2010 SENIOR BOWL GAME SMALL SCHOOL REVIEW
There were five small schoolers in this year’s game and most of them had some very impressive moments with very few that were unimpressive. The North won 31-13 with Michigan DE Brandon Graham earning MVP honors with five tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble.
Below is an evaluation of each player’s performance:
NORTH
RB #25 JOIQUE BELL, WAYNE STATE (MI)
Bell measured in a 5107, 223 pounds showing he has the size/bulk to play at the next level but the impressive notes from observers all week did not match his performance in the game. While he is a downhill style runner he lacks the power/strength that big backs like himself usually possess. It was good to see him play on the kickoff team because he will certainly have to do well at that in the NFL. He struggled for most of the day though bobbling a pitch, struggling to bounce plays out to the edge, and did not look very fast. You would guess he was a 4.6 40-yard dash guy because of his lack of burst but he has ran in the 4.5s before so it will be huge for him to do that at the combine to reinforce that he is faster the longer the play goes. Our guess is that he will not time very well in the 10-yard dash though. As of right now he appears to be a late round prospect that could land in the 5th round range with a good 40-yard dash time but could still go undrafted if he somehow posts poor hand held times like a 4.65 for example.
STATS- 8 carries, 17 yards.
LT #72 VLADIMIR DUCASSE, MASSACHUSETTS
Ducasse started the week measuring in at 6045, 326 pounds at the weigh-in and was a pleasant surprise after some reports that he played around the 340 range last season. While many outlets are talking about how disappointed they are in Ducasse it is very unfair to say he can’t play tackle in the NFL because he has gotten the attention of NFL scouts at that position and we have all seen crazier things happen. One thing most are right about though is that he is more than likely a guard at the next level but they don’t explain why. When you look at him he has the big butt, tree trunk thighs, long arms, thick core, and overall mammoth body that you look for in a prototype guard. He is big enough for tackle but has that build for an offensive. He is still raw though and needs a lot of coaching, which is one reason why you can’t cross out a position until he is evaluated after coaching because some of what he struggles at playing tackle are things that he can improve. George Selvie got him to cross his feet and get turned around on one pass rush and that is something that coaching will fix at the next level. He needs to keep his base wide and a tackle can never cross their feet or else a good end will win the battle. As a run blocker he is dominant as he posted two knockdown blocks and did not give up a sack in the game. He has a strong punch and while he needs to work on his feet he has the potential to be a solid starter in the NFL. He clearly showed he belonged despite not dominating and we believe he has firmly put himself in the second round after this week.
STATS- 2 knockdowns, 0 sacks allowed.
WR #85 DONALD JONES, YOUNGSTOWN STATE
Jones was a late addition but started the week out well measuring in at an impressive 6015, 214 pounds looking the part from a physical standpoint with good thickness in his thighs and the core as well as long arms. Has adequate speed and quickness (4.53E) and is a willing blocker but does need to refine his blocking technique. He started the game off slow as he did during the week looking a little overwhelmed and nervous but clearly shows he has the physical tools to play at the next level. He had a nice catch in the game and almost had a touchdown on a play where he ran nice routes showing smooth route-running on a play where USC FS Taylor Mays made a great play on the ball and thwarted the potential Jones touchdown. Based on this week some might say he would go undrafted but if he runs well at the combine he should land in the 5th-7th round range because of his tools and upside.
STATS- 1 catch, 5 yards.
DE #97 AUSTEN LANE, MURRAY STATE
Lane was somewhat of a late addition getting the call last Sunday night but he came in and showed be belonged from day one starting with the weigh-in where he measured in at 6060, 267 pounds. His size stands out at you as long as he is and being that he is thicker than he was during his collegiate career. He has good speed, range, and his motor has improved. He still struggles to shed the block once the tackle engages on him. Lane really needs to work on chopping the lineman’s hands off him and diversifying his pass rush moves so he does not become predictable. Does a good job of getting up field but needs to sink his hips more and be quick to make his move. Showed he has potential and while he does not play like a top 100 selection quite yet he shows the potential to be a starter in the NFL and should land in the 2nd or 3rd round with a solid performance at the combine.
STATS- 6-yard fumble recovery for touchdown.
SOUTH
WR #7 ANDRE’ ROBERTS, THE CITADEL
Roberts measured in at 5106, 192 pounds lacking the ideal size that NFL teams are looking for but showed up thicker than expected flashing good quickness and speed (4.45E). He is a willing blocker as well that should only become better as he adds bulk/strength and works on his technique. He had a solid reception in the first half and a highlight reel type catch in the third quarter where he showed great adjustment to the ball where it was thrown behind him. He also showed good flexibility and athletic ability on the play. He was smooth in his route running and open for much of the day. He probably should have had more catches despite dropping one pass. While he had a drop he still looked like he certainly belonged and was, at the very least, the third best receiver on the field.
STATS- 2 catches, 45 yards, 1 drop.
SMALL SCHOOL HONORS
MVP: DE Austen Lane, Murray State
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: WR Andre’ Roberts, The Citadel
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: DE Austen Lane
OFFICIAL GAME HONORS
MVP: DE Brandon Graham, Michigan- 5 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble
OFF Player of the Game: WR Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati- 5 catches, 102 yards, 1 TD, 2 kickoff returns for 52 yards and two punt returns for 24 yards.
DEF Player of the Game: ILB Jamar Chaney, Mississippi State- 8 tackles.
North MVP: QB Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan- 5 of 10, 97 yards, 1 TD, 4 carries, 12 yards, 1 TD.
South MVP: WR Jeremy Williams, Tulane- 1 carry, 27 yards, 6 catches, 82 yards.
