This year’s Hawaii Bowl features two teams that did fairly well in their respective conference. Rice was solid in the Conference-USA, coming in as the second best team. Fresno State won their division in the Mountain West, but fell to Boise State in the national championship game. The Bulldogs did, however, have a losing record on the year (6-7).
Both squads come in with a few flaws, but plenty of interesting prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft. Fresno State, in particular, has multiple players who project as day two picks.
By: Matt Harmon
Fresno State
Derron Smith, SAF, #13
Before the 2014 season began, Derron Smith was widely viewed as the best senior prospect in the Mountain West Conference. The Bulldogs’ safety was overtaken by Ty Sambrailo for that honor, but is still a fine potential pro. Some will ding Smith for being in the area of big plays, but it’s hard to conclude much of it is his fault. The rest of the defense was hung out to dry by a poor supporting cast, particularly a lack of edge rush. He was also altering between free, his natural position, and strong safety.
However, Derron Smith still flashes impressive ability. He can fly downhill, and is adapt at making plays in coverage. A strong finish to his collegiate career in this bowl game could give him a boost. People may need a reminder of what a quality player he is.
Josh Harper, WR, #3
The wide receiver group in the 2015 NFL Draft looks quite strong. Josh Harper is a mid-round name amongst them to keep in mind. Harper put up another season of impressive statistics. The senior wideout worked well as a complimentary piece in Derek Carr’s high-flying offense. Yet, he thrived as the main threat in the passing game this season.
Harper is a tough player, but is incredibly gifted at earning optimal separation in his routes. He just finds ways to get open. Look out for him to put up a nice performance in this contest.
Tyeler Davison, DT, #92
It’s tough to notice a non-transcendent defensive tackle during live game action. However, Tyeler Davison deserves your attention. He’s a solid run stuffer, and can occasionally take advantage of bad blocking technique to rush the passer. Davison is a player who improved by a good amount his senior year. He’s been gaining ground all season, and could close out strong in the bowl game.
Curtis Riley, CB, #9
There are always cornerbacks who are more sizzle than substance that garner intrigue in the NFL Draft. Curtis Riley will be one of those players in this year’s rendition. The East-West Shrine game invitee has some interesting raw physical upside. He shows flashes of being able to naturally translate to a high quality man cover corner. However, too often close calls and mistakes cause Riley to get taken advantage of. Monitor him in this game to see which side of the spectrum he falls on.
Rice
Jordan Taylor, WR, #15
With impressive defensive tackle, Christian Covington, still on the shelf, Jordan Taylor is the best senior prospect on the Rice football team. Taylor is an imposing receiver, standing at 6’5 and 210 pounds. It remains to be seen how much athleticism he brings with that sixe, and that will be a big test for Taylor to pass in this game.
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