After a wildly successful first season in 2014 from a player personnel and national publicity standpoint, the Medal of Honor Bowl played in Charleston, South Carolina returned in 2015, and features ample talent for NFL evaluators to consider.
While the game is January 10th, the week of practice, like every all-star state game, is where most of the evaluation occurs for NFL teams factor in their final scouting reports. The game this year features plenty of talent, and 10-15 draft picks wouldn’t surprise.
Here are my top ten most intriguing (not necessarily best) prospects at the Medal of Honor Bowl game this year.
American Roster
Chris Bonner, QB, CSU-Pueblo
With ample velocity in the pocket and when asked to be mobile, Bonner flashes great upside despite his at times erratic decision-making and misplaced passes down the field. An all-star game setting could do wonders to ease scouts concerns and see if he’s worth developing as a D2 project in the NFL
Cam Worthy, WR, East Carolina
Justin Hardy has received the bulk of the receptions and attention in the East Carolina offense, but Cam Worthy had his own 1,000-yard season and has plus-size (listed at 6’3) for the position. He’ll battle for the top receiver at the event, and if he impresses against his opposing cornerbacks like I believe, he could secure a second draft pick for the East Carolina receiving corps.
RJ Harris, WR, New Hampshire
Arguably this class’s best small school receiver, Harris was able to consistently remain productive over his senior season despite being the clear featured weapon in the offense thanks to plus-downfield routes and finishing ability on big plays. He could emerge as one of the draft’s best slot receivers if he can impress during the week of practice.
Norkeithus Otis, LB, North Carolina
One of Optimum Scouting’s favorite linebacker prospects mid-season, Otis didn’t breakout in 2014 the way we expected, but his bulk and athleticism at the position is still intriguing. As long as he measures in well and has a plus-week of practice, he’ll likely be a mid to late draft pick.
Jacob Hagen, S, Liberty
Viewed as a potential draft pick in the pre-season by NFL teams, the 6’3 highly athletic safety is primarily an in-the-box safety with ample range in the run game and the ability to cover tight ends and running backs at a high level. His coverage range will be tested during the week of practice and the game.
National Roster
Ryan Williams, QB, Miami (FL)
A back-up in his Miami career since his true freshman season, Williams still has NFL teams intrigued by his upside thanks to his ideal NFL build at 6’6, 220+ and a plus-arm. He’d be a surprise draft pick, but the fact that he’s at the game and NFL teams are excited to see him leads to why he’s so intriguing.
Kenny Cook, WR, Gardner-Webb
Listed at 6’3, the long, lean receiver has been one of the best receivers in his conference for three straight years, and his finishing ability at the catch-point and body control when attacking vertically is what should have scouts intrigued.
Torrian Wilson, OG, Central Florida
The three-plus year starter at left tackle for UCF, Wilson best fit is at guard at next level thanks to his lack of length and short-area strength and control better suited on the inside. He enters as the favorite to be the game’s best offensive lineman.
Shaq Riddick, DE, West Virginia
One of the rare transfer-ups at the FBS level, Riddick started his career at Gardner-Webb before joining West Virginia this year. With plus length and edge-rushing ability, Riddick is one of the class’s best situational pass-rushers. His ability against the run and if he can stand-up as a rusher will be tested during practices.
Tank Jakes, LB, Memphis
A highly active and aggressive linebacker who was highly productive during his Memphis career as an interior rusher and tackle finishing linebacker, Jakes’s sub-6’0 size will likely keep most teams away. He’ll need to show he’s Chris Borland-esque during practices.
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