The first of many Bowl Games this December and January, we’ll get a chance to see one of the more stocked non-BCS teams talent-wise against a team just happy to be in a bowl game.
In the “Gildan New Mexico Bowl”, we’ll get to see the Temple Owls against the Wyoming Cowboys, and a chance to see a top NFL prospect at running back, three linebacker prospects, and a host of other prospects in this one.
1. Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple (JR) (#30)
The best prospect in this game by far, Pierce has been a bit unheralded this year thanks to a host of other talented junior running backs at bigger programs. In my opinion, after Trent Richardson and Chris Polk, Pierce is the best runner available in this draft, and his elite balance, vision in the hole, and burst up the field make him a fringe first rounder. However, injuries and a lack of pass blocking/catching may be an issue for many teams.
2. Stephen Johnson, ILB, Temple (#53)
A former walk-on, I’ve gotten a chance to follow Johnson’s career as a starter at Temple, and his development as an inside linebacker has been impressive. Always possessing the instincts in the middle to cause disruption at least in the tackle box, Johnson has shown this year that he can make plays in space outside the box, take on blockers more effectively, and has shown some athleticism in pass coverage. Johnson is one of the best senior inside linebackers in the country.
3. Adrian Robinson, DE, Temple (#43)
A wildly inconsistent rusher, Robinson has been frustrating at times to watch. At times his burst around the edge, ability to use suddenness in rushes, and burst to the backfield makes him look like a fringe first round talent. But he lacks power-rush moves in general, doesn’t have a great counter-rush, and can get swallowed up far too easily. Ideally, he’d be a 3-4 outside rusher in the NFL, but he’ll need to continue to show complete rushing ability to be a To 4 round guy.
4. Derek Dennis, OG, Temple (#63)
Dennis has mammoth size (as does most of the Temple offensive line), but can also play in short and keep his balance. He was able to contain Devon Still of Penn State during their game, at times, and his force as a short area run blocker as well as anchoring well against defensive linemen makes him a prime target for a power-run offensive line and he could be a 4th-5th rounder come draft days.
5. Evan Rodriguez, TE, Temple (#88)
Very athletic and versatile at tight end, Rodriguez has improved as a blocker this year to complement his great pass catching ability. He’s a smooth runner in the open field, and adjusts well after the catch to get upfield and make plays in space. The draft’s best H-Back prospect, he could be selected as high as the 4th round.
6. Wayne Tribue, OG, Temple (#69)
Dennis’s fellow guard for Temple, Tribue has a bit more versatility on the line despite also being over 320 pounds. He can bend fairly well and has shown the ability to get to the second level and get a solid block, something the Temple offensive line has lacked all year. Tribue doesn’t have great power nor balance as a run blocker, but can be used in space more than Dennis and could have a higher ceiling down the road.
7. Tahir Whitehead, OLB, Temple (#2)
Whitehead plays with great physicality and aggression on the outside, but simply isn’t big enough to last in the NFL as a consistent 4-3 strongside linebacker or a 3-4 outside rusher. He has decent athletic ability and could be an undersized rushing linebacker or even bulk up another 20 pounds and be a pass rushing end in the right system. Either way, it’s unlikely he’ll get drafted.
8. Tashaun Gipson, CB, Wyoming (#4)
Gipson has struggled this year, and lacks the hips to be a cornerback long term, as well as the tackling ability to move him inside at the nickel. Still, as an outside receiver in situational sets or as a 3rd safety on obvious passing downs, as well as on special teams, Gipson could get a shot in the NFL after the draft.
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