The Poinsettia Bowl features a matchup between tow interesting teams. Navy comes in with a 7-5 record, while finishing the year hot on a three game winning streak. San Diego State produced an identical record in 2014. They looked like the best team in the western division of the Mountain West Conference at times this season. They kept pace with Fresno State, but could not close out the season as the superior team.
When the two meet up for this bowl game, one team will bring more potential NFL talent to the table. However, it bears watching how some of these Aztec seniors respond in the final game of their collegiate career.
By: Matt Harmon
San Diego State
Ezell Ruffin, WR, #3
The Mountain West has a number of impressive wide receivers. Ezell Ruffin doesn’t have enough people in his corner yet, but he has some nice attributes. The senior receiver has strong hands, and plays very well in traffic. He’s also able to make difficult catches look quite easy. Ruffin is a tough player, but mixes in some excitement quite well. The question with Ezell Ruffin will be whether he is fast, and athletic enough to hack it in the NFL. He likely won’t have any issues looking quick against Navy’s defense. So the answers to those queries will have to wait.
Terry Poole, LT, #79
The senior’s move out to the blindside this season was a success. Terry Poole played his first year at left tackle, but used to hold down multiple spots on the San Diego State offensive line. That versatility will help his stock among scouting circles, yet he was quite capable as a left tackle. The Aztecs loved to run dynamic sophomore running back, Donnel Pumphrey behind their big left tackle. Poole is a strong, powerful and aggressive blocker in the ground game. He can seal the edge, and spring the fast running back to the second level. We are bound to see some of that on Sunday.
J.J. Whittaker, CB, #34
There are some super deep sleeper prospects along the San Diego state roster. The most intriguing of which is J.J. Whittaker. The senior cornerback is a feisty player, who loves to mix it up with receivers in physical coverage, and as a tackler. Whittaker really enjoys laying the wood, and throws his body around to make big hits. Whittaker’s size, 5’10 and 180 pounds, likely limits his ceiling. Its unlikely he ever rises above a deep reserve role on an NFL team, and likely in a cover-two defense. However, his aggressive attitude could make him a real asset on special teams.
Navy
Parrish Gaines, SAF, #2
The only prospect likely to garner NFL attention from Navy is Parrish Gaines. The defensive back stand tall at a listed 6’2 and 200 pounds. Gaines has been a long-time contributor for the Midshipmen, garnering several FBS All-Independent honors. Gaines should see some interesting matchups with several Aztec offensive players. He’ll be tasked with keep Ezell Ruffin contained, and stopping Donnel Pumphrey from running wild at the second level. Neither is an easy task.
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