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.

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.

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.

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.

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: