A game I will be at live (follow all my pre-game and in-game news and notes on twitter at @OptimumScouting), this “Military Bowl” match-up features an Air Force team that both doesn’t have any great talents, but Toledo features five prospects that I’ll be watching closely int his one.
Two offensive linemen, a speedy running back, and two defensive players, this battle of two top tier FBS offenses should make an interesting match-up with only a handful of NFL prospects.
*Eric Page, WR, Toledo (JR)
While I won’t include him in the rankings because I’d be shocked if he declared early, Page is the feature future NFL talent to watch in this one. One of the most dynamic and prolific MAC receivers in recent years, he should be the star of this game on offense and special teams, and is one to watch regardless.
1. Mike Vandermeulen, OT, Toledo
A left tackle prospect who I have liked in almost every game I’ve seen, he has struggled with consistency and keeping his balance and leverage this season. Still, he uses his length well, keeps his hands in good position, shows decent flexibility, and could develop into a right or left tackle in the NFL with time.
2. Adonis Thomas, RB, Toledo
A quick burst, explosive type smaller back, Thomas has been a key reason for the Toledo balance and overall offensive production this year when healthy. Not overly powerful, he’ll need a one cut system to really be successful, but could thrive in that role in the NFL if given time.
3. Desmond Marrow, S, Toledo
He’s played both cornerback and safety this season and over his career, but his best NFL shot is at safety thanks to his ability to react well to the ball in zone coverage as well as his lack of great speed for the cornerback position at the next level. He’ll likely be lined up at safety in this one, and he’ll have a chance to showcase his range against the option attack as well as show ball skills when Air Force does choose to attack the middle of the field.
4. Johnie Roberts, DT, Toledo
Quick off the snap and stays low to the ground, Roberts hasn’t performed as well as I hoped based on his early season play. Still, he has the burst and initial rush ability to potentially warrant a draft selection, and should be well within the mix then, with this game being his last shot to perform in game.
5. PhillipKeith Manley, OG, Toledo
A fringe NFL draft selection, Manley is simply too slow and not quick or rangy enough to warrant a draft selection. He (and fellow OG and very fringe NFL prospect John Moorkian) have been solid all year long, but likely neither have a chance to stick in the NFL as a back-up, nonetheless a draft selection, but will have one final chance to showcase their abilities against an attacking Air Force defense.
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