This game has the potential to be a real track meet, as both teams trot out offenses that like to sling the ball around. By: Matt and Mike Vahey
Both teams showcase young quarterbacks in Western Michigan’s Zach Terrell and Middle Tennessee’s Brent Stockstill. Coupled with defenses that weren’t on the same par, this game has the look of a shootout.
Each team compiled a solid 7 win season and each looking to cap of successful seasons and head into the winter with some momentum. That said, there are several players from each team who won’t be coming back but you may see at the next level next season. Let’s take a look at a few:
Middle Tennessee
Kevin Byard, #20, S
Byard became the programs all-time interception leader earlier this season while also becoming just the seventh player in school history to top 300 tackles also garnering first team all-conference honors as a senior. He’s a short but compact safety who has a natural fluidity to his movement. He doesn’t possess the greatest top end speed for the position, however possesses plus change of direction ability and the smooth hips to flip and run to cover ground. He has the look of a potential 4th round pick at this juncture
T.T. Barber, #38, OLB
Another first team all-conference defender for the Raiders. Lacks the ideal size for the linebacker position at the next level and questionable speed for a position change as well. However, makes up for size deficiencies with great instinct and intensity. He flies to the ball from sideline-to-sideline making plays against the run and in coverage. While he may not have a true position at the next level he could make a home as a special team’s player.
Darius Johnson, #75, OG
Good size for the interior with long arms and adequate girth. He shows a nice burst at the point of attack with aggressive hands (can tend to be a bit grabby), a powerful punch, and a non-stop leg drive driving defenders off the ball. He will need more technique refinement, as he’s played the majority of his snaps from the tackle position, and would like to see him play with a bit more of a nasty demeanor but teams will be intrigued by his combination of size and balance to play in a phone booth.
Western Michigan
Willie Beavers, OT, #70
Beavers is the leader on the Broncos offensive line, and put together another all-conference award season, earning first team honors in 2015. He has the size to be make it to the NFL, at 6’4″ and 309 pounds. Has great length that he uses to his advantage in pass protection as he can create separation and keep defenders away from his body and has very strong hands that allow him to lock on and stay with the defender. Plays with great leverage and has decent feet which allow him to stay in front of defenders. Beavers could hear his name go as early as the fifth round on draft day.
Grant DePalma, LB, #40
A former walk-on has really become the life-blood of the Broncos team. He is the inspirational leader of the team who can really rally the team behind him. He is very undersized at linebacker (listed at 5’9″ and 218 pounds), but he the epitome of whistle to whistle player. Knows his weaknesses and plays to his strengths and can be seen flying around the field. Will more than likely be and UDFA when his college days are done.
Ronald Zamort, CB, #7
Zamort put together another strong season in the MAC, earning second consecutive season on the all-conference team (second team in 2015). He was clearly the number one corner on the team, often throwing away from him. But he put together a season with 15 break ups and 17 passes defended. Has great ball skills and can has a great ability to recognize plays and break on balls. Has fluid hips and definitely thrives in man to man coverage. Zamort definitely has the skill set to be taken between the 5th and 6th rounds.
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