NCAA Football FanHouse http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com NCAA Football FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif NCAA Football FanHouse http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Curtis Painter Is the New Matt Ryanhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/05/05/curtis-painter-is-the-new-matt-ryan/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/05/05/curtis-painter-is-the-new-matt-ryan/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/05/05/curtis-painter-is-the-new-matt-ryan/#commentsFiled under: ,

Curtis Painter: coming to an incredibly disappointed NFL city near you.

College football fans outside of Boston were by in large puzzled by the NFL's lofty opinion of 61st-rated passer Matt Ryan, the third pick in the NFL draft. Why Ryan went so high will be a mystery until such time as he proves himself Not Rick Mirer or Not Joey Harrington, but at least Ryan's team played pretty well and, you know, beat some teams that weren't repugnant.

The same cannot be said for Mel Kiper's top-rated senior quarterback for the 2009 NFL draft, Missouri's Chase Dan-- wait... what? CURTIS PAINTER?
10. Curtis Painter, QB, Purdue (6-3½, 225)
He's an impressive pure thrower, but what I liked about Painter's junior season was his improved game management. In 2006, Painter threw 22 touchdowns, but he also had 19 interceptions. Last season, he threw 29 touchdowns but had only 11 picks.
Painter does have one thing in common with Ryan: an underwhelming passer efficiency rating (46th last year in Joe Tiller's QB-friendly system) against a wretched schedule. Outside of the Big Ten, Purdue went up against Notre Dame, Toledo, Eastern Illinois, and Central Michigan... twice.

And, like... last year Tiller completely changed his offense to this weird pistol-option thing that got Purdue's run percentage up 50% specifically because he was terrified of Painter. And he's not good. I know, I've watched him for like four hundred years.

Curtis Painter Is the New Matt Ryan originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 05 May 2008 18:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>curtis painterCurtisPaintermel kiperMelKiperBrian CookMon, 05 May 2008 18:01:00 EST Louisville Wins the Big East Draft Againhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/28/louisville-wins-the-big-east-draft-again/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/28/louisville-wins-the-big-east-draft-again/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/28/louisville-wins-the-big-east-draft-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

I did this last year, so it seems only fitting that I would do it again.

And it wasn't even close. Louisville had five players drafted, while Pitt and West Virginia had three apiece. Rutgers, South Florida, Cincinnati, and Connecticut had two each. And for the first time since 1975, Syracuse did not have anyone selected.

That's 19 players drafted. And any way I slice it, that's just not all that good for a BCS conference. Looking at the distribution of what rounds the players were taken, it was pretty well spread out over the entire draft for the Big East. But that doesn't make it feel any better. It's especially bad if you look at a team like West Virginia that has had three 11 win seasons in a row along with three straight top ten finishes. They've had exactly four players drafted in the last three years. And Chris Henry and Pac Man Jones the year before that. So we won't even go there.

The ACC? Yeah, that conference we've been quietly laughing at after Miami, Va. Tech, and Boston College left. Yeah, they had 33 players drafted this past weekend. The coaching must really suck over there or something.

Pac 10? Oh, they had 37 players drafted. SEC? 35. Big 10? 28. Big 12? 27. Hell, C-USA had 11 players drafted! Patriot League? Never mind.

Even more upsetting for West Virginia fans, two players left early for the NFL and weren't drafted. Those two being Darius Reynaud and Johnny Dingle. Yeah, sorry folks. Those Dingle-Berry photo's won't be happening anymore. Those are definitely two players the Mountaineers could have used this year, though. I'm not saying that their stock would go up any with one more year of college. But it sure wouldn't go down.

Louisville will have the most holes to fill as well. You don't replace Brian Brohm, Harry Douglas, and Art Carmody. I know there are others, but those three were special at their positions. West Virginia won't be far behind with the loss of Slaton and most of the secondary and defensive line. Rutgers, well we don't know how bad it is because we haven't seen anyone but Ray Rice run the ball. The rest of the conference should be fine. And that's not a good thing if you think about it.

Louisville Wins the Big East Draft Again originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:29:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Brian BrohmBrianBrohmHarry DouglasHarryDouglasSteve SlatonSteveSlatonJohn RadcliffMon, 28 Apr 2008 20:29:00 EST College Eye for the NFL Guy: Felix Joneshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/22/college-eye-for-the-nfl-guy-felix-jones/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/22/college-eye-for-the-nfl-guy-felix-jones/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/22/college-eye-for-the-nfl-guy-felix-jones/#commentsFiled under: ,

Whatever you say ... number two!

WHAT NFL SCOUTS ARE SAYING

Pro Football Weekly 2008 NFL Draft Guide

Thinly built and not built to withstand heavy contact or carry the workload. Lacks the strength to run between the tackles and likes to bounce everything outside. Would be most effective in a complementary role alongside a bruiser such as [Darren] McFadden, where Jones could use his speed and quickness to create in space.

PROBABLY GETTING DRAFTED ...

Second round, a slim possibility for the first round if someone really falls in love with him.

GUY WHO WATCHED HIM FOR THREE YEAS IS SAYING

Although Jones will likely end up a complementary runner, it's more than a little premature to write off his chances as a primary back. He played in a power running offense against SEC defenses that knew Jones was coming. Yet he was still productive, even as a true freshman.

Although he bounces outside a lot, he did run a good deal inside with success. He was also more consistently healthy than teammate McFadden.

Jones has a shot to be an everydown back. He's over 200 pounds and has shown some ability to play the inside game in the NFL. His speed will be an obvious asset and he is quite explosive if given a crease.

College Eye for the NFL Guy: Felix Jones originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>CollegeEyefortheNFLGuyFelix JonesFelixJonesBrian GrummellTue, 22 Apr 2008 16:09:00 EST College Eye For The NFL Guy: Brian Brohmhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/21/college-eye-for-the-nfl-guy-brian-brohm/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/21/college-eye-for-the-nfl-guy-brian-brohm/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/21/college-eye-for-the-nfl-guy-brian-brohm/#commentsFiled under: ,

I hated this guy so much while he was at Louisville, I take great joy in knowing that I will never have to write about him again. And by hate, I mean respect if you look at what he did the last three years to West Virginia.

WHAT NFL SCOUTS ARE SAYING

Pro Football Weekly Ranking the Quarterbacks
Brohm - Pop gun arm incapable of drilling NFL throws into tight NFL windows - I can envision him now getting picked off left and right trying to hit the deep out on the next level. Cannot throw on the run. Marginal athleticism - struggles to evade the rush. Pushes the ball and accuracy consequently suffers.

PROBABLY GETTING DRAFTED..

Even after that assessment, will probably go in the late first early second round.

GUY WHO WATCHED HIM FOR THREE YEARS IS SAYING

If all you knew of Brian Brohm was his performance last year, then I would say most of the above is spot on. However, there is a reason he was considered a top five pick if he would have come out for the draft after his junior year. He really is that good. And Louisville really was that bad last year. Most everyone will point out to you that a large part of the problem last year was that the defense put the offense in bad positions by letting teams score at will on them. And that's certainly true. But he didn't get a lot of help from the offense either. The rushing game got scary bad to nonexistent through the meat of the schedule. Harry Douglas was hurt in the middle of the season, and Mario Urrutia wasn't Mario Urrutia. Despite that, he completed 65% of his passes for 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. Pop gun arm or not that's pretty good. Last year wasn't an easy year for Brohm, but he took it all in stride and did everything he could to help the team win.

His numbers and Louisville's record in 2006 and 2005 speak to what he is capable of when surrounded with adequate players. And while he might not have the OMG! skills that impress everyone leading up to the draft.
He does have adequate skills to play in the NFL. I've seen him make throws in real games that have made my blood curdle with hatred (respect). And he moves well enough, provided he doesn't suffer another knee injury, to handle NFL rushers. The injury bug might be the one thing that would make me skeptical about drafting him. But at the same time, I can't help but think about all the bright young NFL stars that completely fell apart their first year because they had never played on a losing team. Brohm went from a BCS Bowl victory his junior year to no bowl his senior year and never hung his head or wished he'd left for the NFL a year early. We know how Brian Brohm is going to react when things don't go well. And if you're going to make a $40 million investment, that might be a good thing to know.

College Eye For The NFL Guy: Brian Brohm originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Brian BrohmBrianBrohmCollegeEyeForTheNFLGuynfl draftNflDraftJohn RadcliffMon, 21 Apr 2008 20:32:00 EST College Eye for the NFL Guy: John David Bootyhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/21/college-eye-for-the-nfl-guy-john-david-booty/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/21/college-eye-for-the-nfl-guy-john-david-booty/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/21/college-eye-for-the-nfl-guy-john-david-booty/#commentsFiled under: ,

Opinions are like ... well, you know. Here's our smelly take.

WHAT NFL SCOUTS ARE SAYING

Pro Football Weekly's 2008 NFL Draft Guide
Is clearly well-coached, with very sound mechanics. A pure pocket passer with functional arm strength, Booty is a West Coast, rhythm passer who will need to play in an offense that features a lot of short crosses and slants to be effective. Could develop into a solid backup, but would handicap what an offense could do as a starter.
Bonus Moment of Contradiction
Keeps his poise under pressure and does not pull the ball down to run.
Two sentences later:
Shows little awareness for pressure and can be rattled.
PROBABLY GETTING DRAFTED ...

Second day, in the third, fourth or fifth round.

GUY WHO WATCHED HIM FOR FIVE YEARS IS SAYING

One of the draft's most vexing prospects, Booty did the near impossible in transforming himself from a marvelous high school gunslinger in a shotgun system to a pure pocket passer running an NFL offense. He's one of the rare quarterbacks to successfully transition out of a system that produced highly regarded future flame-outs Josh Booty, Brock Berlin and Brent Rawls.

I think the telling comment here is that he is "well-coached". If you watch his high school films, Booty was a magical passer with a great downfield arm, wonderful accuracy and an ability to throw accurately on the run and even off the wrong foot. He's gone from a gunslinger to Robo-QB. What was his weakness coming out of high school is now his strength, and his strengths have all but disappeared and made people hilariously wonder about his feel for the game.

What appears to have happened here is that Booty was overcoached in a program that models itself after the NFL. What made him special and unique was somehow lost. Next victim if he's not careful: Mark Sanchez.

Bottom line: Booty has fine mechanics, a cool demeanor, is tremendously accurate and played in a big-time program that runs an NFL offense. He played his best in bowl games and has a lot to offer. I buy the argument that he's an NFL backup, but there's some potential buried somewhere in him if you watch those high school films. If he lands with a franchise that doesn't demand such regimented play from its quarterback, that gunslinging side of him could come back out and he could really blossom.

College Eye for the NFL Guy: John David Booty originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>CollegeEyeForTheNFLGuyJohn David BootyJohnDavidBootyBrian GrummellMon, 21 Apr 2008 16:59:00 EST College Eye For The NFL Guy: Matt Ryanhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/21/college-eye-for-the-nfl-guy-matt-ryan/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/21/college-eye-for-the-nfl-guy-matt-ryan/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/21/college-eye-for-the-nfl-guy-matt-ryan/#commentsFiled under: ,

Now with an even more outdated cultural reference in the title! Remember metrosexuals? Far out!

WHAT NFL SCOUTS ARE SAYING

NFL.com's Pat Kirwan:
Ryan is the premiere quarterback of the class of 2008. He is a first round prospect with all the intangibles and is described accurately as a "winner." When compared to other draft classes, Ryan doesn't have the status of a Peyton or Eli Manning, Philip Rivers or Ben Roethlisberger to some clubs, but he is a guy you can build a club around. It will be hard for Atlanta, Kansas City and Baltimore to all pass him in the top 10 spots.
PROBABLY GETTING DRAFTED...

At the top of the first round.

GUY WHO WATCHED HIM FOR FOUR YEARS IS SAYING

Ah, Matt Ryan. White. Pretty tall. Strapping, even. Possessor of the most annoying nickname ("Matty Ice") this side of Chris Berman. Potential top pick in the draft according to people who must have never watched college football ever.

There's an uncanny consensus amongst college football fans on Ryan: Jesus, that kid is overrated. Rarely does an entire nation of college football fans agree on anything other than "Paul Maguire must be fired immediately," but ask any non-BC fan from sea to shining sea and you will get one response: don't draft that guy. Why after the jump.
With apologies Bill Maloney, the Fanhouse's BC rep, this is why:
  • Yes, Boston College had the nation's fourth-ranked passing offense, but Ryan was 62nd in passer efficiency. He completed 59% of his passes -- okay, not great -- and flung 19 interceptions to go with his 31 touchdowns.
  • Yes, "Matty Ice" led quite a comeback in BC's critical matchup against Virginia Tech, but BC was in that hole largely because he spent the first 55 minutes of the game throwing passes anywhere but the approximate vicinity of BC receivers. He ended up completing fewer than half of his 52 attempts, had two interceptions to go with his two touchdowns, and had a passer rating of under 100. In the rematch he again threw 52 passes; this time he managed to complete more than half but had two interceptions and no touchdowns in a 30-16 loss.
  • All of Ryan's stats, dubious as they are, came in the weakest BCS conference, the ACC. BC's nonconference schedule was Army, UMass, Bowling Green, and Notre Dame. In the bowl game, a 10-3 team that had gone to the ACC championship game played 7-5 Michigan State, which had gone 3-5 in conference.
  • "Matty Ice." I mean... come on.
Most importantly, Ryan just didn't play that well when you watched. He wasn't sacked that much, he didn't play against many good defenses, and at no point did he resemble a future NFL All Pro. He just seemed like a pretty good college quarterback, more John Navarre than Tom Brady.

Kirwan calls him a "winner," complete with quote marks, above, and that's often code for "team wins despite the fact he's not that good." See: Dorsey, Krenzel, etc. Anyone who takes Ryan in the top ten picks is asking for it.

College Eye For The NFL Guy: Matt Ryan originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Matt RyanMattRyanBrian CookMon, 21 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST Pro Football Weekly Hates D.J. Hallhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/15/pro-football-weekly-hates-d-j-hall/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/15/pro-football-weekly-hates-d-j-hall/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/15/pro-football-weekly-hates-d-j-hall/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

From inside the pages of the venerable Pro Football Weekly 2008 Draft Guide:
49ers head coach Mike Nolan told PFW to watch out for this kid. We did. He stinks. Hall was virtually non-existent all week, hardly making a peep. He supposedly was nursing an injury, but it didn't stop him from playing in the [Senior Bowl].
Ouch.

Rarely do you see respected publications straight up say a player stinks. Bonus points for throwing a coach under the bus. Rough day at the office, perhaps?

Pro Football Weekly Hates D.J. Hall originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>D.J. HallD.j.HallPFWPro Football WeeklyProFootballWeeklyBrian GrummellTue, 15 Apr 2008 18:37:00 EST Projected Early NFL Draft Winner: the ACChttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/07/projected-early-nfl-draft-winner-the-acc/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/07/projected-early-nfl-draft-winner-the-acc/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/04/07/projected-early-nfl-draft-winner-the-acc/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Pro Football Weekly's 2008 NFL Draft Guide (found at most news stands) has assigned draft grades to 242 collegiate players. Among the conferences, the ACC is tops with a projected 43 drafted players.

ACC: 43
SEC: 38
Big 12: 34
Pac 10: 32
Big 10: 29
Big East: 21
All other conferences and divisions: 45

Keep in mind these are the grades of just one (well-respected) publication and the draft is still weeks away. That said, this is a good starter projection for how the draft will shake out as far as talent allocation among the conferences.

Last year, the SEC led all conferences with 42 players chosen in the NFL draft. The ACC and Big 10 tied for second place with 32 players each.

This is good news for the ACC, but reflects poorly on its coaches given the conference's rapid decline in national prestige.

Projected Early NFL Draft Winner: the ACC originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:57:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>NFL DraftNflDraftPFWPro Football WeeklyProFootballWeeklyBrian GrummellMon, 07 Apr 2008 13:57:00 EST Matt Ryan Wins The Manning Awardhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/22/matt-ryan-wins-the-manning-award/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/22/matt-ryan-wins-the-manning-award/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/22/matt-ryan-wins-the-manning-award/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While this may sound like a Sports Guy gambit, I assure you ... this award does in fact exist. Matt Leinart won it in 2004 by winning the Heisman and leading USC to its second straight championship. Vince Young won it in 2005 on the strength of possibly the most dominating single performance in college football history (the award takes bowls into account). Last year, JaMarcus Russell won it after leading LSU to a Sugar Bowl decimation of Notre Dame and eventually becoming the #1 pick in the draft. Matt Ryan, well- he won the Champs Sports Bowl. Scintillating!

Then again, considering that the Manning Award is meant to honor the accomplishments of all the Mannings, including Eli, maybe it's appropriate that the guy who ended the year a winner with lesser stats finished just ahead of the guy with the mindblowing stats and the crushing postseason loss. Ryan edged out Heisman winner Tim Tebow for the 4th iteration of the award, perhaps setting up the Manning as the new hotness in collegiate awards that discriminate against underclassmen. Quoth the elder,
"In an exceptional season for quarterbacks, Matt Ryan's performance rose above our most talented class of finalists ever to win this year's award," Archie Manning said. "His record-breaking season led Boston College to new heights and we are proud to announce him as this year's winner and look forward to honoring him in New Orleans later this year."

That's right, BC fans- you can win eleven games in a BCS conference and yet, a year in which you edge out the 8th-best team in the Big Ten a half-week before New Year's is still technically "record breaking." Ryan was later erroneously quoted as saying that he hopes to use the awards ceremony as a means of acquiring some sort of Big Easy voodoo charm that will allow him to endure his inevitable time with the Atlanta Falcons in a blissful, psychotropic haze.

Matt Ryan Wins The Manning Award originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Ian CohenTue, 22 Jan 2008 21:16:00 EST James Davis Runs Back To Clemsonhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/21/james-davis-runs-back-to-clemson/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/21/james-davis-runs-back-to-clemson/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/21/james-davis-runs-back-to-clemson/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

You know, there have been plenty of questionable entries into the draft pool in the ACC, particularly amongst running backs. But out of them all, I would imagine that James Davis would be the least likely to hightail back to school. There's been his much-documented beef with splitting carries, and you can just imagine Tommy Bowden chomping at the bit to find out what C.J. Spiller can do as the lead back for the Tigers.

Nonetheless, perhaps realizing that the last thing the NFL Draft needs is a borderline first- day back, Davis will be back in Death Valley to do it all over again for the Tigers, who still appear as if they're the frontrunner not just for the ACC Atlantic Divison, but maybe for the conference as a whole. Clemson returns a whopping 9 out of 11 starters on offense, including QB Cullen Harper (who arguably outperformed Matt Ryan over the course of the season) and fellow draft dodger Aaron Kelly. Despite sharing time with Spiller, Davis has ran for over 1,000 yards the past two seasons and needs a very-doable 837 to pass Raymond Priester for Clemson's all-time rushing record ... ostensibly before Spiller goes ahead and tops it.

James Davis Runs Back To Clemson originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Ian CohenMon, 21 Jan 2008 12:32:00 EST Can't Knock the Hustle(?): Branden Orehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/18/cant-knock-the-hustle-branden-ore/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/18/cant-knock-the-hustle-branden-ore/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/18/cant-knock-the-hustle-branden-ore/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I have a hard time trying to figure out what goes down at the NFL Advisory Committee that determines draft status for guys looking to make the leap. At this point, you have to wonder what kind of advice they're giving running backs seeing as how nearly everyone on the brink is chasing that buck and fixin' to make our fantasy lives hell. Ray Rice, Jamal Charles, Steve Slaton, you name it- expect to own at least one of them off the strength of a 50 yard, 1 TD game replacing Justin Fargas or whatever.

I mean, what can you use to distinguish yourself from the countless other end-of-first day guys? A bionic arm? Fluency in three languages? A starring role in a crack cocaine possession case? If the last one counts for anything, Branden Ore's got nothing to worry about come draft day. Perhaps realizing that being in Blacksburg tends to make things exceedingly difficult for him, between the injuries and legal mishegas, Ore filed his paperwork yesterday.

Yes, it's a suspicious move seeing as how he seemed intent on staying in Blacksburg for perhaps an injury-free season to solidify his prospects. Not to mention the overhanging legal woes. He still has the option of pulling out today, but as he said to reporters, "I ain't talkin', dog." While you may question his second gear, there's no doubt he knows how to stick to the G Code.

Can't Knock the Hustle(?): Branden Ore originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Ian CohenFri, 18 Jan 2008 10:41:00 EST Justin King Is Going Prohttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/14/justin-king-is-going-pro/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/14/justin-king-is-going-pro/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/14/justin-king-is-going-pro/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Steve Slaton and Darren McFadden weren't the only juniors who decided to skip their senior seasons and enter the NFL draft this weekend, as Penn State is going to lose a key member of their secondary as well.

A day before the deadline for juniors to declare, the Nittany Lions officially learned that cornerback Justin King is going pro.
"Justin's happy with his decision," [Justin's stepfather Terry] Smith said. "He just felt like he was ready for the next phase of his life. He did the same thing when he graduated from high school early and went to Penn State."
This move wasn't unexpected. King already received his degree back in December, and going into the season he was widely viewed as one of the best cover corners in college football. Justin struggled a bit this season thanks to a shoulder injury that bothered him all season, but he still managed to be named a first team All-Big Ten selection despite the drop off in his performance.

Unfortunately for Justin, this past season is still going to cost him some money. Word amongst NFL scouts is that Justin's play this season knocked him down from being a for sure first-round pick to most likely a early to mid second round selection.

Either way, he's not going to be easy to replace in Happy Valley.

Justin King Is Going Pro originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Darren McFaddenDarrenMcfaddenJustin KingJustinKingSteve SlatonSteveSlatonTom FornelliMon, 14 Jan 2008 13:13:00 EST Steve Slaton Says Goodbye West Virginia Hello NFLhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/13/steve-slaton-says-goodbye-west-virginia-hello-nfl/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/13/steve-slaton-says-goodbye-west-virginia-hello-nfl/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/13/steve-slaton-says-goodbye-west-virginia-hello-nfl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Steve Slaton announced today that he will forgo his final year at West Virginia and enter the NFL draft. In some respects, this is a sad day for Mountaineer fans as Slaton along with Pat White ushered in an unparalleled stretch of success at West Virginia. Before Slaton and White, West Virginia had only had one 11 win season. Behind the dynamic tandem (I thought about using duo, but come on), the Mountaineers had three 11 win seasons in a row.

Being a Mountaineer fan, this does come as a bit of a shock to me. This year was probably his least productive as a runner. A lot of that has to do with the guy he's standing next to in that picture, Noel Devine. Also, the focus of the offense had shifted more towards Pat White running and throwing the ball. But beyond all that, Steve didn't seem like Steve this year. There weren't nearly as many big plays as in the two previous years. And there seemed like there was a lot more of him running for no gain. But after his first two years, there probably wasn't a defensive coordinator on the West Virginia schedule that didn't say, "let's stop Slaton and see if we can make them one dimensional."

Another reason this is a shock to me is that there are quite a few quality backs in this years draft already. And it would seem that he would have a much better chance of being a higher draft pick if he could wait another year. But now that I think about it, this is a guy that has made a habit of coming out of nowhere. Raise your hand if you knew who he was before the 2006 Sugar Bowl. Put your hands down Mountaineer fans. So maybe if he gets on with the right team, he could have a real shot at a starting job. But most likely he's going to be a specialty back considering his size. I don't doubt his heart, after playing most of his career with a broken bone in his wrist. But heart seems to be the least important thing when it comes to draft day, cough cough Mike Mamula cough cough. So he will need to impress some folks at the combine.

Career Stats at West Virginia:

Attempts-664
Yards-3,923
Touchdowns-50
Receptions-65
Yards-805
Touchdowns-5

Steve Slaton Says Goodbye West Virginia Hello NFL originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Steve SlatonSteveSlatonJohn RadcliffSun, 13 Jan 2008 17:44:00 EST Can't Knock the Hustle: James Davishttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/11/cant-knock-the-hustle-james-davis/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/11/cant-knock-the-hustle-james-davis/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/11/cant-knock-the-hustle-james-davis/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I guess a chance to win the ACC isn't what it used to be. While Clemson might still be the frontrunner in the Atlantic division, one of the main reason they've been a contender in the last couple of years is their "Lightning and Thunder" combo of C.J. Spiller and James Davis (for once, can we get a Thunder and Thunder or at the very least a different nickname? Salt and Pepper for Brian Leonard and Steven Jackson maybe?). It's just Lightning now- after a tumultuous past two years of sharing carries, Davis announced that he's entering the NFL draft despite the fact that nearly every junior RB prospect is doing the same like hockey is gonna be America's sport in 2009.

While Tommy Bowden presumably has more job security than he has, well, pretty much ever at Clemson, he still wasn't enthusiastic about losing his workhorse. Then again, Davis had been vocal about splitting time with Spiller, feeling that he was bogarting his shine, so to speak. And while Davis is no joke, it's worth noting that Spiller happens to be, you know, retardedly fast. Pretty much any time you caught him on ESPN, it was a de facto 60-yard dash. You can likely catch Davis frontin' in the 3rd round and fantasy waivers next season.

Can't Knock the Hustle: James Davis originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Ian CohenFri, 11 Jan 2008 00:18:00 EST Can't Knock the Hustle: Geno Hayeshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/09/cant-knock-the-hustle-geno-hayes/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/09/cant-knock-the-hustle-geno-hayes/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/09/cant-knock-the-hustle-geno-hayes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In regards to the timeline of the 2007 Florida State Seminoles football season as most people knew it, Geno Hayes fits in thusly: he was the guy who claimed that Tim Tebow was "going down," and he managed to not get suspended for the Music City Bowl. So, he had that going for him.

And now, he'll be the latest Floridian defensive prospect from the ACC to jump from a mediocre team to the NFL. What's interesting is that this might be the first that seems to have gotten some resistance from the head coach; while Randy Shannon seemed to be okay with the departure of Kenny Phillips and Calais Campbell (particularly since the latter got his degree), but Bobby Bowden remains skeptical that Hayes is at the level of last year's LB defection, Lawrence Timmons (1st round, Steelers), but at least was willing to admit "it's a matter of time" before he succeeds at the next level. One can only hope for Hayes' sake that it's not the same "matter of time"-table that Bowden himself is on, because he could damn well be waiting into 2020 for that to come.

Can't Knock the Hustle: Geno Hayes originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Ian CohenWed, 09 Jan 2008 23:21:00 EST Two More Losses on Horizon for Ohio Statehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/09/two-more-losses-on-horizon-for-ohio-state/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/09/two-more-losses-on-horizon-for-ohio-state/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/09/two-more-losses-on-horizon-for-ohio-state/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As much as most college football fans want to hear it, it's entirely possible the Ohio State Buckeyes might find themselves in their third straight BCS title game a year from now. When going over the Buckeyes starters, there are only three seniors on the team, and with Michigan about to go through a tough season, it's easy to see the Buckeyes running the Big 10 table again next season.

Jim Tressel isn't so sure though. There are a couple of juniors on his defense that he doesn't see coming back to Columbus next season, and they're relatively important to his defense.
"A little bit of it will be determined by who ends up (leaving early)," Tressel said. "I'm guessing (defensive end) Vernon Gholston for sure, because being a fourth-year guy I don't know how much more he can enhance himself draft-wise ... and I'm guessing maybe (linebacker James) Laurinaitis.

"Now, if that's it -- don't get me wrong, those are two great ones for the Buckeyes -- but if you lose three or four, that will make it a little more difficult."
While the loss of both Gholston and Laurinaitis would be big for the Buckeyes, at the same time, they're still the Buckeyes. No matter who they lose, Tressel always seems to fill their spot with somebody of equal or better talent. After all, this was supposed to be a bit of a transitional year after Troy Smith, Ted Ginn, and a bunch of key players from 2006 left the program, and they still ended up getting a chance to get their butts kicked on national television again this season.

Two More Losses on Horizon for Ohio State originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>James LaurinaitisJamesLaurinaitisJim tresselJimTresselTed GinnTedGinnTroy SmithTroySmithVernan GholstonVernanGholstonTom FornelliWed, 09 Jan 2008 12:31:00 EST Offensive Exodus In Ann Arborhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/09/offensive-exodus-in-ann-arbor/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/09/offensive-exodus-in-ann-arbor/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/09/offensive-exodus-in-ann-arbor/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Right: Adrian Arrington.

In comes Rich Rodriguez, and out go Chad Henne and Mike Hart. Change is a-comin' for Michigan's offense, right? Well, that isn't the half of it. The extraordinarily blunt and open Rodriguez -- at least compared to Lloyd Carr, who never saw a question he couldn't dodge -- made an appearance on Jim Rome yesterday. Therein he expressed his opinion that Mario Manningham, Adrian Arrington, and Ryan Mallett would all ply their trade elsewhere next year, the former two in the NFL and the latter on someone's bench taking an enforced redshirt after transferring.

This was opinion, but when Rodriguez attended the Michigan-Indiana basketball game (Michigan won ten billion to zero*) he spoke to reporters at half time. This is as blunt as you can get about Mallett:
"He's not playing for Michigan," Rodriguez said . "I'm concerned with whose [sic] playing for Michigan. That's my concern."
Seeya. Also seeya: Adrian Arrington, who texted Rodriguez about his decision to leave today. Mario Manningham was absent during the team meeting, but his grandfather keeps saying he'll stick around... we'll see. He's probably gone, too.

Next year is shaping up as an ugly one in Ann Arbor.

*(not actually true.)

Offensive Exodus In Ann Arbor originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>adrian arringtonAdrianArringtonmario manninghamMarioManninghamrich rodriguezRichRodriguezryan mallettRyanMallettBrian CookWed, 09 Jan 2008 09:31:00 EST Can't Knock The Hustle: Brandon Flowers to Make Hot Fuss on Sundayshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/08/cant-knock-the-hustle-brandon-flowers-to-make-hot-fuss-on-sund/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/08/cant-knock-the-hustle-brandon-flowers-to-make-hot-fuss-on-sund/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/08/cant-knock-the-hustle-brandon-flowers-to-make-hot-fuss-on-sund/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Great- unless Virginia Tech happens to have a guy named Ronnie Vannucci buried in their depth chart, looks like no more The Killers cracks at their expense. Not after Brandon Flowers confirmed long-standing suspicion that he'd be shuffling off to the pros even if he wasn't projected as a first-round guy.

The NFL Advisory board projects Flowers as a second-round pick, but the only thing that makes me wonder is how totally sweet being on the NFL Advisory board that projects draft status. And that they feel the need to circumvent Mel Kiper. But either way, the two-time All-American Flowers appears to be less of a character risk than recent Hokie DB's of note such as DeAngelo Hall or Jimmy Williams. I mean, god only knows what could go down if the Falcons take him as well. You might find the Buccaneers or Panthers scrambling to draft Matt Ryan. And just so you're prepared to slag on the ACC one more time in 2008, VT will now replace seven of their eleven starters on defense, and it's more than likely the guys you've heard of. And yet, they're likely STILL far and away the frontrunner in their division. And you thought the pre-2007 Big XII North was a hoot...

Can't Knock The Hustle: Brandon Flowers to Make Hot Fuss on Sundays originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Ian CohenTue, 08 Jan 2008 23:51:00 EST Jermichael Finley Says So Long, Thanks For All the Fishhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/08/jermichael-finley-says-so-long-thanks-for-all-the-fish/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/08/jermichael-finley-says-so-long-thanks-for-all-the-fish/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/08/jermichael-finley-says-so-long-thanks-for-all-the-fish/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Perhaps the most painful sort of NFL departure is the "but he's a sophomore!" sort where a kid in only his second year on the field bolts. Normally this is not an option, but if you redshirt a guy who then blows up it's a possibility. See: Michael Vick. Texas TE Jermichael Finley is the latest third-year sophomore to depart:
"The NFL is every football players dream and when my NFL grade came back, it was encouraging and I felt like it was in my best interest to enter the draft," Finley said in a statement. "I've worked really hard for three years at Texas to prepare for this and I think I'm ready for the challenge. Coach Chambers and all of the coaches have helped me improve and taught me so much that I can't thank them enough.
I wonder what that grade was. Whatever it is, it was probably not first-round. Finley had 45 catches for around 600 yards last year, decent but not unbelievable numbers. GBN does not have him in their top 135 draft prospects.

Tailback Jamaal Charles announced his intention to depart a couple weeks ago; remarkably, before that the only player to leave early under Mack Brown at Texas was one Vince Young. Which, like, duh.

Jermichael Finley Says So Long, Thanks For All the Fish originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>jermichael finleyJermichaelFinleyBrian CookTue, 08 Jan 2008 23:14:00 EST Ray Rice Decides to Deepen the Running Back Draft Poolhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/08/ray-rice-decides-to-deepen-the-running-back-draft-pool/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/08/ray-rice-decides-to-deepen-the-running-back-draft-pool/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/01/08/ray-rice-decides-to-deepen-the-running-back-draft-pool/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's really not much of a shock, but Rutgers Ray Rice is giving up his senior season to enter the NFL draft. Rice was the third leading rusher in 1-A football this season with 2012 yards. Behind only Kevin Smith of Central Florida and Matt Forte of Tulane.

According to DraftHeadquarters, Rice received word from the NFL Advisory Committee that he would be a late-1st/early-second round draft pick.

With Kevin Smith already declared, Forte a senior, and Arkansas' Darren McFadden expected to declare soon, that means the top four rushers in the NCAA this past season will be in the NFL Draft. In fact with the exception of Kent State's Eugene Jarvis -- a sophomore -- it can be expected that nine of the top ten rushers will be in the NFL Draft.

Michael Hart of Michigan (#6) and Jalen Parmele of Toledo (#9) are both seniors. Juniors Rashard Mendenhall of Illinois (#8) and Jamaal Charles of Texas (#10) have already declared. Oregon Junior Jonathan Stewart (#6) is also expected to skip his senior season for the NFL.

Ray Rice Decides to Deepen the Running Back Draft Pool originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 21:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Charles RichTue, 08 Jan 2008 21:36:00 EST