There was much to learn about the Mountain West Conference’s draft prospects this week. San Jose State and San Diego State played against teams from superior conference. Including an SEC team in Auburn for SJSU. There was also an inter-conference face-off between Boise State and Colorado State.
By Matt Harmon
San Jose State
Blake Jurich, QB, #14
After a surprising and exciting season debut, Blake Jurich fell a bit back to earth statistically. However, the senior quarterback remained quite good again, staying poised and calm despite trailing to an SEC team all day. Jurich showed excellent deep accuracy on several occasions, and threw with excellent touch. He also picked up a few first downs with his legs. After two starts, we can comfortably say there is something to monitor here.
Travis Raciti, DT, #3
This was a worrisome outing for Travis Raciti. He did not get off many blocks, and spent a lot of time being pushed out of running plays. There is no doubt he struggled against the increase level of competition.
Sean Bacon, DE, #95
I thought the senior pass rusher had some nice moments on his junior tape. Apparently, it did not carry over, as Sean Bacon is now a backup. He once again did not see the field much and only recorded one tackle.
San Diego State
Quinn Kaehler, QB, #18
The Aztecs’ quarterback endured a brutal night against the Tarheels. Two of Kaehler’s three interceptions were absolute back-breakers; one returned 100 yards for a score and another to end the game. He looked decent when in a rhythm, but mostly struggled.
Ezell Ruffin, WR, #3
Quinn Kaehler didn’t look to involved Ezell Ruffin much early, as sophomore Eric Judge stole the show. Yet, despite only catching two passes, Ruffin showed why he’s a nice prospect. He kept balance, and just absorbed contact while running after the catch. Ruffin was gaining consistent separation at all levels of the field, even when he wasn’t targeted.
J.J. Whittaker, CB, #7
There were many good signs for J.J. Whittaker in this game. He played physical all night, and consistently disrupted UNC receivers at the catch point. On the first drive in the third quarter, Whittaker stonewalled receivers around the sideline on back-to-back plays.
Terry Poole, OT, #79
The new left tackle had a pretty solid outing. Poole did not give up much consistent pressure. He had a powerful drive block at the goal line in the third quarter to spring Donnel Pumphrey in for a touchdown.
Colorado State
Garrett Grayson, QB, #18
It was tough to watch Garrett Grayson play on a depleted offense. There was a lot of pressure in his face, but he did a decent job in sliding around. It often appeared that Grayson was pressing; making poor mechanical, off-balanced throws from his back foot. He showed good anticipation when he did settle down. Grayson had a mixed bag outing at best.
Max Morgan, ILB, #40
Boise State ran the ball 56 times for 324 yards. So naturally, the Colorado State defense struggled. Max Morgan was one of the culprits. He was run out of, and washed away on a few running plays.
Dee Hart, RB, #10
The Alabama transfer had an explosive debut for CSU, but it didn’t carry over. Dee Hart carried the ball 10 times and only amassed 16 yards. The Rams did not look to establish the run, and Hart did not find many lanes.
Boise State
Matt Miller, WR, #2
The Broncos ran the ball a lot, and Matt Miller didn’t get a ton of work early. Miller still finished with eight catches for 151 yards and a touchdown. He looks like an improving player. Miller showed great concentration and long speed on his 44-yard touchdown catch.
Grant Hendrick, QB, #9
This was a real warrior performance from Grant Hendrick. The senior looked sloppy to start the game. However, he took a massive hit in the first half, and looked quite rattled. He surprisingly came back even better after that, and led his team to a win.
Jeremy Ioane, SAF, #10
The Boise State defense was swarming all night. Their active safety, Jeremy Ioane, was a big reason why. He also chipped in with an interception of Garrett Grayson. Ioane’s speed and instincts really stood out.
Other Notes:
- Colorado State was unfortunately without two of their best senior prospects. The coaches held out tight end, Kivon Cartwright after he was not able to practice last week. Left tackle Ty Sambrailo is out for an extended period due to a sprained knee.
- Junior running back, Jay Ajayi continues to be Boise State’s offensive workhorse. He carried the ball 33 times for 219 yards, and chipped in four more receptions for 61 yards. Ajayi also scored three times. This looks like a much-improved player, and serious contender to gain a ton of momentum this season.
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