ICON
09-04-2007, 07:03 PM
Week 1's Center Stage thread looks at Tennessee visiting California in a rematch of last year's opener, a 35-18 win for the Volunteers in Knoxville. Feel free to chat about the game In this thread, discuss the game's effect on each player's draft stock. Here's a list of the top five prospects to keep an eye on this weekend. Below these five, you'll find a list of everyone else who might factor into the draft.
So without further ado, here are this week's players taking Center Stage...
http://xs318.xs.to/xs318/07333/cs_jackson.jpg
Height: 6'0" Weight: 172
Year in School: Junior 40 time: 4.2
2006 Stats: 59 rec., 1060 yards, 9 TD, 18.2 PR avg., 4 PR TD
Strengths: Reminds me a lot of a Santana Moss or Steve Smith. Though he reminds many of Ted Ginn, he was already as polished a receiver last year as Ginn was entering the draft. His speed is comparable to Ginn, though rumors suggest he may even be faster. Good hands and great moves in the open field. The nation's most lethal punt returner and gadget type player. Improving route running.
Weaknesses: He has suffered no serious injuries in college, though that shocks scouts at his meager frame. He's added a couple pounds over the offseason, but will still need to add 10-15 pounds to be able to sustain the big hits at the next level, though he's not the type to come across the middle. Could still improve route running.
Projected Round: Top 10
http://xs318.xs.to/xs318/07333/cs_hefney.jpg
Height: 5'9" Weight: 185
Year in School: Senior 40 time: 4.4
2006 Stats: 96 tackles, 3 TFL, 3 PD, 5 INT, FR, 12.1 PR avg.
Strengths: He has played at corner and free safety. He's the quickest of the top tier safeties in the draft. He understands the plays with good position. He's a reliable safety valve, as safeties should be. Though not the biggest safety, he is one helluva hitter. Last year's all-conference player should keep that honor this year. Has plenty of experience, starting since his second game in his freshman year. Also a good punt returner. If he adds a couple pounds, he'll solidify his position as the top safety behind Kenny Phillips.
Weaknesses: His size is nothing special. He can sometimes get abused in traffic and tends to miss tackles from time to time. His hands aren't outstanding, but that's why he plays defense.
Projected Round: 1st-2nd
http://xs318.xs.to/xs318/07334/cs_mayo.jpg
Height: 6'2" Weight: 215
Year in School: Junior 40 time: 4.6
2006 Stats: 83 tackles, 12.5 TFL, 5 sacks, BrUp, QBH, FR
Strengths: Mayo is the next NFL linebacker from Tennessee. He has All-American potential if he can improve on a breakout sophomore season. Mayo stands with good size, strength, and speed. He has a lot of room to improve on a season that was already good. He will be the unquestioned leader of the defense this upcoming season, but would be better served if he remained in college for a season unless he produces something beyond excellent.
Weaknesses: He suffered through random injuries down the stretch of last season and in Spring Practice this year. He still has room to improve his technique. He'll be moving inside from outside linebacker last year and we'll have to wait for him to mature before we can more thoroughly analyze him as a draft prospect.
Projected Round: 1st-2nd
Height: 6'6" Weight: 220
Year in School: Senior 40 time:5.0
2006 Stats: 67%, 2989 yards, 19 TD, 9 INT, 151.95 Rating
Strengths: He has been coached by offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe who has coached Peyton and Eli Manning, Heath Shuler, and Brady Quinn. Peyton has credited Cutcliffe for much of his success. He'll catch scouts' eyes with his gigantic stature and outstanding arm. Ainge is, for the most part, accurate and is a pretty good decision maker. Very intelligent, making the SEC All-Academic team in 2005 and 2006.
Weaknesses: Coming off surgery on right knee which forced him to miss much of Spring practice. He struggled with consistency problems throughout the year and at times looked more like the 2005 Erik Ainge. May see his production decline due to the loss of key players including his top three receivers and on the offensive line.
Projected Round: 2nd-3rd
Height: 6'5" Weight: 233
Year in School: Junior 40 time: 4.9
2006 Stats: 60.2%, 3021 yards, 24 TD, 13 INT, 141.6 Rating
Strengths: He rebounded well after a disappointing season opener against Tennessee. Longshore has good size and a good arm. He has been Jeff Tedford coached. Good or bad thing, still to be determined. It's a good thing as far as college quarterbacks are concerned. Has shown improved decision making.
Weaknesses: Still needs to improve accuracy to become a good NFL quarterback. Though he made large strides last season, he still needs to become more consistent. Will need to break the Tedford phenomenon to succeed in the NFL.
Projected Round: 2nd-3rd
Tennessee's Other Draft Prospects
Eric Young, Offensive Tackle/Guard
Vitals: 6'4, 305, 5.1
Projected Round: 2nd-3rd
He's Mr. Versatile at Tennesse having played all positions on the offensive line except for center. He'll look to start at right tackle again or replace Arron Sears on the left side this year, but still needs to break out. He's strong and very talented. Missed Spring Practice with a shoulder injury.
Demonte Bolden, Defensive Tackle
Vitals: 6'6, 290, 4.9
2006 Stats: 22 tackles, 4 TFL, sack
Projected Round: 2nd-4th
Came to Tennessee as a big-time recruit, but has failed to live up to expectations. If he plays like he did down the second half of the season stopping the run, he should see a team take him on the first day.
Xavier Mitchell, Defensive End
Vitals: 6'2, 255, 4.7
2006 Stats: 43 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 3 BrUp, 8 QBH, FF
Projected Round: 4th-5th
Perhaps the Volunteers best defensive lineman. Athletic, quick off the ball, decent pass rusher. He has the potential to become a very good player.
Brad Cottam, Tight End
Vitals: 6'8, 270, 4.7
2006 Stats: 14 rec, 182 yards
Projected Round: 5th-7th
Has great size and blends in with the offensive linemen when on the field. Good blocker, great size, and good hands who'll create mismatches as a good short yardage target.
Antonio Reynolds, Defensive End
Vitals: 6'3, 270, 4.8
2006 Stats: 37 tackles, 5 TFL, sack
Projected Round: 6th-FA
The larger of ends who plays the run pretty well. Though he started ten games (missed 2 with neck injury), he generated only one sack. Has good potential, but hasn't lived up and had been fairly inconsistent.
J.T. Mapu, Defensive Tackle
Vitals: 6'4, 290, 5.2
2006 Stats: 8 tackles, .5 TFL
Projected Round: 7th-FA
He's been a big disappointment after leaving for two year on a church mission. A very good talent who did practically nothing since returning logging only 8 tackles.
California's Other Draft Prospects
Thomas DeCoud, Safety
Vitals: 6'2, 204, 4.6
2006 Stats: 45 tackles, 1 TFL, 3 BrUp
Projected Round: 4th
He remains the defense's top pro prospect. Though he suffered an injury-plagued season, he flashed sideline-to-sideline speed and gritty safety play.
Justin Forsett, Running Back
Vitals: 5'8, 196, 4.4
2006 Stats: 626 yards, 5.3 avg., 4 TD, 12 rec., 116 yards, TD
Projected Round: 4th-6th
He's compiled 1600 yards and 10 touchdowns behind Marshawn Lynch over the past two years. Recent rumors have suggested that he added ten pounds of muscles over the offseason to jump the 200 pound mark. If he can stay healthy and have a good season, his stock will skyrocket. Marshawn's year will also be important to him so that he won't be labeled a "system" back. A good fit for a team running behind the zone-blocking system with his elusiveness and quick feet.
Craig Stevens, Tight End
Vitals: 6'5, 258, 4.7
2006 Stats: 17 rec., 239 yards, TD
Projected Round: 5th
Stevens is a dominant run-blocker and a decent pass catcher. Though he doesn't get recognition with flashy numbers, he's as complete a tight end as the country has to offer. With the other receivers stretching the field, expect Stevens to find himself open for a lot of underneath routes.
Mike Gibson, Offensive Tackle
Vitals: 6'5, 302, 5.2
Projected Round: 6th-7th
Cal's left tackle worked his way into the lineup, starting since game four and turned in an All-Pac 10 type performance with quick feet. Missed all of spring after having shoulder surgery to fix a lingering problem.
Lavelle Hawkins, Wide Receiver
Vitals: 6'2, 181, 4.5
2006 Stats: 46 rec., 705 yards, 5 TD,
Projected Round: 7th-FA
The third receiver off the bench who compliments Jordan and Jackson well with his size. Emerged last season as a viable threat.
Robert Jordan, Wide Receiver
Vitals: 5'11, 171, 4.5
2006 Stats: 46 rec., 571 yards, 4 TD
Projected Round: 7th-FA
He has good game speed and can get behind some secondaries. He's probably the most polished of Cal's receiving trio. A veteran whose reeled in 106 career receptions.
Phillip Mbakogu, Defensive End *
Vitals: 6'3, 275, 4.8
2005 Stats: 40 tackles, 10 TFL, 5.5 sacks, FR
Projected Round: ???
Missed all of last year with injury. When healthy, he's active and can provide good pressure from the outside. As of now, his draft status is all up in the air and depends on his health.
So without further ado, here are this week's players taking Center Stage...
http://xs318.xs.to/xs318/07333/cs_jackson.jpg
Height: 6'0" Weight: 172
Year in School: Junior 40 time: 4.2
2006 Stats: 59 rec., 1060 yards, 9 TD, 18.2 PR avg., 4 PR TD
Strengths: Reminds me a lot of a Santana Moss or Steve Smith. Though he reminds many of Ted Ginn, he was already as polished a receiver last year as Ginn was entering the draft. His speed is comparable to Ginn, though rumors suggest he may even be faster. Good hands and great moves in the open field. The nation's most lethal punt returner and gadget type player. Improving route running.
Weaknesses: He has suffered no serious injuries in college, though that shocks scouts at his meager frame. He's added a couple pounds over the offseason, but will still need to add 10-15 pounds to be able to sustain the big hits at the next level, though he's not the type to come across the middle. Could still improve route running.
Projected Round: Top 10
http://xs318.xs.to/xs318/07333/cs_hefney.jpg
Height: 5'9" Weight: 185
Year in School: Senior 40 time: 4.4
2006 Stats: 96 tackles, 3 TFL, 3 PD, 5 INT, FR, 12.1 PR avg.
Strengths: He has played at corner and free safety. He's the quickest of the top tier safeties in the draft. He understands the plays with good position. He's a reliable safety valve, as safeties should be. Though not the biggest safety, he is one helluva hitter. Last year's all-conference player should keep that honor this year. Has plenty of experience, starting since his second game in his freshman year. Also a good punt returner. If he adds a couple pounds, he'll solidify his position as the top safety behind Kenny Phillips.
Weaknesses: His size is nothing special. He can sometimes get abused in traffic and tends to miss tackles from time to time. His hands aren't outstanding, but that's why he plays defense.
Projected Round: 1st-2nd
http://xs318.xs.to/xs318/07334/cs_mayo.jpg
Height: 6'2" Weight: 215
Year in School: Junior 40 time: 4.6
2006 Stats: 83 tackles, 12.5 TFL, 5 sacks, BrUp, QBH, FR
Strengths: Mayo is the next NFL linebacker from Tennessee. He has All-American potential if he can improve on a breakout sophomore season. Mayo stands with good size, strength, and speed. He has a lot of room to improve on a season that was already good. He will be the unquestioned leader of the defense this upcoming season, but would be better served if he remained in college for a season unless he produces something beyond excellent.
Weaknesses: He suffered through random injuries down the stretch of last season and in Spring Practice this year. He still has room to improve his technique. He'll be moving inside from outside linebacker last year and we'll have to wait for him to mature before we can more thoroughly analyze him as a draft prospect.
Projected Round: 1st-2nd
Height: 6'6" Weight: 220
Year in School: Senior 40 time:5.0
2006 Stats: 67%, 2989 yards, 19 TD, 9 INT, 151.95 Rating
Strengths: He has been coached by offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe who has coached Peyton and Eli Manning, Heath Shuler, and Brady Quinn. Peyton has credited Cutcliffe for much of his success. He'll catch scouts' eyes with his gigantic stature and outstanding arm. Ainge is, for the most part, accurate and is a pretty good decision maker. Very intelligent, making the SEC All-Academic team in 2005 and 2006.
Weaknesses: Coming off surgery on right knee which forced him to miss much of Spring practice. He struggled with consistency problems throughout the year and at times looked more like the 2005 Erik Ainge. May see his production decline due to the loss of key players including his top three receivers and on the offensive line.
Projected Round: 2nd-3rd
Height: 6'5" Weight: 233
Year in School: Junior 40 time: 4.9
2006 Stats: 60.2%, 3021 yards, 24 TD, 13 INT, 141.6 Rating
Strengths: He rebounded well after a disappointing season opener against Tennessee. Longshore has good size and a good arm. He has been Jeff Tedford coached. Good or bad thing, still to be determined. It's a good thing as far as college quarterbacks are concerned. Has shown improved decision making.
Weaknesses: Still needs to improve accuracy to become a good NFL quarterback. Though he made large strides last season, he still needs to become more consistent. Will need to break the Tedford phenomenon to succeed in the NFL.
Projected Round: 2nd-3rd
Tennessee's Other Draft Prospects
Eric Young, Offensive Tackle/Guard
Vitals: 6'4, 305, 5.1
Projected Round: 2nd-3rd
He's Mr. Versatile at Tennesse having played all positions on the offensive line except for center. He'll look to start at right tackle again or replace Arron Sears on the left side this year, but still needs to break out. He's strong and very talented. Missed Spring Practice with a shoulder injury.
Demonte Bolden, Defensive Tackle
Vitals: 6'6, 290, 4.9
2006 Stats: 22 tackles, 4 TFL, sack
Projected Round: 2nd-4th
Came to Tennessee as a big-time recruit, but has failed to live up to expectations. If he plays like he did down the second half of the season stopping the run, he should see a team take him on the first day.
Xavier Mitchell, Defensive End
Vitals: 6'2, 255, 4.7
2006 Stats: 43 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 3 BrUp, 8 QBH, FF
Projected Round: 4th-5th
Perhaps the Volunteers best defensive lineman. Athletic, quick off the ball, decent pass rusher. He has the potential to become a very good player.
Brad Cottam, Tight End
Vitals: 6'8, 270, 4.7
2006 Stats: 14 rec, 182 yards
Projected Round: 5th-7th
Has great size and blends in with the offensive linemen when on the field. Good blocker, great size, and good hands who'll create mismatches as a good short yardage target.
Antonio Reynolds, Defensive End
Vitals: 6'3, 270, 4.8
2006 Stats: 37 tackles, 5 TFL, sack
Projected Round: 6th-FA
The larger of ends who plays the run pretty well. Though he started ten games (missed 2 with neck injury), he generated only one sack. Has good potential, but hasn't lived up and had been fairly inconsistent.
J.T. Mapu, Defensive Tackle
Vitals: 6'4, 290, 5.2
2006 Stats: 8 tackles, .5 TFL
Projected Round: 7th-FA
He's been a big disappointment after leaving for two year on a church mission. A very good talent who did practically nothing since returning logging only 8 tackles.
California's Other Draft Prospects
Thomas DeCoud, Safety
Vitals: 6'2, 204, 4.6
2006 Stats: 45 tackles, 1 TFL, 3 BrUp
Projected Round: 4th
He remains the defense's top pro prospect. Though he suffered an injury-plagued season, he flashed sideline-to-sideline speed and gritty safety play.
Justin Forsett, Running Back
Vitals: 5'8, 196, 4.4
2006 Stats: 626 yards, 5.3 avg., 4 TD, 12 rec., 116 yards, TD
Projected Round: 4th-6th
He's compiled 1600 yards and 10 touchdowns behind Marshawn Lynch over the past two years. Recent rumors have suggested that he added ten pounds of muscles over the offseason to jump the 200 pound mark. If he can stay healthy and have a good season, his stock will skyrocket. Marshawn's year will also be important to him so that he won't be labeled a "system" back. A good fit for a team running behind the zone-blocking system with his elusiveness and quick feet.
Craig Stevens, Tight End
Vitals: 6'5, 258, 4.7
2006 Stats: 17 rec., 239 yards, TD
Projected Round: 5th
Stevens is a dominant run-blocker and a decent pass catcher. Though he doesn't get recognition with flashy numbers, he's as complete a tight end as the country has to offer. With the other receivers stretching the field, expect Stevens to find himself open for a lot of underneath routes.
Mike Gibson, Offensive Tackle
Vitals: 6'5, 302, 5.2
Projected Round: 6th-7th
Cal's left tackle worked his way into the lineup, starting since game four and turned in an All-Pac 10 type performance with quick feet. Missed all of spring after having shoulder surgery to fix a lingering problem.
Lavelle Hawkins, Wide Receiver
Vitals: 6'2, 181, 4.5
2006 Stats: 46 rec., 705 yards, 5 TD,
Projected Round: 7th-FA
The third receiver off the bench who compliments Jordan and Jackson well with his size. Emerged last season as a viable threat.
Robert Jordan, Wide Receiver
Vitals: 5'11, 171, 4.5
2006 Stats: 46 rec., 571 yards, 4 TD
Projected Round: 7th-FA
He has good game speed and can get behind some secondaries. He's probably the most polished of Cal's receiving trio. A veteran whose reeled in 106 career receptions.
Phillip Mbakogu, Defensive End *
Vitals: 6'3, 275, 4.8
2005 Stats: 40 tackles, 10 TFL, 5.5 sacks, FR
Projected Round: ???
Missed all of last year with injury. When healthy, he's active and can provide good pressure from the outside. As of now, his draft status is all up in the air and depends on his health.