In the next BCS bowl game of the college football bowl season, we’ll get a chance to look at the nation’s best quarterback NFL talent-wise and one of the most consistent programs with great talented on offense as Stanford takes on Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.
While Stanford is the higher ranked team and feature Andrew Luck at quarterback, this very well could be the most evenly matched bowl game of the season.
Stanford Cardinal vs. Virginia Tech Hokies – Orange Bowl
Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford (RS SO)
Based on what I’ve seen from this year, Andrew Luck is the best quarterback I’ve scouted in at least the past five years, and on the same plane with Phillip Rivers coming out so many years back. While his arm strength and accuracy and poise are never a question, his athletic ability is very under rated, probably better than Sam Bradford. He has to be the top pick, either in 2011 or 2012.
Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech (RS SO)
When the Hokies lost their freshman stud Darren Evans to start the year, another freshman came in took over. Now both are draft eligible, and both may leave, but Williams is the more talented of the two. His speed and explosion through the hole are very impressive, and he has good enough size to be a 12-16 carry a game guy in the NFL to start.
Rashad Carmichael, CB, Virginia Tech
With the SEC and Big 12 cornerbacks getting most of the attention in draft circles, I think Carmichael could be close to if not as talented as many of the top cornerbacks in this class. He has great ball skills and timing in deep coverage, and has been able to stick with speedy and more physical receivers.
Darren Evans, RB, Virginia Tech (JR)
A powerful runner who attacks the hole with great strength, Evans has the wheels to still beat you deep if given the room. Evans lacks the big play ability or versatility that Williams does, but he could a very solid power, rotational back in the NFL if he declares.
Sione Fua, DT, Stanford
Maybe a quietly important factor to this game, Fua has been the most impressive defensive player of this Top 25 defense, and his ability to attract attention and take advantage of one on ones and off balance blockers has made him a solid NFL prospect. He’ll have his hands full with the triple threat of Virginia Tech though (Williams, Evans, and quarterback Tyrod Taylor).
Dyrell Roberts, WR, Virginia Tech (JR)
Virginia Tech has been known for pumping out some quietly productive, highly talented receivers over the past five years, and Roberts could follow in Josh Morgan’s, Eddie Royal’s, and many others before them as NFL starting Tech receivers. He finds holes in the defense well, has good acceleration after the catch, and has been fairly reliable with his hands when the ball is in the air.
Owen Marecic, FB, Stanford
Marecic was so highly thought of, he actually received a Heisman vote because of his value to this team as a leader, fullback, and inside linebacker. Marecic likely won’t make the NFL as a linebacker, and won’t be drafted highly at fullback. But he will be selected in the draft because of his attitude, toughness, and leadership ability, and could have a long career as a back-up/special teamer.
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