The 2014 Quick Lane Bowl features two teams that were unable to post a more impressive season, as Rutgers finished 7-5 and North Carolina at 6-6. The two teams are flawed, but each have NFL-quality talent on their rosters that make this an intriguing matchup.
By: Ian Wharton
Rutgers
Leonte Carroo, WR, #4 (JR)
Carroo is just a junior, but he’s had a great season in his first as a Big Ten receiver. His combination of length and ability to win at the catch point is a major advantage over smaller defenders. Carroo is a one-year producer, so his routes are still raw and his game lacks polish. He doesn’t have the consistent mindset to go get the ball at its highest point, but he’s a solid project should he forgo his senior season.
Kaleb Johnson, LG, #72
One of the better interior linemen in the Big Ten, Kaleb Johnson is a power blocker with a big frame and good strength at the point of contact. Johnson has a good punch that can knock defenders back, but he is slow. He struggles with speed rushers that go to his inside shoulder, which means the center has to give him help against better athletes.
Tyler Kroft, TE, #86 (JR)
The tight end position across the country is fairly weak, but Kroft is one of the better players and deserves recognition. He has great size at 6’6” and has some wiggle in his hips that help him get open as a route runner. Kroft is a decent inline blocker but he makes his best plays as a receiver. He’s a junior right now, so he may be a 2016 name instead of a 2015 guy.
Darius Hamilton, DT, #91 (JR)
Hamilton recently announced he will return to school for his senior season, and expect his name to be mentioned often next year. Hamilton is very disruptive as a rusher, boasting great size, strength and quickness. As with most linemen, consistency and hand usage are concerns because of the amount of snaps he plays, but he is can wreak havoc when he focuses.
North Carolina
Quinshad Davis, WR, #14 (JR)
One of the biggest victims of poor QB play in the nation, Davis is a standout athlete with tremendous size. Quinshad is just a junior and is flying under the radar. He can play outside or in the slot, and shows good route running and hands. His burst off the line isn’t great, but he’s a name to watch should he declare.
Tim Scott, FS, #7
One of the veterans on the Tar Heels’ roster, Scott has been a decent playmaker throughout his career. He’s small and doesn’t have great size, but he’s gutsy and instinctive enough to be a backup and special teams player in the NFL.
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