Two teams that came into the year with high expectations, Oregon State was nationally relevant for most of the year despite only have two impact seniors and a redshirt sophomore with and NFL future. Texas on the other hand, has substanial NFL talent, and was expected to make a stand in the Big 12 this season.
And while Oregon State likely was aiming higher in bowl games after a Top 10 ranking at one point, they'll still need to battle through the very talented Texas team here in the Alamo Bowl.
Notes by Eric Galko, Mark Dulgerian and Alex Brown of Optimum Scouting
Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State – #2, 6'1, 180
Wheaton was one of the premier prospects at the position. He is built well and displays quick burst to the ball and speed to stay in receivers hips downfield but Wheaton’s route running exposed his inexperience as a starter. Wheaton is one of the fastest receivers in the Pac 12 but he’s become one of the better route runners and using subtle handwork and head fakes to separate at his breaks.
Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State – #14, 6'0, 190
At 5-11, Poyer is build well through his upper and lower half and possesses the necessary play strength to win against more physical receivers. He plays to his timed speed, showing the ability to stay step for step with faster receivers downfield. He has outstandingly quick feet and change of direction ability that allow him to break on a dime and jump routes out of their breaks. He's a very confident player who has more than held his own against top competition in the Pac 12. While they it occasionally get him into trouble, Poyer plays very aggressive and is not afraid to take risks. He plays with great anticipation and shows excellent concentration to make tough interceptions.
Alex Okafor, DE, Texas – #80, 6’4, 265
5-star recruit Alex Okafor sports blue chip talent, as both a power-speed rusher off the edge and run stuffing contain defender for the Texas defense. Legitimate cause for concern has arisen, however, due to the mechanical and stiff nature of Okafor’s play style. Additionally concerning is the fact that Okafor really doesn’t have ideal speed to threaten the corner consistently or the steady playing strength to remain active versus the run. Not quite a tweener in my mind but also not an elite player at either defensive end or linebacker, Okafor has the ability to develop into a long term starter while fulfilling a role similar to Dallas Cowboys’ outside linebacker Anthony Spencer. Like Spencer, Okafor shouldn’t be drafted as a premiere edge rusher but rather as a complimentary piece to an elite player. Glimpses of dominance flash across the screen with Alex Okafor, but consistency remains an issue. Too often Okafor leaves with the impression that he isn't making the most of his physical tools by not taking over games in the manner he is capable of doing.
Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas –#4, 6’2, 210
Vaccaro has been one of my favorite prospects to scout in the Big 12 over the past two seasons for one, multi-layered reason –versatility. Capable of playing over the top as a centerfielder in cover 1 or cover 3; covering the deep half in cover 2; buzzing down into the flats as the roll-down safety in cover 3; robbing the middle of the field as the free underneath defender in man coverage; and playing bump-and-run or off-man coverage versus the opposition’s top slot receiver; Vaccaro literally does it all for Texas defense in pass coverage, which will only boost his next level value. Vaccaro possesses ideal size and speed for the position, a “plus” first step out of his plant and drive, and a combination of football instincts and intelligence that set him apart from the rest of the senior safety class. Beyond his polished coverage skills, Vaccaro doubles as an explosive tackler and edge blitzer. Processing and reacting immediately to run flow, this Texas safety attacks the line of scrimmage with violence and aggression. That aggression has been a double-edged sword throughout his career, as it’s led to both big hits and crucial missed tackles. In order to take the next step as a prospect, I’d like to see more consistent tackling form. At any rate, we’re talking about a day 1 starter and impact defensive player that should hear his name called on the first night of the NFL Draft.
Others to Watch:
Scott Crichton, DE, Oregon State – #95, 6’3, 263
Carrington Byndom, CB, Texas – #23, 6'0, 180 (JR)
D.J. Monroe, RB/WR, Texas – #26,5’9, 175
Marquise Goodwin, WR, Texas – #84, 5’9, 180
Mason Walters, OG, Texas – #72, 6’5, 320 (JR)
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