With Colorado State coming into the Arizona Bowl at 7-5 and Nevada sitting at 6-6, this game lines up to be a very evenly matched contest. In terms of draft prospects, though, Colorado State is far ahead.
By: Anthony Chiado
The leader of Rams’ pack is Junior wide receiver Rashard Higgins, who has star potential should he declare. Tight end Kivon Cartwright and safety Trent Matthews are both mid round prospects, while wide receiver Joe Hansley and linebacker Corey James are both late round prospects who could make an NFL roster.
Nevada’s two prospects are both late rounders. Running back Don Jackson and EDGE rusher Ian Seau could stick on NFL rosters early and become contributors later in their careers. Here is an in-depth look at the prospects on both teams.
Colorado State
Rashard Higgins, WR, #82 (JR)
Viewed by many as one of the better receive prospects in the country, it is still up in the air as to if he declares. His 2015 season has been plagued by injuries, which could lead him to staying in school for his senior year. On the field, there isn’t much Higgins does poorly. He has had a penchant for creating big plays at Colorado State, yet he could be just as effective as an underneath receiver. Perhaps the only major flaw to find in Higgins is his slight 6’2” and 188 pound frame. Putting on weight without losing his trademark athleticism could turn Higgins into a fantastic all around threat for an NFL offense.
Joe Hansley, WR, #25
Hansley is an undersized receiver who will likely be limited to a slot role in the NFL. He has quick feet and a fluid lower body to shake corners as a route runner but is severely limited at the catch point. Hansley also has the open field ability to be a threat to make plays after the catch. Although his archetype of player is a dime-a-dozen to NFL teams, Hansley could be a solid late round selection or free agent signing.
Kivon Cartwright, TE, #86
Although Cartwright isn’t used much as a receiver in Colorado State’s offense, he is a solid all around player. An athletic freak at tight end, Cartwright can stretch defenses vertically as well as be a significant threat after the catch. He also showcases good ability as a blocker. Cartwright combines good technique, strength for his size, and his athleticism to control defenders at the second level. He could be a candidate to move into an H-Back role in the NFL.
Corey James, ILB, #31
James struggles in coverage do to a stiff lower body, but excels near the line of scrimmage. His 6’0” 240 pound frame gives him a leverage advantage, which he uses well in combination with his strength to defeat blocks against the run. James doesn’t have great speed and or much range in pursuit, which puts limitations on what he can do as an NFL player. He’ll be limited to a downhill inside linebacker where his size could be a limitation.
Trent Matthews, S, #16
Matthews has started every single game he has played in during his career as a Ram. Standing at 6’3” and 210 pounds he has impressive size for the position. Matthews combines that size with the ability to play coverage deep and come down hill as a reliable run defender. Matthews’ physicality only adds to the reasons why is could be a late Day 2 selection for on draft day.
Nevada
Don Jackson, RB, #6
Jackson is a running back that lacks power and ability to run in between the tackles. When he is outside the tackles or in the open field, however, there is no limit to the number of ankles he could break. Jackson’s insane quickness and change of direction ability makes him an intriguing late round option for a team looking for a player in the mold of the Patriots’ Dion Lewis.
Ian Seau, EDGE, #8
Seau has NFL blood running through his veins as the nephew of late, great Junior Seau. He lacks the natural athleticism that you want to see in top tier EDGE rushers, but he makes up for it with relentless play. He times snaps well get to get a quick jump and shows maximum effort in pursuit. He lacks the natural strength to set the edge against but hopefully he can improve that in an NFL weight program.
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