In what kicks off a run full of games that have substantial NFL talent, the Belk Bowl features two teams going in different directions. Duke is finally on the right track with David Cutliffe at the helm, going to their first bowl game since 1994, while Cincinnati is on it's 3rd coach in four years, with Tommy Tuberville set to take over after this game.
The match-up features a later round quarterback, one of the best slot receivers in the draft, and a handful of Cincinnati late rounders led by RB George Winn and TE Travis Kelce.
Notes by Eric Galko and Jimmy O’Brien of Optimum Scouting
Sean Renfree, QB, Duke – #19, 6'5, 230
A polished passer, Renfree has risen from the usual Duke Blue Devil ashes to become a legitimate and very intriguing senior quarterback prospect. The well-built, intangible-heavy Shrine game invite, Renfree has a very good arm, ideal size and vision in the pocket, and shows a consistent release that allows him to utilize touch on vertical throws. Not an elite level ball-placement passer and could be better on the move/on the outside, Renfree should be one of the two best Shrine Game quarterbacks after a tough test against Cincinnati.
Conner Vernon, WR, Duke – #2, 6'1, 195
A future 3rd/slot receiver in the NFL, Vernon is a decisive-cutting interior receiver who finishes catches, takes smart steps after the catch, and can get upfield quickly and with adequate vision in the short area. Possessing adequate separation and deep play ability, Vernon will likely be a 5-15 yard route receiver at the next level, and could make a long living there at the NFL level.
George Winn, RB, Cincinnati – #32, 5'11,210
Winn possesses good size and is a hard-nosed, between the tackles runner. Running with good forward lean, he was strong through initial contact, and highly effective when he got his shoulders square to the line. Though not shifty, he demonstrated solid burst up the middle and plus leg drive and second effort on each of his two touchdowns, where he carried multiple defenders into the endzone. A natural receiver, who gets turned upfield quickly, Winn also displayed soft hands, and was active in the passing game, on screens and swings. Ideally suited to zone blocking scheme, Winn finished with 119 yards on the ground, for a 5.7 yards per carry average, to go along with his 2 scores. Although not a highly regarded prospect at the start of the season, he looks like a solid UDFA prospect, who should get a camp invite and have a good shot at making an NFL squad
Travis Kelce, TE, Cincinnati – #18, 6'6, 270
Kelce, Cincinnati’s leading receiver,is decisive route runner, who gets into patterns quickly, Kelce moves well for his size and displayed good hands and the tendency to catch balls off his frame. Though not explosive in and out of breaks, he exhibits the knack for finding soft spots in zones, and showcases excellent body control, hauling in several poorly thrown balls, where he had to adjust in midair. At 6'6, he’s a natural red zone target, highly proficient on back of the endzone fades. Versus South Florida, he also was a willing and solid blocker, looking sound lining up blocks in space, serviceable inline against defensive ends, and even recorded a flashy upending block on a wide receiver screen, where he flashes athleticism and physicality in the open field
Dan Giordano, DE, Cincinnati – #99, 6'4, 262
Giordano is a high-motor, through the whistle player, who significantly picked up his play after Cincinnati’s defensive leader Walter Stewart went down with an upper body injury several games before. Though he lacks upper body strength, and the flexibility to bend coming around the corner on a rush, Giordano displays the ability to consistently set the edge, and he persistently battles inside versus the run.
Drew Frey, S, Cincinnati – #26, 6'3, 212
Frey is an aggressive force in the run game from his strong safety spot, and his ideal size should have NFL teams somewhat intrigued. He attacks upfield well, both when he anticipates against the run and reacting to shorter passes. That combined with his fantastic tackling and force through his hits, and Frey intrigues certainly as an in-the box safety. But his lack of range, fluid hips in man pickup, and over-aggression as he anticipates the run game make him more of a special teamer at best to start his NFL career.
Kenbrell Thompkins, WR, Cincinnati – #7, 6’1, 190
While initially have some quietly high expectations for himself, Thompkins has struggled to become a meaningful part of the offense and has transformed from a sneaky athletic and quick hand shooter receiver to more of a blocker and situational target. He's developed as a blocker this season with added force and technique, but if he can't show receiving abilities outside of hitches, short breaking routes and the occasional red zone target, he'll struggle to be on NFL radars.
Greg Blair, ILB, Cincinnati – #51, 6’2, 252
Blair is a fiery competitor, with a knack for making big plays. Though possessing just average speed, range, and change of direction ability, Blair is smart, takes proper angles to the ball, and nimbly moves around blockers. Though not a sideline to sideline player, Blair has good short area quickness, which he exhibited by blowing up a third down shovel pass in the red zone. And, he doesn’t miss tackles, recording over 100 for the season. Blair appears to be fully recovered from the injury that robbed him of most of his 2011 season. He could seek a medical redshirt, and return to Cincinnati, where he would be one of the Big East’s top defenders next season, or he could enter the draft after this season, where he would be a draftable inside linebacker worthy of a late round flier.
Others to Watch:
Dominique Battle, CB, Cincinnati – #9, 5'11, 192
Camerron Cheathem, CB, Cincinnati – #21, 5'9, 190
Pat O'Donnell, P, Cincinnati – #34, 6'5, 222 (JR)
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