As the saying goes: Some football is better than no football. And while most people won’t care all that much about the previously horrendous Pac-12 team vs. a consistently struggling Mountain West team, it is a chance to see a handful of future NFL prospects along with the Mike Leach offense back in action as the only football on tonight.
Leach has the chance to utilze a senior quarterback with potential NFL ability along with a junior receiver that may be among the best at his position in all of college football.
Jeff Tuel, QB, Wash State – 6’3, 221, #10
As of right now, Tuel isn’t a lock to play in their match-up against the easy foe of UNLV. He’s recovering from a knee injury in last week’s game, and with Connor Halliday on the bench, they won’t feel pressured to play Tuel. Tuel has flashed NFL ability in the past, with ideal size and, when he has a clean pocket, has the velocity control and downfield accuracy to perform well. But he’ll need to prove he can stay healthy and has enough natural talent to be worthy of a draft pick. And even if he does play, executing the likely route of UNLV won’t be too beneficial for his draft stock.
Marquess Wilson, WR, Wash State – 6’4, 185 #86 (JUNIOR)
If it wasn’t for the USC receivers, you could make a strong case for Marquess Wilson to be the top receiver in the Pac-12, even battling with Cal receiver Keenan Allen. The long, lanky, needing to add bulk receiver has been a fantastic downfield receiver, timing his jumps well, getting vertical in a hurry, and showing subtle separation downfield. As a short area receiver, he showcases good body control and positioning in routes, but still lacks that physical strength to win battles through traffic.
Travis Long, DE, Wash State – 6’4, 245, #89
An explosive, next level edge rusher, Long is one of the few potential NFL talented defensive players on the roster, regardless of class. Built ideally for a 3-4 outside linebacker, Long showcases the balance to set the edge and finishing ability in the backfield to be a productive edge sealer in the run game and obviously get to the passer when possible. He doesn’t have ideal suddenness to the outside and lacks great inside counter rush moves, but has some depth in rush moves and doesn’t get knocked off his rush all too often.
Other Potential Prospects to Watch:
Andrei Lintz, TE, Washington State – 6’5, 252 #87
Dan Spitz, OT, Washington State – 6’7, 300 #71
John Lotulelei, OLB, UNLV – 6’0, 235, #55
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