Kicking off the bowl season, we’ll feature two talented offenses run by Read-Option inventor Rich Rodriguez of Arizona vs. Pistol Offense creator Chris Ault.
In what should be a high scoring, exciting match-up that features both offensive and defensive talented prospects, this Pac-12 vs. Mountain West battle should feature a handful of potential mid-rounders that should lure a handful of NFL scouts to this game.
Notes by Eric Galko and Chad Dinkins
Dan Buckner, WR, Arizona – #4, 6’3, 215
A well-built, physical receiver who was used well with Nick Foles at the helm a year ago, Buckner struggled this year to consistently gain separation down field and lacks big play speed. Still flashing the ability of potential impact receiver ability at the next level, he’ll be looked on to win one on one match-ups against Nevada. We’ll see if Rich Rodriguez has prepared any way to utilize the talented receiver in the game-plan to maximize his final game at Arizona.
Matt Scott, QB, Arizona – #10, 6’3, 197
Really an up and down season as a passer this year, Scott has flashed the upside (and has the size) of a potential NFL prospect at quarterback. He’s not a standard Rich Rodriguez, option only quarterback, but he hasn’t quite become a complete and consistent pocket passer either. He has the arm strength, obviously a mobile passer, and shows some solid accuracy when he can set his feet and is comfortable in his first read. But his inconsistent post-snap decisions and inconsistent accuracy show he’s got a long way to go. And this Nevada match-up won’t be an easy one to impress in what will be his final game at Arizona.
Duke Williams, SS, Nevada – #5, 6’1 200
Williams is a safety that is used in multiple ways for the Wolf Pack in their Cover 2 scheme. He is asked to cover the slot and come down in the box to help with the run. He has great instincts in the box and is a very good tackler. In pass coverage, he has good feet and is able to open his hips and run with slot receivers very well. With the passing game influence in the NFL and Williams playing in a passing conference, Williams could be drafted as early as the mid rounds.
Jeff Nady, OT, Nevada – #78, 6’6 305
Nady is an athletic left tackle, utilized in the zone blocking scheme of Nevada which allows Nady to excel due to his athleticism and display his nimble feet. Nady does a great job getting of the ball and creating contact with the defense but I’d like to see him use his hands more. He is an intriguing prospect that will rise up many draft boards as we get closer to the draft and will be added for depth on an NFL roster possibly being moved to the inside.
Zach Sudfeld, TE, Nevada – #44, 6’6 255
Sudfeld is in the mold of the new wave of TE’s. He has great size and a good frame. He isn’t as athletic as an Aaron Hernandez type but is able to split out and run routes. Sudfeld has a good catching radius and uses his hands in traffic very well to catch the ball. He is an adequate blocker in the Wolf Pack’s running game as an H-Back and in a three point stance. With offenses in the NFL looking to find that TE to spread out for mismatches and be good in space, Sudfeld could go as high as the mid to late rounds.
Brandon Wimberly, WR, Nevada – #4, 6’2 215
Wimberly is coming off of an unfortunate injury that kept him out of the 2011 season due to a gunshot wound. Not a prospect who initially jumps out with exceptional speed, but he’s a solid route runner and catches the ball with his hands in traffic. Wimberly does a great job of attack the ball in traffic which any team in the NFL can use inside the Red Zone. Wimberly may not be anything more than a depth WR in the draft but will remind many teams of a Riley Cooper mold. Expect Wimberly to find his way on an NFL roster.
Kahlid Wooten, DB, Nevada – #2, 5’11 200
A raw defensive back with above average speed , Wooten shown flashes of a player that could be a good late round pick. Wooten is also utilized in the return game for the Wolf Pack. He’ll be tested by Fresno State and quarterback Derek Carr, and this match-up alone could shoot him up draft boards if he can play well. Wooten has an outside NFL shot as of now, but could bring depth to a team needing secondary help in the future.
Juniors to Watch
Stefphon Jefferson, RB, Nevada – #25, 5’11, 210
-One of the nation’s top running backs statistically, came out of nowhere this season and may consider hopping to the NFL. Shows good pop through the hole, and flashes the burst to separate, his evaluation won’t be complete until after he declares, which could be shortly after this one.
Shaquille Richardson, CB, Arizona – #5, 6’1, 188
-Didn’t have quite the dominating season many have expected, Richardson has still be a solid cornerback with fluid hips and upside to be a future NFL starter. He won’t have an easy match-up in this game, but a solid game (and maybe his first interception of the season) could get him on the 2014 radar early and potentially woo him to consider the NFL early.
Others to Watch:
Taimi Tutogi, FB, Arizona – #31, 6’1, 260
Kyle Quinn, OC, Arizona – #76, 6’3, 297
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