September 1, 2005 - The South portion of the Big 12 has dominated the national rankings in recent years. Oklahoma has played in three of the past four National Championship Games and this could be the year that perennial bridesmaid Texas overthrows them.
Last year the Big 12 had the nation's best inter-conference record, finishing 24-8 against nonconference DIA foes, 4-3 in the bowl games, and had two teams (Oklahoma, Texas) finish among the top ten in the final polls.
In terms of NFL prospects, however, the 2006 Big 12 class appears to be a relatively lean one. While Vince Young, Adrian Peterson, and Charles Gordon make this conference the home of some of the elite underclassmen talent in the country, the senior talent is less star-studded.
But go see for yourself. Buy a ticket or tune into a Big 12 game and see for yourself.
And keep this cheat sheet handy to help save time finding the best NFL draft prospects for 2006.
Must See:
Reggie McNeal, Texas A&M, QB, 6-2, 202, 4.32: Among the most exciting senior players in the country. Has the combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism to draw comparisons to the incomparable Michael Vick. Came to A&M as one of the more highly ranked prospects in the country and has improved each year. With 24 starts in three years, McNeal has a surprising 28-14 TD to INT ratio while completing 55% of his passes for 5,029 yards. McNeal has an incredible arm, though he sometimes trusts it too much and throws into coverage. He has learned to pass first, run second, but isn't afraid to burn the defense when they leave him unchecked. Has 1,225 rushing yards to this point, including 12 touchdowns. If you are looking for a darkhorse first round quarterback, McNeal is a guy to keep in mind.
Jonathan Scott, Texas, OT, 6-6, 310, 5.28: In terms of his size, pure athleticism, and unfortunate consistency issues, Scott is a similar prospect to 2005 first round choice Alex Barron (St. Louis) from Florida State. Scott has all of the natural skills you are looking for. Blessed with great size and quick feet, he is a legitimate left tackle prospect, who also has the bulk and upper body strength to be a standout run blocker. A veteran of 32 starts, twice earning Big 12 honors, including First Team accolades last season, Scott isn't a lazy player, nor does he lack the intelligence or technique needed to fully develop. He simply has been able to get by with his natural ability at this level. At this point he looks more like a 2nd to 3rd round prospect, especially considering the rare talent and depth of this year's offensive tackle group. However, with some fine tuning and a strong senior campaign, Scott has the ability to jump up the board.
Davin Joseph, Oklahoma, OG, 6-3, 315, 5.15: Considered by most to be the most consistent senior offensive lineman in the conference. Has the quick feet, balance, and long arms to possibly transition to left tackle, but lacks the height most teams want at the position. Has started 26 games at right guard for the Sooners over his career and seems very capable of handling either guard positions at the next level. Good quickness off the snap, and plays with both strength and technique. Listed as the top ranked OG in the country by National Scouting Services, and the second ranked guard by BLESTO (Georgia's Max Jean-Gilles). In fact, there are some who felt he was a more reliable, consistent blocker last season than 2004 first rounder Jammal Brown (New Orleans).
Rodrique Wright, Texas, DT, 6-5, 308, 5.02: In terms of his height, weight, athleticism combination there may not be a better senior defensive tackle prospect in the country. That said, Wright has yet to consistently play up to his potential. He enjoyed a super freshman season, coming through with 65 tackles and earning the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year. He then followed that up with his greatest season to date, an 80 tackle, 12.5 tackle for loss, 5 sack season. Of course, both of these seasons Wright was teamed with 2004 1st round choice Marcus Tubbs (Seattle). This past season, his first as the clear standout defensive lineman, Wright struggled. Some of his struggle was due to a high ankle sprain suffered early in the season. Finished with 36 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and only one sack last season. Has the potential to be an early round pick and certainly has the attention of the NFL, as he was ranked as the #2 senior defensive tackle in the country by both BLESTO and National Scouting, but is far from a finished, guaranteed product.
Brad Smith, Missouri, QB/WR, 6-2, 210, 4.53: Based on Smith's stats, one could easily surmise that he is a legitimate quarterback prospect. In 36 starts over the past three years, he has completed 55 % of his passes for 6,495 yards, and a 43-24 TD to INT ratio. That said, Smith works in a simplified offense and while he possesses a very strong arm, he is terribly erratic. Thus, while there may be some teams looking at him as a quarterback, the general consensus is that Smith, like former Arkansas quarterback Matt Jones, will be making the transition to wide receiver. Smith has good speed and incredible make-you-miss ability in the open field. He is one of the nation's most dynamic players and has significant upside as a receiver prospect due to his combination of size, agility, and work ethic.
Rock Solid:
David Thomas, Texas, TE, 6-3, 239, 4.78: Though he lacks the great size some teams are looking for at this position, Thomas is one of the nation's top all-around tight ends. Thomas enjoyed a breakout season in 2004, earning Second Team Big 12 honors with a 25 reception campaign. He has the quickness to be an effective short area receiver, and also the speed to stretch defenses down the seam. Thomas is also a surprisingly adept blocker, showing good strength and effort in clearing the way for his teammates. While many others on the Longhorns receive much of the attention, many times deservedly so, Thomas, is himself, a rock solid prospect, as well.
Jami Hightower, Texas A&M, OT, 6-4, 360, 5.23: Mountainous player with seemingly mountainous talent to match. Naturally gifted athlete who is surprisingly quick on his feet for such a large man. Could be a high round prospect if he were to play at a lighter weight, but holds his own even at this size. Can beat defenders with quickness and technique, but will get lazy as the game goes on and rely too much of his size and strength. Plays left tackle here, but with extremely mobile quarterback Reggie McNeal behind him, is saved at times when he has been beaten. More likely will line up on the right side, at the next level. Missed the 2003 season with a staph infection in his left hip, but returned last season with no ill effects. 29 game starter over his career.
Daniel Bullocks, Nebraska, S, 6-0, 208, 4.50: Twin of Josh Bullocks, Nebraska safety who opted for early entry into the NFL last season and was selected in the second round (New Orleans). Isn't the playmaker his brother was, but has similar skills in coverage and might be more physical in the running game. Has 143 tackles and 7 interceptions to his credit and will be looked upon as the leader of the defensive backfield with his brother and cornerback Fabian Washington (1st round, Oakland) moving on.
Will Allen, Texas, OG, 6-5, 310, 5.25: Tough inside brawler who always seems to get the job done. Lacks the topflight athleticism of some of the other highly ranked offensive linemen of this class, but plays with solid fundamentals and is simply hard to beat. Plays with good strength and quickness at the point of attack, but is best in confined quarters. Lacks the balance and mobility to move to the edge and isn't nearly as effective on the move. Earned Texas' Top OL award after the 2003 season, and this was with both highly ranked Jonathan Scott and Justin Blaylock manning the offensive tackle positions.
Michael Huff, Texas, S/CB, 6-1, 198, 4.52: Versatile defensive back who has seen action at both safety positions, as well as cornerback. Has good size potential, and is faster than his estimated forty time. Might lack the pure man to man skills to play NFL cornerback, but has the tracking skills to ultimately develop into a fine centerfielder. Will be a four year starter for the Longhorns, averaging 70 tackles, 10 passes broken up, and 2 interceptions per season over the first three years of his career. Hasn't seen much action as a return specialist, but should as he has good speed and agility, as evidenced by the fact that four of his six career interceptions he's returned for touchdowns.
On the Rise:
Travis Wilson, Oklahoma, WR, 6-2, 215, 4.50: An intriguing athlete that could very well be in for a monster 2005 season. Was an important cog in a receiver rotation that saw three players drafted within the first three rounds of the 2004 draft (Mark Clayton, Mark Bradley, Brandon Jones). Emerged last season as the true #2 receiver of the group, catching 50 passes for 660 yards and a team leading 11 touchdowns. Plays much faster than his estimated forty time and is a legitimate downfield threat. Has to work on both his route-running and hands, but has legitimate talent. A bit raw, but could emerge as one of the top senior receiver prospects in the country.
Aldo De La Garza, Texas A&M, OG, 6-3, 305, 5.23: Nationally underrated interior lineman who plays with the combination of strength and tenacity to cause his stock to rise as the year goes on. A better athlete than most give him credit for, but has made a name for himself because of his ability to simply physically beat up the guy playing opposite him. Reportedly has bench pressed 225 pounds 41 times, which would rank among the Combine's best if he could match this effort in Indianapolis. Has started the past 24 games for the Aggies.
Chijoike Onyenegecha, Oklahoma, CB, 6-1, 202, 4.42: In terms of raw potential, there may not be a senior cornerback in the country more exciting than Oklahoma's Chijoike Onyenegecha. A Nigeria native, Onyenegecha transferred to Oklahoma as the #1 JUCO prospect in the land. He was forced to sit for a season for academic purposes following his highly successful career at San Francisco City College, but in only four starts last season, Onyenegecha showed great pure speed and a fantastic jump to the ball, swatting away 6 passes. He is still learning the finer nuances of the game, as he has been able to get by with just his natural ability thus far, but all indications are that he is a willing worker.
Johnny Jolly, Texas A&M, DT, 6-3, 305, 5.10: The Aggies always seem to have a defensive lineman ready to make the jump to the NFL and this year it is Jolly. Historically, A&M has produced some talented kids who have struggled maintaining a consistent effort, but in Jolly the trend ends. Jolly has solid size for the position, but is a fairly limited athlete. He has good quickness at the snap, but lacks speed in pursuit and isn't a threat to rush the passer. He does play with good strength and leverage at the line of scrimmage and plays to the whistle. He's averaged 70 tackles and 8 tackles for loss over the past two seasons, both of which he started twelve games. In a potentially weak senior class of defensive tackles, a hard working two gap space eater like Jolly could move up the board.
Brian Iwuh, Colorado, SS/OLB, 5-11, 226, 4.59: A natural strong safety who moved to outside linebacker for the Buffs last season and exploded onto the Big 12. In a combined six starts in 2002 and 2003, Iwuh had a combined 61 tackles, including 5 tackles for loss. Last season, his first at outside linebacker, Iwuh nearly doubled his career tackle numbers (103) and more than doubled his tackle for loss total (13.5). Iwuh is an instinctive, physical defender with the speed and agility to play back in coverage. He breaks down in space well and is a reliable open field tackler. Iwuh would be best served as an inside the box strong safety allowed to freelance a bit to take advantage of his instincts and tackling ability.
On the Rebound:
Matt Herian, Nebraska, TE, 6-4, 246, 4.65: Considered by some to be the top tight end in the country last season until being injured late last season. Broke the tibia and fibula of his left leg, as well as a bone in his left wrist against Missouri. Expected to be back at 100% this season. When healthy, Herian is a dangerous weapon in the passing attack. He is quick off the line of scrimmage, has the speed to challenge the defense down the seams and uses his agility to consistently get open against smaller players. Herian was voted First Team Big 12 with 22 receptions in 2003, and had already surpassed that number in only eight starts (24 catches) when he went down with the injury last year.
Dusty Dvoracek, Oklahoma, DT, 6-3, 298, 4.92: Hyper aggressive defensive tackle who can disrupt the play without making the tackle. Great quickness off the snap. Not nearly as athletic as his former linemate Tommie Harris, but makes more plays here due to his frantic style of play. Can work himself out of control at times, both on the field by rushing past the play, and off the field, as in several alcohol related incidents. Was suspended for much of last season for numerous incidents, including a rape allegation that was later dropped. Best season came as a sophomore in 2003 when he earned 1st Team Big 12 accolades for his 40 tackle, 16 tackle for loss, 7 sack season.
Quinn Sypniewski, Colorado, TE, 6-6, 265, 4.85: Size/speed prospect who came out of the state of Iowa as their Player of the Year. Has battled injuries throughout his time here, twice getting redshirted. Neither of the injuries were career threatening (turf toe, broken ankle) but each took plenty of time to heal. Sypniewski has also had to play behind another quality NFL prospect in his own right in TE Joe Klopfenstein. When healthy, Sypniewksi shows good hands and though not a legitimate speed threat, can get open and make a play. He isn't a particularly accomplished blocker despite his size, but has the physical tools to work with.
Marvin Simmons, Kansas State, MLB, 6-0, 244, 4.71: Coming out of national powerhouse Long Beach Poly High School, Marvin Simmons was one of the more highly recruited linebackers in the country a few years ago. He chose to sign with USC, but academics forced him to Compton Community College and from there he transferred to K-State. While Simmons' aggression and athletic skills are on display every time he lines up, he has had some durability issues while with the Wildcats. Simmons missed ten games in 2003 with a pulled hamstring and another two games last season with a shoulder injury. When healthy, Simmons shows good speed to the flanks and fearlessness and strength at the point of attack. Despite missing two games last season, Simmons still finished third in total tackles with 55 and second with 5 tackles for loss.
DeQawn Mobley, Texas A&M, WR, 6-1, 200, 4.43: Highly ranked JUCO prospect who came here from San Francisco City College amid high expectations. Tied for the team lead in touchdown receptions (3) with 2005 2nd round draft pick Terrence Murphy (Green Bay) and was second on the team in yardage per catch (18.4), but still only finished with 16 receptions. Has a very intriguing combination of size and speed. Was expected by some to provide Reggie McNeal with a dangerous downfield threat in his first season with the club, but struggled at times. Could be in for a big senior season as McNeal's go to target.
Sleepers:
Seppo Evwaraye, Nebraska, OT, 6-5, 325, 5.10: Intriguing import from Finland, who before signing on with Nebraska had played only three years of football, one of which was a season of club football in Finland. Came to the United States as a foreign exchange and within two seasons of playing at Laurel Concord High School in Laurel, Nebraska. Evwaraye originally signed on with the Huskers as a defensive lineman, but injuries set back his career and he eventually made the switch to the offensive side of the ball. He started 11 games last season at right tackle and will be manning the left side this year. Scouts are intrigued by Evwaraye's relatively rapid improvement, great size, quick feet, and superior strength. Was voted Nebraska's Most Improved Blocker in 2004, as well as their Lifter of the Year this spring. Remember, this isn't your daddy's Nebraska either… Former Oakland Raider head coach Bill Callahan is leading this club and has transformed the team into one using the West Coast Offense…
Charlton Keith, Kansas, DE, 6-4, 235, 4.70: Natural pass rusher who originally started at the University of Minnesota. In 2002, as a redshirt freshman, Keith posted 33 tackles and led the Golden Gophers in sacks with seven, but elected to transfer. He then spent a season at Minnesota West Community College where he led that team in sacks (12.5) and also played basketball. Moved on to Kansas last year and despite not starting a game, finished with 21 tackles and three sacks (3rd on team). Obvious size limitations, but has impressive speed off the edge and plays 100% all the time. Needs to develop some strength, but could enjoy a similar season in 2005 as former Kansas defensive lineman David McMillan (37 tackles, 13 TFL, 7 sacks) did in 2004 and earn a similar pro grade (5th round, Cleveland).
Larry Dibbles, Texas, DT, 6-2, 285, 5.10: Despite the fact that his linemate, Rodrique Wright gets most of the national attention, Dibbles was quietly the much more consistent playmaker in 2004. In his first year as an unquestioned starter, Dibbles responded with 49 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. What Dibbles lacks in prototype size, he makes up for in quickness and strength at the point of attack. Unfortunately, he also is terribly inconsistent, at this time. He can make a play that causes you to hit the rewind button and than disappear for a half a game. The hope is that the experience of starting 11 games last season will help him develop into a hungrier, more consistent player in 2005.
Archie McDaniel, Texas A&M, MLB, 6-2, 225, 4.67: Came to A&M as one of the more highly ranked linebackers in the country but has struggled to remain in the starting lineup throughout his career. Lacks the classic size many teams are looking for in the middle, but is a good athlete and has improved throughout his career. The one major drawback with McDaniel is that you see some missed tackles, which has likely led to his only starting nine games over the past two seasons despite being healthy. With better form, this kid has the athleticism to be a surprise standout.
Cory Ross, Nebraska, RB, 5-6, 200, 4.50: Carries along the tradition of short, squirty backs from the Big 12 fame ala Quentin Griffin and Darren Sproles. Like these two NFL performers, Ross is short, but not small and is a legitimate running back. Great quickness and has the speed to break away from defenders when he gets into the open field. Caught 21 passes last season as the starting running back, including a 71 yarder. Finished with 1,102 rushing yards last season in his first year as the starter, leading the club in both yards, as well as rushing touchdowns (6).
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By Rob Rang
