The Boca Raton Bowl features a matchup between two high powered offenses looking to end the season on a winning note. Marshall is looking to rebound after a loss to Western Kentucky in the final regular season game (in what turned out to be a shootout). Northern Illinois, on the other hand, had some early season bumps but turned in a dominating performance in the MAC championship against Bowling Green.
While this game won’t be loaded with NFL talent, it does feature several solid NFL prospects who look to hear their names called come draft day. Here are some of the players to watch in what should prove to be one of the higher scoring bowl games this holiday season.
By: Michael and Matt Vahey
Marshall
Rakeem Cato – QB #12, 6-1, 176
Cato is undersized for an NFL prospect, which doesn’t bode well for his NFL future. Cato has adequate arm strength and is at his best while on the run; however his size should make it difficult for Cato to find a spot on an NFL Roster. However, his production at the collegiate level cannot be ignored, as he has the FBS record with 45 straight games with a touchdown along with 4 years of starting experience. Cato shows good awareness from within the pocket and a veteran savvy, both traits valuable at the next level. These skills, along with his ability to throw on the run and starting experience should warrant some intrigue at the next level.
James Rouse – DT #11, 6-5, 271
Rouse is a bit of a tweener prospect that doesn’t have an ideal position in the NFL. Marshall plays Rouse at NT, however his best position may DE at the next level. In order to succeed he will need to add weight to be able to stack up against bigger, more powerful players at the next level. Rouse is very quick shooting gaps on both the inside and outside shoulders of opposing lineman who also shows good hand fight and extension to get good push and penetration. There are also some looming red flags regarding injury concern, as the 6th year player lost both his 2011 and 2012 seasons due to injury. However, he’s shown a strong work ethic to come back and
Northern Illinois
Tyler Loos –LT # 75, 6’5’’, 302
Loos had started the year reeling from an injury that cut his season short in 2013 (which he still grabbed First-Team All Mac), but as the games went on he become healthier and healthier and it visible in his play. Loos is a player who plays with good technique but what shows is his mean streak and his incredible knack to play to the whistle. What Loos could work on would be working on anchoring when getting bull rushed but he is more than capable of holding his own. 2014 he earned First-Team All Mac and landed his third straight year on the all-conference team. He is a decorated lineman with injuries being his only red flag. When watching the Huskies, the offense will be successful if Loos can lead his O-Line group to play well.
Dechane Durante – S # 1, 6’2’’, 193
Durante had big shoes to fill with the departure of first round NFL draft pick Jimmie Ward, but did a great job in owning the secondary without him earning Second-Team All Mac honors and back to back years on the all-conference teams. He has great size and shows explosiveness when tracking down the ball. What shows up on film are his ball skills, playing a very centerfield like position and lead the Huskies in interceptions. He also can be seen all round the ball, and will come up to make a tackle. Could use some work in more pure pass coverage, but not asked a lot in the Huskies scheme. Keep an eye out for him in the secondary, as you may hear his name called often.
Others to Watch
Jason Meehan – DE #49, 6’1’’, 252
Da’Ron Brown – WR # 6’, 196
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