A match-up of two programs going in opposite directions, a few mid to late round prospects play in this one, most notably two intriguing tight ends and some rare athletes at receiver and linebacker, both of those for NC State.
Still, Charlie Strong has Louisville playing well, and if they can keep the ball away from sophmore David Amerson of NC State (11 Interceptions this season), they could be in great shape in this one. With seven NFL prospects to watch, NFL teams will be watching this “Belk Bowl” closely, and so should you at these prospects.
1. Audie Cole, OLB, NC State
Outstanding length and raw talent for an outside linebacker, at 6’5, he’s likely limited a bit as to where he can fit in the NFL. Still, he’s adequate in coverage, and that length could be very beneficial in this game (vs. Chichester) and in the NFL, as well as showcasing his range and aggression in space.
2. George Bryan, TE, NC State
A good athlete, he hasn’t been targeted or as a part of the passing game as I anticipated. Still, at 6’5 and around 260, he’s built to be a tight end, especially a red-zone target, in the NFL, and with the added emphasis on tight ends nowadays, he could be targeted fairly early in the draft.
3. TJ Graham, WR, NC State
Elite speed for a receiver, he hasn’t been able to thrive this year as much as I expected, partially thanks to the overall struggle of the offense. Still, his lack of great separation skills down the field outside of vertical routes is a concern, and as of now he’s not a likely draft pick. Still, his speed and adequate size could intrigue teams, especially after workouts.
4. Victor Anderson, RB, Louisville
Wasn’t the primary running back in the offense, surprisingly, this year, but his past production (was great as a freshman) and explosion through the hole and down the field still make him worthwhile to look at by NFL teams. He likely needs a zone scheme in the NFL to really thrive.
5. John Chichester, TE, Louisville
A basketball-style athlete at tight end, he’s got 6’8 size and can get in the seam and cause problems in the middle of the field. But, he’s not developed as a route runner, gets bumped in coverage too easily, and is overall too raw and undeveloped to be a draft pick. He may get looks after the draft, but he’s a long ways away and maybe to tall to be an adequate tight end in the NFL.
Others to watch:
Greg Scruggs, DE, Louisville
Dexter Heyman, ILB, Louisville
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