With a hefty amount of talent in the NFL today from the Mountain West, using pro potential as a recruiting tool for any prospect making the high school to college jump is logical and is not far fetched. With names like Bobby Wagner (Utah State), Doug Martin (Boise State), Colin Kaepernick (Nevada), Tashaun Gipson (Wyoming) and Logan Mankins (Fresno State), the Mountain West has no secret in brewing next level talent. The extinction of football in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in 2012 paved way for a much stronger MWC as they gained powerhouses in Boise State, Fresno State, and Nevada.
Superior next level talent does not always come from five-star prestige programs, as there are plenty of active examples in the NFL today. The crop of MWC prospects this season is a strong group with potentially many highly drafted day two players like safety Darian Thompson of Boise State and his teammate offensive tackle Rees Odhiambo along with Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackerell and All-American receiver Rashard Higgins from Colorado State. The conference has some solid talent in 2015 and while your at it go ahead and jot some names down, so you can be that guys that says, “I called him!” or “I told you so!”
By Christian Page
See All Of Our Conference Previews
Big Ten – SEC – Pac-12 – Mountain West
Quarterbacks
- Chuckie Keeton, Utah State, QB, Fifth Round Preseason Grade
Keeton was a freshman and sophomore phenom in 2011 before suffering two ACL tears in 2013 and 2014. Keeton (6’2 – 210) is known for his accuracy and dual-threat ability and also has nice touch on his passes and throws the ball well downfield. Keeton is a very cerebral quarterback with upside and ability. If he can manage to stay healthy in 2015, Keeton looks to be a late round pick come next spring.
- Joe Gray, San Jose State, QB, No Current Draftable Grade
Though only starting nine games a year ago, Joe Gray showed glimpses of something special for 2015. Gray (6’2 – 207) possesses a strong arm and is generally a good decision maker, though, had a very average 11-9 ratio a year ago. Gray will enter the 2015 season as the main guy to help turnaround the once 11-2 Spartans to their former glory while also getting a look by some NFL scouts.
- Max Wittek, Hawaii, QB, No Current Draftable Grade
Max Wittek was a highly coveted recruit out of Santa Ana, California and originally spent time at USC before transferring to Hawaii. The former four-star recruit has yet to play a down with the Warriors, but sports a good set of skills including a big time arm and a quick release. Wittek (6’4 – 240) loves the big play and can struggle with accuracy at times, but we have yet to see the whole package as he has yet to start a full season under center.
- Maxwell Smith, San Diego State, QB, No Current Draftable Grade
Similar to Wittek, Maxwell Smith transferred into the Mountain West after spending a short stint at Kentucky (3 years, 11 starts, 3,070 yards 21-9 ratio). As his body type indicates (6’5 – 235), Smith is a powerful quarterback with a very strong arm and plays with a physical edge. Smith can be very sporadic at times and will need to improve his accuracy if there is an NFL future ahead of him.
- Cameron Coffman, Wyoming, QB, No Current Draftable Grade
A former Indiana Hoosier, Coffman is another quarterback to add to the Mountain West transfer list heading into the 2015 season. From former high school and college coaches, Coffman is a very smart quarterback with blue-chip intangibles and carries a competitive instinct each week. He isn’t of desired size (6’2 – 197), but is fairly accurate and can deliver the ball nicely down the field.
Running Backs
- Marteze Waller, Fresno State, RB, Fifth Round Preseason Grade
Starting his first full season at running back, Marteze Waller excelled playing in all 14 games with 1,368 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2014. Waller (5’11 – 209) doesn’t run with the best pad level, but is a strong powerful runner that runs well inside the tackles but can also bounce it outside if necessary.
- Jhurell Pressley, New Mexico, RB, Sixth Round Preseason Grade
Rumored to be the fastest player on the Lobo roster, Jhurell Pressley is a big play getting ready to happen with three of his 2014 touchdowns coming from at least 69 yards out. Pressley (5’10 – 200) averaged 9.5 yards per carry (lead nation) on 114 attempts last season. Running out of a pistol formation, Pressley is seen more as the perimeter speed threat than a potential runner between the tackles and he needs to develop more patience out of the backfield.
- Tyler Ervin, San Jose State, RB, Seventh Round Preseason Grade
A versatile weapon from the backfield, Tyler Ervin serves as an all-purpose player for the Spartans totaling for 1,781 all-purpose yards (including returns) with six total touchdowns. Ervin (5’10 – 177) runs with good balance and has the ability to make would be tacklers miss with great speed and elusiveness.
- Shaun Wick, Wyoming, RB, No Current Draftable Grade
Shaun Wick had a nice start to his 2014 campaign before ending his season on a sour note with a broken hand. Wick has added bulk each season gaining over 30 pounds since arriving his freshman year. Wick (5’10 – 212) possesses good explosion and power out of his breaks, but doesn’t carry a top end speed trait but still managed a good 6.0 yards per carry average.
- Kelsey Young, Boise State, RB, No Current Draftable Grade
After not seeing substantial playing time at Stanford, Kelsey Young transferred to Boise State vying for more playing time. Young (5’10 – 190) is a patient runner that hits the hole with good speed and quickness. Young doesn’t excel in one specific category, but is a well-rounded back that does everything fairly well.
Wide Receivers
- Rashard Higgins*, Colorado State, WR, Second Round Preseason Grade
In a very impressive 2014 season, Rashard Higgins showcased one of the better breakout performances in college football with his 1,750 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns leading all candidates in the country. Last season Higgins (6’2 – 188) displayed his solid route running skills and his superb hands along with his ability to make things happen after the catch.
- Hunter Sharp, Utah State, WR, No Current Draftable Grade
Hunter Sharp started 2014 off with a bang averaging 9.5 receptions and 151.25 yards per contest over an early four game stretch before a quarterback change. Sharp (6’0 – 190) is a trusted option with reliable hands and wins most contested passes. Sharp is a willing blocker in the run game with a physical edge, even with the smaller frame.
- Quinton Pedroza, Hawaii, WR, No Current Draftable Grade
After spending two seasons at Utah, Quinton Pedroza has found a better fit with the Warriors putting together a nice 2014 season catching 59 passes for 674 yards and three scores. The former four-star recruit has a nice frame (6’2 – 220) with good speed with the ability to create separation. Pedroza is definitely worth a second look being a potential NFL Draft sleeper.
- Shane Williams-Rhodes, Boise State, WR, No Current Draftable Grade
Used in any package to get him on the field, Williams-Rhodes is an electric playmaker when he gets his hands on the football. Though his small frame (5’6 – 168), Williams-Rhodes will take the extra contact to get every ounce possible from the play. Mostly used in the slot or taking sweeps in the backfield, Shane displays great speed with good agility and change of direction to make things happen out in space.
- Joe Hansley, Colorado State, WR, No Current Draftable Grade
Playing second fiddle to Higgns is not fun, but Hansley showcased his skills to the best of his ability finishing the season with 35 catches for 540 yards and two touchdowns. Hansley (5’10 – 180) is a versatile player returning punts also showing good speed and explosion along with decent route running ability playing receiver.
Tight Ends
- Kivon Cartwright, Colorado State, TE, Fifth Round Preseason Grade
Before missing almost all of last season with an ankle injury, Kivon Cartwright had a promising future to be drafted in the spring. Life happens and here we are. Cartwright (6’4 – 245) is a crazy athletic tight end that has the ability to stretch the field and cause mismatches for the defense. If healthy, Cartwright is a top-ten tight end in next year’s draft class.
- Steven Walker, Colorado State, TE, Fifth Round Preseason Grade
Already running a two tight end scheme at Colorado State, Steven Walker took advantage of Cartwright’s absence by making his own resume for the NFL. Walker earned All-Mountain West honors a year ago with 30 receptions for 279 yards and four scores. Walker (6’2 – 238) has and will play more of an H-back role in 2015 being an excellent blocker with receiving skills that will help his chances in getting his name called on draft day.
- Garrett Griffin, Air Force, TE, No Current Draftable Grade
Heading into his freshman season, Garrett Griffin came in as a linebacker, but quickly moved to tight end due to his solid athleticism for his size and a good set of hands. Griffin (6’4 – 225) also contributes in track in field events showing his wide range of attributes to add to his resume.
- Jake Phillips, UNLV, TE, No Current Draftable Grade
Jake Phillips is not much of a receiving threat, but his 6’6 255 lb. frame will gain attention from scouts. He is a good blocker in the run game and has potential as a receiver, but has yet to showcase all his abilities in his college career thus far.
- Harold Moleni, Hawaii, TE, No Current Draftable Grade
Harold Moleni is a good receiver for the position, but isn’t of the desired size checking in at 6’2 245lbs. Moleni excels in the running game creating running lanes by blocking with good technique accompanied by good leverage and strength. A potential fullback role may suit him best when getting his shot at entering the league.
Offensive Linemen
- Rees Odhiambo, Boise State, OT, Third Round Draft Grade
One of the more intriguing Mountain West prospects, Rees Odhiambo has the mold of becoming another highly drafted Boise State product. Odhiambo (6’4 – 303) moved over to left tackle last fall before creating his early round draft status at right tackle in 2012 and 2013. He possesses a good base and is a solid pass protector against some of the better pass rushers in the conference. He will need to solidify his draft position in 2015 after missing five games a year ago with injury.
- Marcus Henry, Boise State, C, Third Round Draft Grade
Marcus Henry excelled last season starting his first full season at center after spending the 2013 season lined up at right guard. Henry is an excellent run blocker with quick hands and is very strong at the point of attack. Henry (6’3 – 296) received all-conference honors a year ago and is poised for another solid year on a Boise State offensive line that returns every starter from 2014.
- Pearce Slater, San Diego State, OT, Fifth Round Draft Grade
With a huge frame (6’7 – 335), Pearce Slater has gained much intrigue from west coast scouts since arriving at San Diego State. With his size and ability you would hope to see more explosion and initial strength off the snap, but Slater is more of a hugger than a grabber, which is shown more in pass protection. With a thick frame all throughout, he moves well on his feet and will wear his opponent down all four quarters of the game.
- Darrell Greene, San Diego State, OG, Sixth Round Draft Grade
Partnered on the right side with Slater, Greene complements a nice duo for the Aztec offensive line. Greene (6’4 – 315) is solid in the run game controlling his opponent off the snap creating nice run lanes for all-conference runner Donnel Pumphrey. Greene is not extremely quick on his feet, but has decent enough lateral quickness to be effective when pulling.
- Eden Mahina, New Mexico, OG, No Current Draftable Grade
Eden Mahina did not disappoint in his first season at New Mexico. Mahina started all 12 games for the Lobos playing over 580 plays. Mahina (6’3 – 290) accumulated 91 knockdowns last season proving his strength and explosion.
Defensive Linemen
- Eddie Yarbrough, Wyoming, DE, Third Round Draft Grade
With a knack of causing havoc in the backfield, Eddie Yarbrough has made a solid career of it in college entering his final season with 28.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks in his three-year career. Yarbrough is an excellent pass rusher from the end position, but will most likely be standing up in his NFL debut. He carries a non-stop motor with good agility and decent speed to be a solid second day pickup in the 2016 NFL Draft.
- Jon Sanchez, San Diego State, DE, Sixth Round Draft Grade
A big physical versatile defensive lineman, Jon Sanchez displays good upper body strength with good speed and ability to rush the passer from the exterior or interior. Sanchez (6’2 – 260) finished his 2014 campaign with 32 total tackles, 10 quarterback hurries, five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
- Joe Kawulok, Colorado State, DE, Seventh Round Draft Grade
The Colorado State defensive end is a very fluid athlete formerly playing tight end in high school. Kawulok has great size (6’6 – 260) and athleticism for the position and is considered to be the leader of a strong Colorado State defensive line.
- Armand Nance, Boise State, NT, Seventh Round Draft Grade
Recruited as a tight end, Nance’s athleticism is excellent for the nose tackle position. Nance (6’0 – 311) can provide a decent pass rush within the interior and is an effective run stuffer.
- Ian Seau, Nevada, DE, No Current Draftable Grade
Nephew of NFL great Junior Seau, this former Kansas State defensive end has plenty of upside. Ian Seau (6’2 – 255) isn’t too explosive off the edge, but is quick off the snap and is capable of making plays in the backfield. Seau makes stops all over the field displaying good lateral quickness while also performing well in pursuit. He still has room to fill out his frame and become stronger getting locked up too often. Seau is one that will be closely watched all season.
Linebackers
- Kyler Fackerell, Utah State, OLB, Third Round Grade
After a promising opening to his college career, Kyler Fackerell suffered a devastating ACL tear in the 2014 opener that sidelined him for the rest of the season. NFL scouts were already lined up to look closely at Fackerell in 2014, but had to postpone their time to this season. Fackerell (6’4 – 245) will project to the next level as a rush linebacker with good length and agility to fight off opposing tackles and tight ends and make stops in the open field.
- Kyrie Wilson, Fresno State, ILB, Seventh Round Grade
Amassing over 190 total tackles over the past three seasons, Kyrie Wilson has received the attention from a statistic standpoint, but is now being viewed as a potential draft selection. Wilson (6’2 – 238) is an instinctive player with plenty of upside to improve upon his lower tier draft ranking.
- Matthew Lyons, Utah State, OLB, No Current Draftable Grade
The Washington transfer has done a swell job contributing to the Wolfpack since stepping into the outside linebacker role in 2013. Lyons (6’2 – 230) is quick in pursuit and is fairly good in coverage as well.
- Jordan Dobrich, Nevada, ILB, No Current Draftable Grade
Though only starting six games last season, Jordan Dobrich made his mark compiling 85 total tackles in 2014, which placed second on the team. Dobrich (6’2 – 235) is a solid inside linebacker with good recognition skills and is good in coverage.
- Ejiro Ederaine, Fresno State, OLB, No Current Draftable Grade
An effective player in coverage, Ederaine is also a pest for opposing offenses as he constantly is making stops in the backfield. Ederaine made 10.5 tackles for loss along with two sacks in 2014. Ederaine (6’3 – 221) accompanies Kyrie Wilson to make an excellent linebacker duo.
Defensive Backs
- Darian Thompson, Boise State, S, Third Round Draft Grade
Darian Thompson will head into the 2015 season as the top rated prospect in the Mountain West. Thompson (6’2 – 210) plays the run very well being a good tackler in space and is very quick in pursuit. A willing tackler and hard hitter with good coverage skills, Thompson should be considered as one of the better all-around safeties heading into the 2015 college football season.
- Trent Matthews, Colorado State, S, Fourth Round Draft Grade
Since arriving in Fort Collins, Trent Matthews has started every game he has played in. Matthews (6’3 – 210) is built well for the position. He is very solid in coverage with good ball skills and is a willing tackler. He will be a prospect to watch rise over the span of the college football season.
- Jimmy Pruitt, San Jose State, CB, Sixth Round Draft Grade
Pruitt is a versatile defensive back playing both safety and cornerback in his three-year career at San Jose State. Pruitt is not a big hitter, but is a good cover corner with decent ball skills completing the 2014 season with seven pass breakups and three interceptions. Though he isn’t the biggest corner at 6’0 203 lbs. he is best suited in a press scheme.
- Donte Deayon, Boise State, CB/SS/PR, No Current Draftable Grade
An undersized cornerback at 5’9 150 lbs., Donte Deayon has tremendous ball skills and has an underrated trait of physicality to his game. Deayon led Boise State with nine pass breakups and was second on the team in interceptions (Darian Thompson with 7). Deayon doesn’t have the bulk or strength to compete at corner for the next level, but he is a solid punt returner, which could alone punch him a free agent ticket.
- Charles Washington, Fresno State, CB, No Current Draftable Grade
Charles Washington has some raw skills at cornerback and has showed promise his whole career with the Bulldogs. Washington (5’11 – 197) acts as a ball hawk in the secondary, but is also effective in run support with the ability to make plays at the line of scrimmage.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
