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BFTB Scouting: College Football Week 12

Week 11 recap:

  • The big standouts of the week were two defensive players that could fit in nicely in the 3-4. The first is someone I'm very fond of and have mentioned before, but this was his biggest week so far. Purdue DE/OLB Ryan Kerrigan had 10 solo tackles, 4 sacks, 5 Tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. He now holds the Big Ten record for career forced fumbles passing Bob Sanders and Simeon Rice.
  • The second defensive player with a big day was North Carolina St. ILB Nate Irving. Irving has had a fantastic season while come back from injuries suffered from a car accident. He has 10.0 tackles, 8.0 tackles for a loss and 1 sack.
  • As for offensive performances the weekend was highlighted by 4 standout WRs. SDSU's Vincent Brown, TCU's Jeremy Kerley, Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles and, of course, Georgia's A.J. Green. Broyles is kind of the hot name right now as he's getting some consideration for Heisman votes and its looking more and more like he's a lock for the first round.

Week 12 Key Matchups
Wisconsin
(9-1) vs Michigan
(7-3) Saturday 11/20 9:00 AM PT (ESPN)
Ohio St. (7-2) vs Iowa (10-0) Saturday 11/20 12:30 PM PT (ABC)
Arkansas
(8-2) vs Mississippi St.
(7-3) Saturday 11/20 4:00 PM PT (ESPN)

Every week I'll also ask all of you to please share what games you'll be watching and what players you'd think would look good in blue and gold or just generally impressed/disappointed you.

Wisconsin vs Michigan
If you're up fairly early on Saturday and want to catch a game this is the one to watch. Wisconsin's a top 10 team these days and we first took a look at them way back in week 5. They've got a fringy WR prospect with decent size and speed in Nick Toon and they have a road grading OT in Gabe Carimi. Neither of which look as good to the Chargers as they did earlier the season (Toon hasn't been as advertised and Carimi doesn't fit the Chargers scheme), however they do have another interesting and rising prospect that we can talk about later. Michigan was once a Big Ten powerhouse, but things have changed in Ann Arbor in recent year. Nevertheless, they are bowl bound with 7 wins already. Their offense is still young and not ready to be scouted by us, but they've got a couple of defensive players to keep tabs on. 

J.J. Watt, Wisconsin, DE, 4th year Junior, 6'5, 279 lbs (2nd to 4th round pick) - Watt projects as a 3-4 DE that needs to put on some bulk, but has the right makeup for the position. He's hard working and strong and has that motor you look for to wear offensive linemen out. He's still a little raw at the position since he switched from tight end not too long ago. However, he's learning fast and can get pressure with a quick first step and a bull rush, but could develop other moves with time. He seems to impressive more and more with each week this season.

Jonas Mouton, Michigan, OLB, Senior, 6'2, 228 lbs (mid to late round pick) - A bright spot on a Michigan defense that hasn't been that great this year. He had a breakout game two weeks ago, but had to miss last week with a chest injury. He's a smallish linebacker, but he has good speed. He's an explosive hitter, but could use work on his technique and angles. Is decent at turning his hips and running with receivers in coverage. His coverage ability could be an asset at the next level if developed properly. Could move to ILB in the 3-4.

Obi Ezeh, Michigan, ILB, Senior, 6'1, 238 lbs (mid to late round pick) - Similar to Donald Butler in that he's the leader of a defense that has seen a lot of struggles. His instincts and football knowledge help him the most as he reacts well and takes solid angles. He's not fast, but he's good enough to drop back into deep zones and not give up too much in coverage. He needs some work trying to shed blockers in traffic and holding his ground against the run, but if he plays in space he can make plays using good positioning and technique.

Ohio St. vs Iowa
Ohio St., like Wisconsin, is another Big Ten school we checked in with early (week 1, in fact). They've got a mid round CB prospect in Chemdi Chekwa, an ILB prospect recovering from injury in Ross Homan, a DE first round prospect in Cameron Heyward, a speedy WR in DeVier Posey and a sleeper third down running back type in Brandon Saine. They also have a safety prospect catching peoples eyes. I mentioned him casually in week 1, but will profile him better today. Iowa has been an up-and-down team this year and have the prospects to match it. DE Adrian Claiborne is a first round talent, but might be slipping while 3 other prospects are moving up draft boards.

Jermale Hines, Ohio St., S, Junior, 6'2, 212 lbs (mid to late round pick) - Jermale Hines has possibly passed teammate Chimdi Chekwa as the best defensive back prospect on the Buckeyes. Ohio St. has a long history of defensive backs, so there's some large shoes to fill there. Hines can be a playmaker in the secondary because he shows above average ball skills. He can make catches away from his body and is good at tipping the ball to himself. He can play a deep zone, but don't ask him to run to long with the top wide receivers at the next level. Can play up in the box as well where he likes to throw his weight around and use sound positioning and technique to wrap up ball carriers.

Adrian Clayborn, Iowa, DE, Senior, 6'3, 285 lbs (1st round pick) - Clayborn is by far the most talented player on the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was a preseason pick for the top of the first round and he's still hanging in there. His best fit is as a 4-3 DE, but one wonders if he could drop back to a 3-4 OLB or a 3-4 DE. He's got active hands, a powerful physique and shed blocks like few others. Some worry about his motor as he seems to tire in games. His ability to get past blockers is what drives his value since he's not the best finisher when he gets near a savvy pocket QB or a scrambler. He also doesn't have the speed to rush around the offensive tackler. He needs to push or work his way through.

Christian Ballard, Iowa. DT/DE, Senior, 6'4, 296 lbs (3rd or 4th round pick) - Ballard is closer to your tradition 3-4 DE than Clayborn is. He's a bigger player that can play up to his size. He holds well at the point of attack and gets good leverage to shoot inside and get penetration. When he breaks through the line he's quick and can finish his pursuit well. He reminds some of this year's first round pick by Jacksonville, Tyson Alualu.

Karl Klug, Iowa, DE/OLB, Senior, 6'2, 245 lbs (3rd or 4th round pick) - Klug is lining up at DT for the Hawkeyes, but he projects to move to DE in any defense or possibly stand up and play 3-4 OLB. He's got a motor that you like to see. His hands are quick and he can disengage a defender to make a play on a ball carrier. He has a good swim move to help get penetration. However, he'll be a project as he learns new positions in the NFL.

Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Iowa, WR, Senior, 5'11, 202 lbs (3rd or 4th round pick) - His name is a mouthful, but that hasn't stopped him from being on the tips of people's tongues. Most people who have seen Iowa play the last few weeks have noticed this guy making plays in the passing game. He's not a burner, but he's got good speed and has a crispness to his routes. He tracks the ball really well and has good hands. People come away impressed with how smooth he looks as he plays the game.

 Arkansas vs Mississippi St.
We've followed Arkansas a couple of times, the first being in week 4. They are defined by their potential first round pick at QB, Ryan Mallett, and he's protected by one of the better OT prospects in DeMarcus Love. Neither are likely future Chargers, but they provide good SEC competition for some other prospects we can watch. Mississippi St. has a couple of guys to look out for. Most are on defense so they'll have to contend with Mallett and Love if they want to prove themselves to NFL scouts and to us. Mississippi State also has a decent long snapper in Aaron Feld. I'm not sure if you can really scout that while watching a game, but it is something the Chargers may be looking for.

Derek Sherrod, Mississippi St., OT, Senior, 6'5, 303 lbs (1st or 2nd round) - The Chargers probably won't draft an offensive tackle this high, but if we're watching the Mississippi St. Bulldogs we might as well be aware of this future NFLer. He's more of a finesse blocker at this point than a mauler, but still does a better job with the run than the pass. He does show ability to pull and make blocks on the run, so maybe his future is at guard. He's going to struggle initial against the bigger stronger NFL DEs.

Pernell McPhee, Mississippi St., DE/OLB, Senior, 6'2, 275 lbs (2nd round) - He's another of these larger DEs that may or may not be able to transition the 3-4 OLB. He needs work on his pass rushing moves and does not possess enough speed to consistently pressure the edge. However, he has good strength to jar blockers and get positioning. Once he has an opening he's relentless in pursuit and can close on someone very quickly. It takes two whistles to stop this guy because we wants to work and get after the football all day. He has work to do in run defense as well, but again that closing burst and high motor will carry him while getting coached up.

Kenneth Wright, Mississippi St., OLB, 6'3, Senior, 245 lbs (middle rounds) - A speedy athletic linebacker who has the football skills to do things like fight through traffic, make solid tackles, play some in coverage and can figure out things like when a draw or screen may be coming. He's more of a downhill runner with his speed and sometimes can be a touch slow to react.

Chris White, Mississippi St. ILB, Senior, 6'2, 239 lbs (middle to late rounds) - A good defense like Mississippi State's needs a good middle linebacker and White anchors that position for the team. He's a tough guy and is best against the run. May have to come out on 3rd down in NFL.

Tracking Prospects Mentioned In Previous Articles:

Prospect Name College Position Week 4 Opponent Notes
Noel Devine West Virginia RB Louisville 18 car. 77 yds. 1 TD. 1 rec. -2 yds.
LaMichael James Oregon RB Bye 29 car. 91 yds. 2 rec. 11 yds.
DeMarco Murray Oklahoma RB Baylor 9 car. 79 yds. 2 rec. 16 yds. 1 TD.
Jacquizz Rodgers Oregon St. RB USC
15 car. 93 yds. 4 rec. 32 yds.
Brandon Saine Ohio State RB Iowa
8 car. 45 yds. 1 rec. 2 yds.
Shane Vereen California RB Stanford 26 car. 112 yds. 1 TD. 1 rec. 10 yds.
Jonathan Baldwin Pittsburgh WR South Florida
6 rec. 95 yds. 1 TD.
Armon Binns Cincinnati WR Rutgers 10 rec. 115 yds.
Vincent Brown San Diego St. WR Utah 4 rec. 167 yds. 2 TDs.
Ryan Broyles Oklahoma WR Baylor
8 rec. 119 yds. 3 TDs.
Michael Floyd Notre Dame WR Army
4 rec. 39 yds. 1 TD.
A.J Green Georgia WR Alabama 9 rec. 164 yds. 2 TDs.
Leonard Hankerson Miami WR Virginiia Tech
3 rec. 132 yds. 1 TD.
Ron Johnson USC WR Oregon St.
2 rec. 25 yds.
Julio Jones Alabama WR Georgia
3 rec. 41 yds. 1 car. 56 yds. 1 TD.
Jeremy Kerley TCU WR Bye 8 rec. 85 yds. 3 TDs. 43 yd punt return.
Greg Little North Carolina WR
NCAA ruled him permanently ineligible.
Niles Paul Nebraska WR Texas A&M
7 rec. 79 tds.
Austin Pettis Boise St. WR Fresno St.
2 rec. 31 yds.
DeVier Posey Ohio State WR Iowa 3 rec. 63 yds.
DeMarco Sampson San Diego St. WR Utah
4 rec. 42 yds.
Terrence Toliver LSU WR Mississippi
4 rec. 42 yds.
Nick Toon Wisconsin WR Indiana 3 rec. 26 yds. 1 TD.
Titus Young Boise St. WR Idaho 5 rec. 75 yds. 1 TD.
Gabe Carimi Wisconsin OT Michigan

 

Demarcus Love Arkansas OT Mississippi St.
Jason Pinkston Pittsburgh OT South Florida
Nick Fairley Auburn DE/DT Bye

Jared Crick Nebraska DE/DT Texas A&M
2 sacks.
Stephen Paea Oregon St. DE/DT USC
1 sack and 1 FF.
Ian Williams Notre Dame DE/DT Army

Cameron Jordan California DE/DT/OLB Bye
Pierre Allen Nebraska DE/OLB Texas A&M

Allen Bailey Miami DE/OLB Virginiia Tech 0.5 sack.
Jeremy Beal Oklahoma DE/OLB Baylor
2 sacks.
Da'Quan Bowers Clemson DE/OLB Wake Forest
1 sack and 1 int.
Ryan Kerrigan Purdue DE/OLB Michigan St.
4 sacks, 5 TFLs ,2 FF and 1 Fumble recovery.
Cliff Matthews South Carolina DE/OLB Troy
Brooks Reed Arizona DE/OLB Bye 1 PBU.
Greg Romeus Pittsburgh DE/OLB South Florida
Torn ACL done for the year.
Jabaal Sheard Pittsburgh DE/OLB South Florida 1 PBU
Kelvin Sheppard LSU DE/OLB Mississippi
1 FF.
Akeem Ayers UCLA OLB Washington

Bruce Carter North Carolina OLB North Carolina St.
1 sack and 1 FF.
Brandon Hicks Florida OLB Appalachian St.
Von Miller Texas A&M OLB Nebraska
1 sack and 1 FF.
Ross Homan Ohio State ILB Iowa Foot injury, out for a few games
Mike Mohamed California ILB
Bye 1 sack.
Nate Irving North Carolina St. ILB North Carolina
1 sack. 8 TFL and 10 tackles.
Greg Jones Michigan St. ILB Purdue
Casey Matthews Oregon ILB Bye

Quan Sturdivant North Carolina ILB North Carolina St.

Travis Lewis Oklahoma LB Baylor
1 Int. 29 yd return.
Colin McCarthy Miami LB Virginia Tech 0.5 sack and 12.5 tackles.
Prince Amukamara Nebraska CB Texas A&M
1 PBU.
Chykie Brown Texas CB Weber St.
Broken forearm. Done for season.
Curtis Brown Texas CB Weber St.

Rashad Carmichael Virginia Tech CB Miami

Chimdi Chekwa Ohio State CB Iowa
Marcus Gilchrist Clemson CB Wake Forest
1 PBU.
Brandon Harris Miami CB Virginia Tech 1 PBU
Brandon Hogan West Virginia CB Louisville 1 Int. 1 PBU.
Janoris Jenkins Florida CB Appalachian St. 2 PBUs.
Patrick Peterson LSU CB Mississippi 1 Int with 85 yd return.
Aaron Williams Texas CB Weber St.
Shareece Wright USC CB Oregon St.
1 sack, 1 FF and 1 fumble recovery.
Mark Barron Alabama S Georgia
Ahmed Black Florida S Appalachian St.
Quinton Carter Oklahoma S Baylor

DeAndre McDaniel Clemson S Wake Forest

Rahim Moore UCLA S Washington

Robert Sands West Virginia S Louisville
Deunta Williams North Carolina S North Carolina St.