While it took a miraculous punt return for Oklahoma State to even qualify for a bowl game, they still look to cap the season on a high note after a mostly disappointing season. Coach Mike Gundy has stated that the starting QB will be named at Game time; regardless Oklahoma State’s quarterback situation will be tested by a defense with several potential future NFL stars.
Washington put together a good season as well, and will have its fair share of players playing on Sundays next year. The defense being the strong point, with multiple players who stand out especially Junior Shaq Thompson a two way star who thrives at OLB but also had his number called to play RB full time during the year during a number of games and more than showed he was athletic enough to do so.
By: Michael and Matt Vahey
Oklahoma State
James Castleman – DT #91, 6-2, 300
Castleman plays the 3 technique in the Oklahoma State defense and has earned an invite to the East-West shrine game after the season. Castleman is solid against the run, using heavy hands to control blockers at the point of attack. What Castleman needs to work on is balance and power on contact as he has a tendency to fall off his blocks, ending up on the ground. Castleman, while not the most fleet of foot, is good in pursuit and shows that he is comfortable playing in space. A good performance in the bowl game and in the Shrine game will elevate his status. Look for him to be off the board in the middle to late rounds.
Daniel Koenig – OT #58, 6-6, 300
Koenig shows good position versatility after moving to LT this season after playing the last two at RT. Koenig will need to put some time in the weight room at the next level as he’s lean and lacks the strength to sustain blocks. Needs to refine his technique in his pass sets, his footwork is inconsistent and struggles against speed rushers. His future likely lies on the right side, as his athletic limitations and technical flaws render him a liability on the left. If he can clean some of these up, his experience and versatility should prove intriguing for teams at the next level. He’s likely an UDFA prospect.
Washington Huskies
Hau’oli Kikaha – DE/LB #8, 6-3, 246
Kikaha had his best season as a Huskie this year and lead the nation in sacks with 18 and made more plays behind the line of scrimmage totaling 24 tackles for loss. He is a great pass rusher as a stand up OLB and would be great suited in a 3-4 scheme in the NFL. But this years numbers should not be a red flag as he has been producing as a freshman, but has just been inhibited by injuries. He has a relentless motor and plays with determination on every play as he is motivated to prove himself as he has multiple ACL injuries and just has a great mindset to go out and play like every game is his last. The one red flag though are the injuries that he has endured during his career. He is strictly a 3-4 edge rusher in the NFL and would be worth the pick for a team looking to add one to their roster, look for him to go in the mid to late rounds of the draft.
Danny Shelton – DT #55, 6-2, 339
A monster in the middle, Danny Shelton was a nightmare this season so far for interior lineman and made the transition to wearing #55 this year in remembrance of his brother and dedicated his play to him from that moment on. Raking in the accolades for All-America honors as well as First Team All-Pac-12, he is primed to hear his name called this year. He was second on the team in tackles from the Defensive Tackle position with 89 as well as 16.5 TFLs and 9 sacks on the season. He has an excellent combination of strength and quickness and showed excellent first step ability which allowed him to beat offensive lineman on a consistent basis all year long. The one drawback on him is that this is his first year really showing his skill and want to make sure he brings the same effort once in the pros.
Others to watch:
Oklahoma State
Desmond Roland – RB #26, 6-2, 210
Sam Wren – DE #89, 6-2, 255
Washington
Shaq Thompson – LB, #7, 6-1, 228 (JR)
Andrew Hudson – DE, #93, 6-3, 246
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