Toledo had a solid season this year finishing second in the MAC West behind Northern Illinois to which they lost their only in division game. They had an exceptional showing in the ground game with Sophomore Kareem Hunt having a break out season and leading them in rushing and will be carrying the workload in the GoDaddy.com Bowl. Along with Hunt, there are a few pro prospects to keep your eye on as well when Toledo takes the field on Sunday.
This is Arkansas State’s fourth straight appearance in the GoDaddy bowl, currently sitting at a 2-1 record the past three years. Arkansas State is looking to 3-0 in the GoDaddy bowl against the MAC conference (this is their 3rd straight appearance against a MAC opponent).
By: Matt and Mike Vahey
Arkansas State
Qushaun Lee – #48 LB, 5-11, 225
Lee is an undersized linebacker, but he’s a sleeper and one to watch in this game. Lee is a two time first team All- Sun Belt First Team selection at linebacker and was ranked at No. 2 in Lindy’s top NFL talent for the Sun-Belt Conference. He’s a player who has no fear and has been majorly productive in his time at Arkansas State proving to be a tackling machine. While he’s not the biggest, he will look to make a big hit and is not afraid to throw his body around. He’s not built for every NFL scheme due to his lack of size, but this high motor will be an asset on Special Teams and as a Reserve Linebacker. Lee is likely to be Undrafted Free Agent, but don’t be surprised when he makes an NFL roster.
Artez Brown – #10 CB, 6-0, 180
Brown is a 2014 All-Sun Belt Conference selection at CB and finished the regular season with 4 interceptions. Brown does show he can be physical and set the edge at corner. Brown has good top end speed and adequate coverage ability. He closes hard with more than adequate burst. Gets off blocks and shows some pop as a tackler. Has some traits that translate to the NFL, however needs to refine technique to succeed at the next level. He may find trouble making and staying on an NFL roster. Brown is likely an Undrafted Free Agent.
Others to watch:
Sterling Young – #11 FS, 6-2, 193
Toledo
Junior Sylvestre – #33 LB, 6’ 222
The best player on the Rockets defense was the leader from the get go this season and lead them in tackles on the season and gained first team all conference honors. He shows excellent range and athleticism and the game seems to be effortless for him. He is very fluid and is constantly around the ball and is very technically sound at the position. What Sylvestre has against him is his size, as he is not an exceptionally large LB and can get overwhelmed at times when taking on blockers and trying to shed them in the run game. He is excellent in pass coverage as his pure athleticism allows him to be very fluid and cover running backs, tight ends and even slot receivers. He will be a solid 2nd to 3rd day pick and will be a nice pick up for a team.
Greg Mancz – #75 C, 6’5’’ 300
Mancz landed on the First Team All-Conference team this season at Center after being 2nd team in 2013 and 3rd team in 2012 as well as being voted Vern Smith Leadership Award for the MAC. Mancz is an all-around solid offensive lineman and has started full seasons at three different positions during his career for the Rockets and was the teams leader from day one. He has excellent footwork and has even better awareness on the field. With all his experience he is great in combo blocking and coming off on the second level. In pass protection he has great ability to anchor and mirror and doesn’t get beat very often. He will be a solid pick, who could go on the second day of the draft for a team who is looking for an extremely versatile lineman.
Others to watch:
Jordan Haden – #4, CB 5’11 210
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