The Quick Lane Bowl features two teams that have interesting talent on their rosters, but haven’t been given much coverage by the national media. Taking a look at the seniors in this game, it’s clear that the best talent on each team resides in the defensive backfield.
By: Charles McDonald
Central Michigan
Kavon Frazier, S, #5
Central Michigan leads the Mid-American Conference in opposing passing yards per game surrendering 190.5 yards per game. Senior safety Kavon Frazier has played a big role in leading the Chippewas’ pass defense. He’s a bigger safety (6’0”, 218) with solid range and a great conceptual understanding of what opposing offenses are throwing at him. Frazier looks like a Day 3 draft pick who’ll primarily contribute on special teams throughout his rookie season.
Minnesota
Briean Boddy-Calhoun, CB, #29
The first half of Minnesota’s talented cornerback duo is Briean Boddy-Calhoun. While Boddy-Calhoun lacks pure ball skills, he has solid footwork and athleticism to keep up with most receivers he’ll go against. Calhoun looks like Day 2 prospect that could see immediate playing time in his rookie year.
Eric Murray, CB, #31
Murray is the other cornerback on the Gophers, but he’s a solid player. Like Calhoun, he’s not always great tracking the ball, but he has above average man and zone coverage skills. Murray performs well in the short area of the field and is a solid tackle against the run too. He should hear his name called on Day 2 as well.
Theiren Cockran, DE, #55
Theiren Cockran is a solid role player for the Gophers. He’s not the most dense defensive end (6’5”, 257) prospect, but is surprisingly effective against the run. Cockran isn’t a sack machine, but he used his length and strength well to get a little pressure collapsing the pocket without a variety of moves. He’s not overly athletic; if he adds weight he could be a decent rotational player in the NFL. Right now Cockran looks like a fringe draftable prospect who’ll have to fight to make an NFL roster this fall.
De’Vondre Campbell, OLB, #26
De’Vondre Campbell is a fun player to watch. NFL Teams that run a lot of versatile fronts on defense will covet him in the later portion of the draft due to his size (6’4”, 241). His biggest asset is against the run; in 10 starts this season he accumulated 89 tackles. Campbell isn’t great in coverage, but he adds just enough rushing the passer that he’s not a complete liability in that regard.
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