In what is the most NFL Draft prospect-filled game of the pre-January 1st games, the Russell Athletic Bowl features two teams that didn't reach their expectations, lead by talented offenses and defenses that could have multiple members in the NFL in a year or two.
Will Logan Thomas bounce back from a frustrating junior campaign against one of the most under rated defenses in the country? Will the Rutgers offense be able to get moving despite Virginia Tech having a very talented defensive front? Should make for a very interesting game, evaluation-wise at least.
Notes from Eric Galko and Jimmy O’Brien from Optimum Scouting
Khaseem Greene, OLB, Rutgers – #20, 5’11, 222
Rutgers’ defensive unit is led by linebacker Khaseem Greene, a likely high second round prospect on the outside, who continues to move well in space, flashing excellent lateral agility and closing speed. Greene plays primarily in the middle; however, he does see a significant number of snaps on the corner, where he demonstrated the ability to set the edge versus the run, as well as to tackle off his frame, though the typically sure tackler did miss his target on more than one occasion. Displaying scheme diversity and positional versatility, Greene moves all around the defensive formation and plays in all sub-packages. Though possessing a limited rush move repertoire, he showcases good speed off the corner as an edge rushe. Greene makes stops all over the field, though he continues to show a lack of maximum effort on some plays. Still, he’s a true playmaker with fantastic instincts, vision, and reaction skills who should make an instant impact in the NFL.
Scott Vallone, DT, Rutgers – #, 6’1, 295
Vallone is a slightly undersized tackle, playing mostly on the nose. Vallone displays aggressive hands and a quick swim move to shoot the “A” gap on run plays, as well as the ability and willingness to chase plays down the line of scrimmage. He attacks opposing linemen aggressively with good reach, maximizing extension and maintaining separation through engagement. Though posting only modest stats, Vallone’s refusal to stay blocked, and consistent hustle to get into plays, make him a key contributor to Rutgers’ nationally second ranked run defense.
Steve Beauharnais, OLB, Rutgers – #, 6’2, 240
Though not as natural an athlete, or as smooth a mover in space, as Khaseem Greene, Beauharnais consistently read run/pass keys quickly and takes good angles to the ball. In many of Rutgers’ subpackages, Beauharnais plays as a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end, and he continues to excel in this role.
Jawan Jamison, RB, Rutgers – #, 5’10, 220 (RS SO)
On the offensive side of the ball, Rutgers’ Jamison demonstrates explosiveness to get to the second level, as well as the ability to sink his hips on multiple sharp cutbacks. Showcasing his possible fit in both zone and man blocking schemes, he also shows one cut, up the field, ability on a series of second half zone stretch plays. Though a smaller back, Jamison is surprisingly strong after first contact, and displays that he can effectively run between the tackles. Jamison can also show ability in the passing game.
Brandon Coleman, WR, Rutgers – #, 6’4, 200 (RS SO)
Not faring as consistent this season as myself and many hoped, Brandon Coleman possesses elite size and excellent agility and overall athleticism for a big receiver. Though demonstrating effective build-up speed, Coleman is slow going through gears, and struggled to gain separation on short and intermediate routes. He does flash the big play ability thanks to his turn and run upfield ability and length to pick up speed quickly, but is very unpolished in most shorter and intermediate routes. His route running lacks precision, which really will limit him in the NFL if he does decide to declare.
DC Jefferson, TE, Rutgers – #, 6’6, 240
Jefferson is a big target with a huge catching radius. Jefferson is long and relatively lean, but has been used primarily as a blocking tight end, and he impressed in this area this season. In the passing game, he struggles to get off the line at times, but has the athleticism to get downfield, and was open repeatedly on seam routes. Jefferson utilizes his height and leaping ability vertically, when he high-points the ball well. Jefferson, a converted quarterback, is still a raw prospect, but his development points to him being a draftable player with intriguing upside.
Mark Harrison, WR, Rutgers – 6’3, 235 #81
Harrison is well built and flashes downfield physicality, but not as consistently dominating in the short area. He doesn’t consistently wow, and relies on big plays to be effective. Routes need to be more defined, and he never did step up as mid range receiver with Mohammed Sanu gone.
RJ Dill, OT, Rutgers – #, 6'7, 300
The former Maryland promising right and left tackle starter (10 starts at left tackle in 2010) left the program and sat out all last year. Based on the minimal games accessed from 2010, Dill has certainly flashed the upside of a starting NFL tackle in the future. He uses his length well, setting up on the edge and keeping his distance in pass blocking situation. He extends and keeps his feet well, though he could play with a wider base and explode quicker back inside after moving laterally to the edge. As a run blocker, he needs to drive with better pad level, especially since his 6'6-6'7 height isn't ideal for downfield blocking. Despite that, he shows good (not great) hand placement and a willingness to drive and switch off to downfield blocker when necessary in the run game. He pivots and seals quickly and with great body control, maybe the most impressive aspect of his game as of now.
Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers – #, 6'1, 190 (JR)
Ryan shows very good fluidity, few wasted steps in his turn and run transition, and was an efficient tackler from his cornerback spot. He stays tight to the hip of his receiver consistently, and does a great job in subtle hand usage. He could open up a bit cleaner when breaking vertical, the area where he struggles most. It’s his vision, instincts, short area ball skills, and short area athleticism that could make him a Top 64 if he declares this eyar.
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Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech – #3, 6’6, 262 (JR)
The issues with Thomas have been far worse than expected coming into this year. His pre-season hype was mostly based around the potential he showed as a sophomore, but he looks more like a JaMarcus Russell big bodied inconsistent passer than the high upside Cam Newton-like hope many evaluators had. He’s been extremely indecisive in his reads, his footwork and mechanics have continued to plague his success, and he’s been unable to utilize his big arm, physicality, or ability as a runner to his benefit. Much of that has been due to pressure from the team, lack of great interior line play, and overall being indecisive in the team's gameplan. Still, it's clear the smart off-the-field passer still has the upside to be an on-the-field NFL quarterback in the future.
Marcus Davis, WR, Virginia Tech – #7, 6’4, 228
The big bodied receiver has faced similar struggles as Thomas thanks to the overall offensive issues, but he’s still flashed the ability in the past and at times this season of an outside NFL receiver with the high pointing ability, the long stride of a downfield receiver, and the ability to adjust to the ball in the short area. He’s scouting report will unfortunately shuffle with Logan Thomas’s, but he’ll likely impress in post-season workouts.
James Gayle, DE, Virginia Tech – #99, 6’4, 260 (JR)
One of the most powerful and physically imposing power rushers in college football, Gayle’s ability to drive with his legs while engaged and strong hands to get separation after his initial rush has made him one of the best in getting pressure on the edge. He still lacks the edge bend rush moves to be a complete outside rusher, and could collapse inside better from the edge in the run game, but all the tools are there to work with for him to be a great NFL power rusher.
JR Collins, DE, Virginia Tech – #42, 6’2, 252 (JR)
Complementing Gayle is the quicker, more naturally explosive rusher in Collins, who hasn’t played quite as NFL-good as I had expected from my pre-season scouting. Possibly more of a 3-4 outside edge rusher, Collins explosive pops from the edge, change of direction skill to attack the ball carrier, and limitations with his size and separation ability once engaged in run support should make him a solid fit for a wide 4-3 set or a 3-4 set.
DeAndre Hopkins, DT, Virginia Tech – #98, 6’0, 305 (JR)
Similar to Collins, Hopkins hasn’t been as consistent as a pass rusher as I expected from the pre-season. He seems to not have developed a consistent set of rush moves, and still is attacking too high off the snap to consistently generate pressure. Still, Hopkins has strong hands, is very active initially, and keeps his vision and balance through double teams. While he may not declare now, he’d be worth a mid-rounder for sure thanks to his upside as a rusher from the nose tackle or 3-technique spot.
Bruce Taylor, ILB, Virginia Tech – #51, 6’2, 253
One of the most impressive linebackers I’ve seen on film this year, Taylor has shown everything you’d like to see in a weakside linebacker, despite him being the focal point of the defense in the middle. He’s very fluid laterally, sorts through traffic well with balance, and his vision and explosiveness to get to the edge/backfield to make a play. If he can continue to flash the ability to play in coverage and stay consistent for the rest of the year, he’ll be one of the first linebackers taken in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Others to Watch:
Tim Wright, WR, Rutgers – #5, 6'4, 220
Marcus Cooper, CB, Rutgers – #12, 6'2, 190
Antone Exum, CB, Virginia Tech – #1, 6'1, 224
Dyrell Roberts, WR, Virginia Tech – #11, 6'2, 195
Corey Fuller, WR, Virginia Tech – #83, 6'2, 196
Nick Becton, OT, Virginia Tech – #54, 6'6, 317
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