Small School Scouting Notebook: Lone Star Conference, September 18th

Generally, we’ll have scouting notes from across the country for the Tuesday Morning “Small School Scouting Notebook”. But with Optimum Scouting’s Alex Brown attending the week long event of the “Lone Star Conference Festival” that had each of the conferences 10 teams play in one weekend, it’s important to go over all the NFL talents that were there.

While this conference isn’t loaded with draft picks, they did feature Amini Silatolu from last season, and teams like the Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Bucs, Indianapolis Colts, St. Louis Rams, and Houston Texans.

Midwestern State vs. Texas A&M Commerce

Midwestern State
#6 QB, Brandon Kelsey, 6’2 221 (UFA)
Last year’s LSC Offensive MVP, Brandon Kelsey failed to impress as an NFL prospect, but may have the skill set to play at the CFL level. Lean cut throughout his frame, Kelsey is a bit undersized. Though listed at 6’2, 221, Kelsey is more along the lines of 6014, 210. Accurate and on time in the 3 step passing game, the Midwestern State quarterback flashed a quick release and enough zip. The concerning issue with Kelsey is his decision making; panicking under pressure, Kelsey will deliver the ball off his back foot and force the ball into rolled coverage. Continually late on deeper developing, timing throws off 5-step pass drop footwork, Kelsey did not show the anticipatory skills to compensate for average arm talent. While a good dual threat at the Division II level, Brandon Kelsey lacks the wiggle or straight-line speed to win with his legs at the next level.

#61 OG, Ken Van Heule, 6’4 315 (UFA)
One of the few NFL prospects in this game, Ken Van Heule impressed off the hoof with his size and body type. Thick and meaty throughout with mostly good weight, Van Heule looks like, at the very least, a camp invite and potential practice squad player. More of a punch, latch, and turn blocker, Van Heule doesn’t show much drive block or flat back ability. Waist bending and leaning out beyond his frame, Heule could not sustain his blocks through the duration of the snap on drive blocking opportunities. Has more than enough mobility, with light feet and good balance as the pulling guard on the power-o; keeps head on a swivel, stays on path and puts a hat on a defender. Very raw in terms of footwork, consistent hand placement, and point of attack technique, Van Heule showed enough physical ability to earn a shot at the next level. 

#65 OT, Joe Unga, 6’6 320 (UFA)
Despite not being the most polished or developed lineman on his own team, Joe Unga certainly ought to be considered the highest priority free agent prospect in this game. Having the size, length, and athleticism to play in the NFL, Unga displayed ideal knee bend and quick feet to mirror on the edge. The issue with Unga is his lack of aggression and violence, each and every snap. For him to make it at the next level, he’ll have to finish with aggression and play to the whistle.  Heavy handed with the plus size and athleticism to develop at right tackle or guard, Joe Unga will get an opportunity to make an NFL team next year.

#52 ILB, Vernon Brooks, 5’11 225 (PFA)
A former NJCAA All-American that played the 2009 season at Kansas, Vernon Brooks resurfaced with Midwestern State and is a legitimate NFL talent. Though I do not know Brooks’ whereabouts in the previous two seasons (2010-11), I do know that myself, as well as NFL scouts were intrigued by Brooks low-to-the ground build and explosive skill set. Gaining ideal depth to his pass drops, as well as showcasing the burst and bend to get through on stunt calls, Brooks displayed the passing down skills to play in an increasingly pass-oriented NFL game. Brooks fights through the trash and scrapes with violent hands, and shows the instincts you look for in a Mike backer. Confusing was the fact that Brooks rotated in-and-out of the game, as he did not start the game. A solid priority free agent prospect, Brooks will have to answer questions about his multiple transfers and missing play from 2010 to 2011.

Texas A&M Commerce
#21 OLB, Danny Mason 6’3 235 (UFA)
Outmatched and outmanned, Texas A&M Commerce linebacker Danny Mason still turned in an impressionable performance for NFL scouts. I really liked Mason’s physical makeup, as he’s a long cut, tall and athletic 6’3, 235; Mason appears capable of adding 5-10 pounds with no problem whatsoever, being lean through his arms and legs. Possessing sideline-to-sideline range with good chase speed and instinctive feel for the game, Mason’s skill set is suited for the Will backer position in a 4-3 defense. Playing a 3-4 outside linebacker position, Mason appeared out of position when asked to set the edge versus direct run flow. He needs space to operate, and even excels in zone coverage, reading and reacting to multiple routes in his hook-to-curl zone. Overall a solid outing for an athletic backer that should also make a practice squad.

NFL Teams presented: Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams, Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts
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Eastern New Mexico vs. Incarnate Word
Eastern New Mexico
#2 S, Linvel Mosby, 6’0 195 (UFA)
Not a player on my radar heading into the game, Mosby was easily ENMU’s best defender and top next level prospect. Exhibiting the field awareness to man the back half and the footwork to man the slot, Mosby showed an all around skill set to fit into a multiple defense at the next level. His size and hitting power were evident in the way he snapped back receivers and backs on initial contact, in addition to having the wrap tackling ability to go low on open field runners. Mosby is a player to follow closely throughout the season, as a potential next level guy.

Incarnate Word
#80 TE, Andrew Mocio, 6’5 209 (UFA)
The player I had the highest hopes for in this game, Andrew Mocio, turned in a very underwhelming performance, as he failed to catch a single pass in the game. Seemingly a non-factor in the passing game, despite leading his team in receptions through the first two games of the season, Mocio went reception-less on just 3 targets. Mocio, who looks the part of a wide receiver with long arms, a sleek build, and excellent movement skills, didn’t show the developed route tree needed from an off-the-line Y target. Unable to avoid contact down the seams, Mocio was walled and rerouted by dropping linebackers, preventing any separation down the field. As a blocker, he took poor angles in space and in line, to cut off second level defenders, and only completed his assignment on seal blocks in line. I was hoping to see more from this player, and as of now, he looks more like a CFL prospect than an NFL one.

#44 OLB, Dravannti Johnson, 6’2 255 (PFA)
A former Parade All-American, Under Armor High School All-Star game participant, and high-profile Texas Longhorn recruit, Dravannti Johnson transferred down to the Division II level to earn consistent playing time and a fresh start. Top heavy with broad shoulders and developed upper body strength, Johnson undoubtedly looks the part of a strong-side Sam linebacker. Johnson lacks ideal length to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 at the NFL level, but on Friday, he set the edge very well by boxing the action inside with correct shouldering and hand usage. Point of attack power and explosiveness remaining up to par, Johnson’s question marks include chase speed and agility in space –both of which proved to be only average. Still, with 5-star pedigree and next level size and strength, Johnson is sure to receive an invitation to an NFL camp.

#7 S, Chaz Pavliska, 5’11 196 (UFA)
Becoming the first player to record over 200 career tackles at Incarnate Word, Chaz Pavliska without question, proved himself to be the Cardinals most active defender. Lacking elite long speed, Pavliska wins with angles and instincts in running to flow. A high effort, high football IQ player that worked a variety of coverage assignments at the free and strong safety positions, Chaz Pavliska even flashed some pop underneath his pads to jar the football loose at the catch point with striking ability. He’ll need to post a good 40 time, but Pavliska has an outside shot at earn next level camp invite.

NFL Teams presented: Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams

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Angelo State vs. Valdosta State

Angelo State
#15 WR, C.J. Akins, 6’1 200 (UFA)
The only real bright spot for the Angelo State Rams, had to be the play of senior receiver C.J. Akins. Passing the eye test for an NFL receiver with size, speed, and length to both separate in route and at the point of the catch, Akins impressed in a variety of ways on Saturday –working both sides of the field as an X, Z, and slot receiver in trips; covering punts as the left gunner; and contributing on punt returns. As a receiver, Akins is an outstanding blocker that keeps his hands inside, latches onto the chest plate, and drives out with physicality. He consistently fired off the line of scrimmage with a convincing release, while exhibiting the plus change of direction and suddenness to break down, mirror the cornerback, and sustain his block. Sticking with his ability to change directions, Akins displayed the fluid hips and sudden burst to separate underneath with a variety of pass routes, including the pivot, slant, hitch, 5-yard in, 10-yard dig, and bench route. Dipping and bending his shoulders to avoid contact with the initial stem of the route, Akins continually attacked the leverage of the opposing corner to set up his route breaks. On top of all that, Akins excelled in the vertical passing game and at the point of the catch by showcasing elite body control and ability to extend and snatch the football cleanly off his frame. Akins caught all four fade targets thrown his way, with one coming in the red zone and resulting in a touchdown, while the other three each went for more than 35 yards. His catch point focus showed itself throughout the game, as he caught multiple targets in heavy traffic, being the only legitimate threat on the ASU offense.

NFL Teams represented: Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams

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Abilene Christian
#15 QB, Mitchell Gale, 6’2 225 (PFA)
Showing improved arm strength and a live arm throughout the game, Mitchell Gale proved he could make all the throws with zip and placement whenever given functional space within the pocket. Forced to climb the pocket due to a consistent outside pass rush, Gale adjusted well to throwing lanes all afternoon by dialing down his velocity and delivering from a number of arm slots to hit open crossing patterns and drag routes. What stood out for Gale in this game was his presnap command of the offense, ability to progress through multiple targets, and excellent timing with each of his receivers. Having a quick setup and delivery, as well as sound throwing mechanics, Gale is fairly polished for a Division II level quarterback. At the same time, Gale’s good scanning vision can be marginalized by his penchant of holding onto the ball too long. In the first half, Gale was sacked 3 times and did not seem to have an internal clock with which to get rid of the football. Making the halftime adjustment however to correct his mistake, Gale utilized his functional mobility to take advantage of running room and pick up first downs with his legs. All in all, it was a very good performance for the ACU quarterback, who will be one of the more highly sought after priority free agents following the 2013 NFL Draft.

#13 DE, Ryan Smith, 6’3 295 (UFA)
Though he’s listed as weighing 295 pounds, Ryan Smith appeared much leaner and looked closer to 270 pounds than 300. Lacking the true size, girth, and strength to be a powerful edge setter, Smith underwhelmed by not getting off the ball or playing in the backfield. Laterally he showed good quickness and closing speed to make plays when unblocked from the backside, however his lack of natural pass rush ability cannot be a good sign for NFL scouts. He really needs to learn how to fight off blocks with better hand usage and develop some semblance of a pass-rushing repertoire if he expects to make the next level.

#31 CB, Steven Ford, 6’0 190 (UFA)
Transferring to ACU from FBS-level North Texas, Steven Ford proved why he belonged in the next level by displaying excellent burst and explosiveness out of his breaks. Clicking and closing on underneath routes, Ford punished receivers at the catch point with hitting power, while also setting a strong outside edge against the run. An intriguing Cover 2 corner prospect that reads through the route with his eye on the quarterback, Steven Ford could get looks from teams as a rookie camp invite.

Tarleton State
#78 OT, Adrian Campbell, 6’6 310 (UFA)
Despite flashing a strong anchor, heavy hands, and good balance for a big-bodied tackle, Adrian Campbell tired fast in this game and showed a lack of physical conditioning. Sloppy in the midsection and not in condition to play with sustained effort through 4 quarters, Campbell struggled all afternoon with the speed and quickness of Abilene Christian defensive ends. More concerning, is the lack of drive blocking ability shown from the thick and bulky tackle prospect. He’ll need to make drastic changes in his body type and conditioning if he wants to play at the NFL level.

#90 DE, Rufus Johnson, 6’5 257 (PFA)
Probably the most physically impressive specimen at the Lone Star Conference festival, Rufus Johnson really looks the part of an NFL caliber, 4-3 defensive end. Along with possessing plus size, length, and muscle definition throughout, Johnson also sports a quick, explosive first step, a non-stop motor, and excellent closing speed to finish plays in the backfield. While his leg drive and balance serve well for a power-speed combination at the Division II level, Johnson still remains very raw from a technique standpoint. He lacks a go-to move, doesn’t always read and react instinctively to the play, and can be influenced up the field or down the line of scrimmage by the blocker. A size-speed prospect with plus physical tools to develop, Johnson is a must-sign, priority free agent that all NFL teams should take a closer look at.

#19 S, Blair Johnson, 6’1 200 (UFA)
Holding above average size at the safety position with more than enough range, speed, and closing burst to make plays in the back half, Blair Johnson showcased a well-rounded skill set to earn a rookie camp invite at the next level. Johnson displayed the ball skills to track and break up deep passes, as well as the power and explosiveness to jar the football loose on routes across the middle of the field. Getting depth with each of his pedal steps and remaining balanced throughout his coverage drops, Johnson appeared comfortable in the free safety, “center fielder” position. Flowing fast in run support, Johnson showed equal effectiveness as the alley defender with his solid hit and stick strength. Not overly impressive in one single area, Johnson sports a complete skill set with the ability to play both safety positions.

NFL Teams represented: Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams, Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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West Texas A&M vs. Texas A&M Kingsville

West Texas A&M
#3 RB, Khiry Robinson, 6’0 220
This Blinn JC transfer broke out in a big way for the LSC’s primetime game, displaying incredible balance, leg drive, and suddenness to break through arm tackles all night. Robinson’s ability to churn out yards past first contact, while making defenders miss with power and explosiveness, was impressive to say the least. A high 4.5-low 4.6 type of runner, Robinson wins with his short area burst and decisive cuts. Furthering his bid for a look from NFL teams, Robinson did not miss a single assignment as a pass blocker, picking up a-gap pressures on scan protections.

#67 OT, Manase Foketi, 6’5 320 (PFA)
Easily the top NFL prospect at the event and the most likely to be drafted, former Kansas State starting left tackle, Manase Foketi dominated Texas A&M Kingsville’s defensive ends with a combination of patience and violence. Having the length to play right tackle in the NFL, Foketi kick slides with good footwork, balance, and knee bend. He mirrored with no problem, keeping the pocket clean throughout the game for his quarterback by not turning the gate, and instead cutting off the speed rush with his surprisingly quick feet; once his opponent entered into striking range, Foketi was quick to punch, turn, and pancake his opponent with ideal technique and overpowering strength. Hand placement was excellent through the entirety of the game, as Foketi continually secured the chestplate of his opponent and controlled the point of attack. Recording somewhere between 5 and 7 pancakes, Foketi lived up to the expectations of scouts in attendance, possibly earning himself a draftable grade

.#2 DE, Tyrell Higgins, 6’3 285 (PFA)
Another FBS transfer player, Tyrell Higgins (formerly of the University of Texas) put on display his athletic physique and ideal 4-3 defensive end body type. Very well conditioned with the tools to succeed at the next level, Higgins played nearly 90% of his team’s defensive snaps, in addition to serving as one of the personal protectors on the punt team. Pressing the pocket by playing with leverage and active hands, Higgins showed the motor and leg drive necessary to be a strong-side end in a 4-3 scheme. Higgins carries his 285-pound frame impressively well, looking streamlined and athletic through-and-through. He’ll have to add to his rush variety, but Higgins did flash an inside, dip and rip move. With his athleticism and quickness, Higgins could be viewed as a possible 3-technique. At any rate, Higgins is a legit NFL prospect that will be signed following the draft.

Texas A&M Kingsville
#3 RB, Jonathan Woodson, 5’10 185 (UFA) 
The main attraction for NFL scouts in Jonathan Woodson had a rough go versus a stout West Texas A&M front seven. Without any running lanes between the tackles, Woodson tried too hard to bounce runs outside, resulting in negative yardage plays. This between the tackles indecisiveness isn’t likely to be a cause for concern, as Woodson is primarily viewed as a 3rd down, change-of-pace runner that offers plus speed and open field explosiveness. More concerning than the hesitation shown, is Woodson’s apparent lack of make-you-miss ability in the open field. Unable to elude or run through arm tackles, Woodson struggled to break through the 2nd level of the defense when given a clear path. His receiving skills were evident throughout, as he lined up in the slot on empty sets, caught the ball with his hands, and accelerated upfield immediately after the catch. Certainly not the type of performance he had hoped for, Jonathan Woodson has to get better blocking from his teammates upfront if he wants to be drafted next April.

NFL Teams represented: Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams, Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers