybrid role that would allow him to line up against slower guards. Upside is there.

3. Michael Wakefield, Florida International – 6’3 255 7^th round-UDFA

Named second team all-conference last season, tallying 8 sacks and an impressive 14.5 tackles for loss. Gambles a bit but likes to live in opposing backfields. Has a decent burst off the snap and plays to the whistle. Team captain for all 12 games as a junior.

4. Gavin Rocker, Western Kentucky – 6’2”, 245 7^th round-UDFA

Can rush the passer both standing up and with his hand in the dirt. Has the agility to bend the edge but has to learn to balance out his rushes and not fly by the opposing QB. Stronger in the run game than his frame would suggest.

5. Vonatarrius Dora, Louisiana Tech – 6’4”, 253 UDFA

Solid run defender that plays with a solid base and good leverage. Lacks the agility to threaten the edge consistently in the NFL but has a nice little inside move with quick feet and a good upfield, straight line burst. Experienced team leader. Can he pack on some weight and play inside in a T2 scheme that doesn’t require heavy defensive tackles?

Defensive Tackle

1. Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech – 6’3”, 309 5^th-6^th round

Packed on some pounds for his junior season and was Tech’s best lineman. Agile and flexible with a good short area change of direction as well as long, strong arms, make him disruptive in the run game. Stays on his feet and knows how to uncoil and corral running backs. Became a lot tougher to move and improved his pad level in his junior season. Good but not great lateral quickness and could have some scheme versatility.

2. Bryan Shorter, Western Kentucky – 6’2 285 7^th round UDFA

Best interior pass rusher in the conference recording 5.5 sacks last season, Shorter is a very active player with a nice upfield burst as well as quick hands. A jittery player, (in a good way) negates his lack of size with perpetual quick movement as soon as the ball is snapped, but if he wants to stick around in the NFL he will have to get stronger

3. Patrick McNeill, Middle Tennessee 6’1”, 335 UDFA

Huge kid with a wide frame that plays with good leverage. Has lean and balance and looks to be an impressive athlete for his size with agility and quick feet. Breakout candidate for the Blue Raiders that could have a much higher ceiling than what he has shown so far.

4. Brian Price, UTSA – 6’3”, 310 UDFA

Former JuCo standout at NorCal powerhouse San Francisco City College, Price is a rugged and strong tackle that is hard to move when his pad level is clean, which is something he needs to do more consistently with more playing time. Could break out this season.

5. Brandin Bryant, Florida Atlantic – 6’2”, 290 UDFA

Quick, agile gap penetrator that is light in the pants and gets driven back far too easily. Might have some scheme versatility to play in an odd front.

Linebackers

1. D.J. Hunter, Marshall – 6’0”, 220 5^th round

Quickness is the name of his game. Constantly on the move making it difficult for offensive linemen to line him up. Good in coverage as is to be expected from a smaller, quick ‘backer. Transitions and comes out of his backpedal like a safety. Has some explosion to his game but is on the slender side and will need to more willingly attack blockers if he is to play linebacker at the next level

2. T. Barber, Middle Tennessee – 6’1”, 230 6^th round

Very athletic and smooth linebacker that effortlessly goes sideline to sideline. His strength is in coverage, as is evident by his interception against Old Dominion. The issue with Barber is he is not nearly physical enough for a linebacker but if that can be corrected he may find himself on an NFL roster.

3. Dejon Brown, Western Kentucky – 6’3”, 225 6^th-7^th round

Shockingly enough, another top JuCo prospect, but in terms of raw athleticism could be the best of the bunch. At 6’3, 225 lbs he is long and agile with good body contortion. Fairly strong but could improve without overloading his frame would. Can give blockers fits with his sudden, explosive movements. If he can learn the nuances of the position there is no reason for him not to be on an NFL roster at some point.

4. Nick Holt, Western Kentucky – 6’0”, 230 UDFA

A cerebral and tough linebacker, Holt led Western Kentucky with 111 tackles and was the signal caller for the Hilltoppers defense. A bit limited athletically but he has a very high football i.q and knows where to be on the field.

5. Drew Douglas, UTSA – 6’2”, 232 UDFA

Highly energetic player who’s motor is always revved up. Has some quickness and is around the ball a lot. Made an impression against power conference teams.

Cornerbacks

1. Richard Leonard, Florida International – 5’9”, 180 5^th round

Arguably the best defensive player in the conference. Tremendous athlete that explodes off the ground to compete for jump balls. Small at 5’9 but along with his leaping ability comes a big wingspan which remedies his lack of size. Aggressive and quick in man coverage and surprisingly strong with a compact frame. Legitimate NFL corner that can also contribute in the return game.

2. Adarius Barnes, Louisiana Tech – 5’11”, 185 6^th round

Tough, scrappy corner that knows how to find the ball, recording 5 interception and nine breakups in his junior year. Brings a good level of physicality at his position and isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder and hit someone. Better with the action in front of him and could find a home as a slot specialist in the NFL.

3. Bennett Okotcha, UTSA – 6’0”, 195 6^th round

Long and smooth corner transferred over from Oklahoma in 2012. Man coverage is a glaring strength as his long arms make life uncomfortable for opposing receivers. Transitions well enough for his size and long. When the Road Runners went up against Arizona in week one Okotcha was the only player that was able to stay with Caleb Jones.

4. Cre’Von LeBlanc, Florida Atlantic – 5’11”, 175 7^th round UDFA

Feisty, quick cornerback prospect. Good closing burst to the ball as well as coordinated feet. Likes to get mixed in the running game at times but isn’t the best tackler.

5. Kalan Reed, Southern Mississippi – 5’11”, 190 UDFA

Cover corner with fluidity and speed to burn. In a week 3 matchup against Alabama ran hip to hip with Amari Cooper on vertical routes, which is something not many cornerbacks can claim.

Safety

1. Kevin Byard, Middle Tennessee – 5’11”, 226 4^th-5^th round

Do-it-all safety for the Blue Raiders and the leader of their program. Gathers downhill momentum in the blink of an eye and can deliver crushing hits when arriving at his target. Good straight line speed and understands coverages with good instincts, but will be an in the box safety in the NFL as he is not overly fluid and loses too much speed when asked to change direction.

2. Kentrell Brice, Louisiana Tech – 5’11”, 198 7^th round-UDFA

Understanding of the game is very evident when you watch him play. Understands what is going on around him, processing things very quickly and attacking the ball. Hard hitter, enjoys the physical aspect of the game and is the best blitzing safety in the conference. The type of player that can make NFL scouts look back and ask how did we miss him?

3. Taj Letman, Marshall – 6’2”, 190 7^th round-UDFA

Wiry strong, balanced safety that can cover good ground with a long stride. Can take on blockers despite slender frame and tackles well in the open field. Can stick as a third safety in the NFL as he can do a variety of things.

4. Kenny Buyers, North Texas – 5’11”, 185 UDFA

Tough, intelligent player that is probably a safety at the next level if he finds his way there. Not afraid to throw his body around and tackles well in the open field. Team captain.

5. Xavier Walker, Middle Tennessee – 6’4”, 212 UDFA

MTSU’s other safety stands at 6’4. Handled deep coverages for the Blue Raiders, which he was able to do thanks to his range. Size/speed prospect.

 

Specialists

1. James Farrimond, Rice – 6’0”, 220 UDFA

Got a lot of work last season with 68 punts but averaged 42 yards per punt with a high of 67.

2. Tyler Williams, Marshall – 6’0”, 205 UDFA

Averaged 44.1 yards per punt with a long of 64. Had a cushy gig last year with the Marshall offense.

3. Jose Laphitzondo, Florida International – 6’3”, 184 UDFA

Averaged 41 yards per punt with a long of 59

4. Garrett Schwettman, Western Kentucky – 5’11”, 175 UDFA

Best kicker in a week crop. Had a down year last season missing 5 of his 21 attempts but was fairly consistent prior. Must improve his long of 44 yards.

5. Kewin Nielsen, Southern Mississippi 5’10”, 175

Transfer from Mount Union will get his first crack at the starting kicking job this season.