In maybe the most talent-laden game of the whole Bowl Season, LSU and Clemson face off as two teams who entered the season with BCS title aspirations and fell just short. Both teams are loaded with talent, especially underclassmen who may strongly consider the NFL (mostly LSU in that area).
We have junior quarterbacks with a lot to prove, impact defenders hoping to put a stamp on the final game of the season/their college career, and may more talented players on both sides of the ball that are worth watching tonight.
Notes by Eric Galko, Alex Brown, and Jimmy O'Brien of Optimum Scouting.
Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU – #8, 6’5, 230 (JR)
Over the final few months of the season, Mettenberger took his level of play to a whole new level, showing a newfound composure and confidence at the peak of his pass drops. Mettenberger, who had struggled early with the speed of the game and constant pass rush, made weekly strides with his footwork and throwing base under pressure, rounding into top form as the season came to a close. Having the size and arm strength to stand in under pressure, step into the rush and drive the ball downfield while taking a hit, Mettenberger certainly has the toughness and physical tools you look for in a next level starter. Unlikely to declare in 2013, this elite arm talent should be one of the more high profile quarterbacks for the 2014 draft.
Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU – #49, 6’5, 240 (JR)
As talented and intriguing as he is confusing, Barkevious Mingo is still rough around the edges as a prospect. While his length, suddenness and athleticism are undeniable, Mingo’s inability to finish the play remains a mystery for scouts, as he showcases a “plus” skill set off the snap. Mingo has the rare balance, bend and burst to develop into a dominant pass rusher, yet he too often disappears versus the run or takes himself upfield and out of the play. Another year in school would serve him well, but it appears Mingo is well on his way to a first round selection, as one of the more talented pass rushers in a relatively weak draft class.
Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU – #99, 6’5, 260 (JR)
Bulking up to 260 pounds, Montgomery drives with his lower half very well and exhibits a power rushing skill set. Quick to fire his hips and hands upwards to create a snap at the point of attack, Montgomery understands how to win the leverage battle and collapse the pocket. Montgomery, though lacking an elite first step off the edge, should make a living as a 4-3 defensive end, anchoring versus the run and getting after the quarterback.
Bennie Logan, DT, LSU – #18, 6’3, 295 (JR)
Another highly talented junior defensive prospect for LSU is defensive tackle Bennie Logan. Able to win with first step burst and explosion, Logan possesses rare suddenness and quick twitch athleticism for his size. Normally Logan will turn his shoulders and skinny through the hole with a rip or swim move, but also knows to get his hands up to cover a passing lane when unable to win off the snap. Though he struggles to finish plays in the backfield after an impressive get-off, Logan does a nice job of disrupting run flow and allowing his teammates to rally for the tackle. Not quite a first round talent in my eyes but a likely high day two pick, Logan will have a difficult decision to make after this season comes to a close.
Lavar Edwards, DE, LSU – #89, 6’5, 258
Having a plus size and speed combination at defensive end, Edwards ability to cover a great deal of grass impresses, as he’s proven himself capable of stringing perimeter runs to the sideline and play his C-Gap responsibility as a 7-technique. In a timeshare with Sam Montgomery, Edwards gives complete effort each and every snap he’s on the field; coiling down into a naturally athletic three-point and even the occasional four-point stance, he showcases the quick-twitch and burst needed to quickly turn the corner or convert speed to power. Remains highly aggressive with his pass rush, regardless of opponent, as evidenced by his battle with potential top ten overall draft selection, Luke Joeckel. Quick off the line, Edwards converted speed to power, winning with leverage and leg drive. In each of his two pressures, Joeckel over set in his pass set to cut off the speed of Edwards; reading and reacting properly, Edwards exposed Joeckel’s wide base by running through the “V-of-the-neck” and leveraging with powerful arms to press the pocket. Edwards has a legitimate chance to be selected on the second day of the draft, as a potential top 100 pick.
Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU – #46, 6’2, 245 (JR)
Filling hard downhill and initiating contact with the blocker by firing his sudden, powerful hands to snap his opponent backward at the point of attack, Minter works off blockers with outstanding hand usage and shouldering technique. What enables Minter to be so productive and impactful at Mike linebacker is how quickly he reads, reacts, and steps to flow. Rarely ever taking a misstep in his run/pass read, Minter locates and tracks the football exceptionally well for an inside backer. Moreover, Minter isn’t just a hard hitting, 2-down run thumper; timing up back-to-back stunts for a sack and tackle for loss, and opening his hips to the sideline and running down throws to the perimeter, Minter showcased 3rd down ability versus the pass as a coverage defender and stunting linebacker. This game-changing backer could very well be an early declarer for the 2013 draft and top round draft choice.
Eric Reid, S, LSU – #1, 6’2, 212 (JR)
An impressive player off the hoof with great size, speed, strength and explosiveness, Eric Reid certainly looks the part of an elite player. Standing at or above 6’2 and stacked with 210+ pounds of muscle, Reid can be an intimidating force over the middle of the field, dishing out crushing hits and breaking up throws at the catch point. Physicality and tools aside, however, Reid hasn’t played up to his potential in 2012, allowing big plays in coverage due to poor drive angles to the throw and missed tackles after the catch. Reid, like Mingo, has first round talent and a clear upside, but may be better served returning for another season at LSU.
Tharold Simon, CB, LSU – #24, 6’3, 193 (JR)
Another junior that should return for his senior season but may end up declaring is LSU corner Tharold Simon. Posing a very long and lean 6’3 frame, Simon too often gives up separation at the route break due to his long pedal strides. Unable to keep his feet underneath his base throughout the stem, as well as being overly eager to flip his hips to turn and run, Simon will give up short and intermediate completions to savvy route runners. Simon focuses his attention so much on making a play on the ball that he fails to maintain ideal technique. Most concerning to me is how ineffective he is when asked to press at the line of scrimmage; lacking the strength and hand placement to reroute his opponent, Simon loses off the line and is forced into recovery mode. An unfinished product needing to improve in the footwork and technique departments, expect Simon, a likely 3rd or 4th round prospect, to return to LSU for his final year of eligibility.
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Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson – #10, 6'1, 225
It’s encouraging to see a 6’1 passer show so much upside inside the pocket. It starts with Boyd’s high release point with a fluid throwing motion that allows him to throw from different arm angles and foot platforms without sacrificing too much control. He showed fantastic touch downfield and rarely misses a deep pass vs. Cover 1 or a biting safety and going vertical. And from the pocket, he’s shown an improved and impressive timing on shorter routes across the middle, switching reads on time and understanding when throwing lanes will be open. In the pocket, Boyd has subtle separation moves to get space as rusher attack, keeping his eyes up field and adjusting his line of sight to take advantage of defenses over compensating for his run ability. As a runner, he seems more fluid after his weight loss, but doesn’t seem to have lost too much strength as an in-traffic runner. The biggest concerns with Tajh Boyd is he still doesn’t drive well enough on the outside with short and mid deep routes (though he has the arm to do so), and his ball placement when he needs to drive between zones/defenders is still spotty enough that he’ll miss openings in the defense
Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson – #23, 5'9, 190
One cut linear runner, ideally suited for a zone blocking scheme, who flashes elite burst and top end speed. Is patient to the line and explosive through the hole, displaying good first and second level vision. At time will go down too easily, and durability has been an issue; however, this year Ellington has demonstrated improved balance and power through contact. Lacks lateral agility, but is still highly explosive in the open field. Has good hands, and runs better than average routes, but has been largely underutilized in the passing game throughout his entire career.
Brandon Ford, TE, Clemson – #80, 6'3, 235
Converted wide receiver who seemed to grow into the new position as the season progressed. Good size and excellent overall athleticism and movement skills. Just average hands, and not as precise a route runner as you’d expect, given his background as a receiver, but became a legitimate red zone target, demonstrating plus body control and the ability to high point the ball on fades. Limited as an inline blocker, especially pass blocking, and needs to improve here. Can work the middle of the field, revealing build-up speed, and some big play potential, on seam routes.
Deandre Hopkins, WR, Clemson – #6, 6'1, 200 (JR)
Smooth mover with exceptional off the line burst and straightline speed, both pre and post reception. A little stiff in the hips moving laterally, but can stop and start on a dime, and is a home run threat from anywhere on the field. Good route runner, who consistently gains separation, and can attack all levels of the defense. Good, but not great hands, especially in traffic. Lacks physicality at the line and when required to fight through contact downfield – need to play stronger. Good body control and adjusts well to poorly thrown balls. Dynamic athlete in space, who’s explosive in the open field.
Dalton Freeman, OC, Clemson – #55, 6'5, 286
An intelligent, experienced team leader, who possesses good size, and is a decent athlete, with plus balance and body positioning; however, he lacks core strength, and is more of a shield blocker than pile driver. He delivers a solid initial pop in the run game, but lacks the lower body power to sustain blocks. He doesn't showcase quick feet, but he rarely takes a false step, and is solid technically, able to withstand most bullrushers, while showing good anticipation versus athletic interior lineman. Not a flashy player, and needs to improve lower body strength, but is a sound station to station blocker, who’s ideally suited to a zone blocking scheme.
Jonathan Willard, ILB, Clemson – #46, 6'1, 220
Strong in-the-box player, who has looked more comfortable playing in space in 2012. Physical at the point of attack, with the strength to take on an shed blocks, but limited lateral quickness and overall range. Can be a thumper, but will also overpursue looking for the big hit. Struggles in man coverage situations – serviceable in zones; probably more of a two down player at the next level. Not much of a pass rusher, but shoes good burst on “A” gap blitzes.
Malliciah Goodman, DE, Clemson – #97, 6'4, 280
NFL ready body, with exceptional length. Leverage/power rusher, who’s limited upper body flexibility limits his speed rush from the corner. Can set the edge and tackle off his frame, displaying good athleticism for a big player; however, he consistently plays with poor pad level and never truly maximizes his physical tools. In 2012, was given every opportunity to be the next impact player on Clemson’s defensive line, but he has shown little growth this season, often disappearing for long stretches in games, especially important contests. Could pique the interest of an NFL defensive coordinator, who might think that he could push the right buttons and get Goodman to reach his full potential.
Others to Watch
(JR) Spencer Ware, RB, LSU – #11, 5’11, 225
(JR) Alfred Blue, RB, LSU – #4, 6’2, 220
(JR) Michael Ford, RB, LSU – #42, 5’10, 216
Chase Clement, TE, LSU – #88, 6’5, 265
Josh Dworaczyk, OG, LSU – #68, 6’6, 300
P.J. Lonergan, OC, LSU – #64, 6’4, 305
(JR) Lamin Barrow, OLB, LSU – #57, 6’2, 232
Craig Loston, S, LSU – #6, 6’2, 205
Jaron Brown, WR, Clemson – #18, 6'2, 200
Xavier Brewer, CB, Clemson – #9, 5'11, 190
Rashard Hall, S, Clemson – #31, 6'0, 210
Johnathan Meeks, S, Clemson – #5, 6'1, 210
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