2012 NFL Draft Prep: College Football Week One, Part Two
Yesterday, Jason (AB83Rules) put together a post in taking a look at Notre Dame's wide receiver Michael Floyd, Notre Dame's inside linebacker Manti Te'o, and LSU's cornerback Morris Claiborne. These all could very well be positions of need in the upcoming draft. The article can be seen here.
There are going to be several intriguing options throughout the year. And chances are that one or maybe even two of the guys we cover during the year will be wearing 49ers uniforms next year. In the past two years that I have been reviewing college football players here on Niners Nation, that has held true. And it is always fun to take a look back to gauge accuracy. I really enjoy doing this, so I hope some out there really appreciate these types of segments here on NN.
Today, I will be covering a few more players that had very good games for their respective schools in week one. Follow after the jump to see who these players are.
Baylor QB Robert Griffin III:
Griffin came out stronger than perhaps any other quarterback in college football with his commanding performance on Friday night against No. 14 ranked TCU.
His stat line was impressive but what was even more impressing was his poise in the pocket and flawless mechanics. He may have been in the shotgun more often than not but his footwork, steps in to passes, and just general presence was clearly exceptional. Even the average fan would have been impressed.
Griffin put himself in the early hunt for the Heisman by going 21 for 27 (an astounding 77.8% completion rate), for 359 yards, with 5 touchdown throws. Look for Griffin to just get stronger and stronger with his performances as the season progresses. He should very well be in the mix as a top Heisman candidate.
Miami DB Vaughn Telemaque:
Telemaque had a phenomenal game even in the result of a Miami loss to Maryland on Monday night. The University Miami has Mount Rushmore-sized problems in recent allegations made of the teams players receiving benefits for the past ten years. But if Telemaque continues to play like he did Monday night, he could shine as one of the bright spots this year for the 'Canes.
He flew all about the field piling up several tackles and managed to pick the ball off in the first quarter on a relatively nice throw by Danny O'Brien. Telemaque just made a nice jump on the ball and put himself in position to make the grab.
Although safety may not be a huge priority, you just never know. Between Goldson, Smith, and Whitner, we still may need to get stronger there. Telemaque could very well be a guy that climbs up boards and by years end be cream of the crop.
Oklahoma CB Jamell Fleming:
Fleming locked down whoever he manned up against all day long Saturday evening. Even though Tulsa was not the most competitive opponent, there were still some stand out players in the game for the Sooners; Fleming as one of them.
He deflected quite a few passes on important key downs when G.J. Ginne threw his way on the few rare occasions he did.
I believe that as the year progresses, teams will have to game plan to the other side of the field as Fleming.
Georgia CB Brandon Boykin:
This was probably one of the more prestigious and watched games of week one. It did not disappoint and lived up to the hype as it was a well-fought game on both sides.
Boykin enters the season as one of the higher rated corners in all of college football. He is one of the more instinctive players in the land. He has great movement in his hips and is very aware of where the ball is going to go. He most always gets turned around at the same time as whatever receiver he is locking up.
Oh, and did I mention he plays some offense too? The Bulldogs stuck him in the game as a wide receiver on one play and he took the ball 80-yards to the house on a reverse a la Deion Sanders.
*Honorable mention - Oklahoma QB Landry Jones... 35/47, 375 Yards, 74.5%, 8.0 Y/A, 1 TD.
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Any QB would look good
If you continually played bad one-on-one coverage deep down the field and refuse to provide any safety help or pass rush. RG-III has talent, but do not expect him to keep it up once the Big 12 conference play heats up. They play A&M, Ok St., Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and Texas (with Kansas thrown in the mix) to finish the season. RG-III may start strong, but how he finishes will be the true test.
maybe...
but some of those balls were dropped in so perfectly. I think this guy is the real deal. If he wasn’t playing for Baylor he would be hyped beyond belief.
by AptosNinerFan on Sep 7, 2011 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Kid has got his head on straight as well
Seems incredibly sincere and humble in interviews. I’’m a fan.
by AptosNinerFan on Sep 7, 2011 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions
He was my sleeper last year and he'll be my sleeper this year: Damarlo Belcher
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6EPBzoJKZQ
Back on board. Now time to trade Mays for Clausen
Why does some of that video look like retro from the 80’s? Haha
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Believe it or not
Indiana sucks. No good camera crew for Hoosier games :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-zPxRD-q50&t=26s
In his 1st game this year, he probably had his most impressive catch yet.
Back on board. Now time to trade Mays for Clausen
Drew isn't a fan of his...
in terms of pro potential.
by David Fucillo on Sep 7, 2011 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions
not entirely
He does have to prove he can hit more deep balls. it was only one game, but in the opener against SJSU he had some issues with the longer passes. I’m going to paying close attention to Stanford this season so we’ll see.
by David Fucillo on Sep 7, 2011 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions
He really needs to work on his left handed, behind the back, from the knees passes as well.
by AptosNinerFan on Sep 7, 2011 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions
come on
Being able to hit intermediate and deep passes is important. That has nothing to do with “left handed, behind the back, from the knees passes.” Not “left handed, behind the back, from the knees passes.”
by David Fucillo on Sep 7, 2011 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Sorry
It was a poor attempt at humor I guess.
by AptosNinerFan on Sep 7, 2011 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions
gotcha
Hard to figure out sarcasm on the Internet sometimes.
by David Fucillo on Sep 7, 2011 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions
2 years ago, when Stanford beat the Ducks, Luck was putting 40-45 yard passes in the air right on target. His accuracy is great, but like most humans, he does have off nights.
by ericalancanty on Sep 7, 2011 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Really
He didn’t do it last year.
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
I don't care what Drew says, This is 8 mins of proff that Luck is the best QB in college.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPKUUHEZbjY
I urge anyone to find a better highlight reel of a current college QB….He hits guys in stride, and can do it running or standing. Luck will be a great NFL QB someday……Like the Shane company, “I Gaurantee it”
by ericalancanty on Sep 7, 2011 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions
hightlight...
nice to know he can hit wide open targets.
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Pretty crap reply Manraj.....he had many passes to guys that were covered. In college their are many WRs open.
by ericalancanty on Sep 7, 2011 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions
He is gonna play LB?
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
but seriously I like Luck just don't think he is the best QB prospect since Peyton Manning
Better than last year QBs no doubt he had a great coaching staff and an O-Line that allowed him to develop.
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Who is or has been a better prospect?
Curious…
Playing in the system he does with the arm strength, size, accuracy, athletic ability, smarts, attitude, etc. I can’t think of anybody.
by AptosNinerFan on Sep 7, 2011 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I know
but I think it speaks to his competitive nature and the way he plays. 99.9% of QB’s are hoping Shareece Wright doesn’t make eye contact with them on that play. Luck knocks him the f out.
by AptosNinerFan on Sep 7, 2011 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions
highlights
Excellent highlights but it was also put together by Stanford as part of his Heisman campaign. Shows he can do some things but gotta factor in the source as well.
by David Fucillo on Sep 7, 2011 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Here's a better one right here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q_w0LJNm3E
Much more polished and much more accurate than Luck.
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No
He’s doing it against Utah State and Cincinnati.
Just kidding.
Honestly, other than Texas and Nebraska, the Big 12 doesn’t have much to brag about in the defense department. Teams like Ok. St. and Mizzou routinely give up huge points.
by AptosNinerFan on Sep 7, 2011 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions
You forgot...
Nebraska (before this season)
Texas A&M
And the Big XII produces a lot more quality NFL talent than does the Pac-10.
Outside of Oregon, who in the Pac-10 has good defenses?
USC? Not exactly
Cal? Nope
Washington? No, Arizona? No, Az State? No, and Washington? Nope, nope, nope…
There are at least a handful in the Big XII. But outside of the SEC, most conferences are going to have holes. The Pac-10 really doesn’t have a leg to stand on defensively though.
So in comparison, I think my point stands.
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The Hometown Fan
You didn't forget Nebraska (sorry).
In any case, they have more talent defensively in the Big 12 opposed to the Pac 10 (12)
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Highlight reels
are how Akili Smith got drafted.
I’m not saying Luck will bust, just that highlight reels are proof of nothing.
That's not necessarily true.
I think he is overrated, yes. But I never sat he wouldn’t be a decent pro.
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I thought Peyton Manning was overrated.
I was wrong.
What do you think Luck would look like with USC’s receiving corps?
by AptosNinerFan on Sep 7, 2011 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I never thought Manning was overrated.
Luck needs more polish than what people see on the surface. He can get better of course but if he were to go to the NFL right now, he would have problems on his 15+ yard passes. His mechanics are still a little raw too. He needs work…. he is not as much a finished product as everyone lets on. Manning was the complete package his rookie year already. Luck could be more refined later but he’s not 100% or even 70% NFL ready as of now.
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Even Manning had doubters
The Colts almost went with Leaf.
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
I thought both Leaf and Manning were going to be great. And to be honest, Leaf could have. He had all the tools. His head just exploded and he lost everything.
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Good points
I’d still take him #1 in a heartbeat and I think people overlook the fact that his two top targets last year were Doug Baldwin and Ryan Whalen, hardly elite WR’s.
by AptosNinerFan on Sep 7, 2011 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I would much rather have Robert Griffin or Landry Jones, personally.
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I wouldn't mind Barkley either
Dunno over Luck though.
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
except without the entitlement issues
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Yeah, but still…
I don’t think Barkely is an NFL starter. I think he would serve best as a back up. Maybe after a few years in the NFL, he will be able to but not anytime soon after he is drafted.
I see him as a 3rd-4th Rounder once the year is over.
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Thats crazy
He will be a high-mid first round pick if he declares.
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
He plays really well
I would be surprised to see him slip to the 2nd if he declares
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
actually I wouldn't take him
but just because he is from USC. No USC QB has ever made it to the SB.
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
There's a first time for everything..
I just don’t think Barkley is “elite”, or will be. He’ll put up big numbers like Leinart did there but… you know…
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Agreed
It’s probably silly to try and predict anything this early but I’d be surprised if he fell out of the 1st. If Jake Locker went 8th with all his question marks, I can’t see Barkley going 3rd or 4th round. Although saying that, I remember seeing Jevan Snead as a top 5 pick at one point and I think he went undrafted. Stuff happens.
by AptosNinerFan on Sep 7, 2011 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions
There reason I am saying that, is because there was such a huge run on QB's early this year.
Barkley has a ton of competition. And with a talent stricken saturated market for QB’s, guys like Barkley tend to slide.
There won’t be as many teams searching for QB’s next year in the 1st round due to so many teams taking them high this year.
The Titans, Vikings, Panthers, Jaguars, and possibly the Niners and Bengals all drafted what could be conceived as “franchise quarterbacks”.
So if those teams are out, then who does that leave with the need? Miami and Buffalo? I would bet there prob won’t be more than two first round quarterbacks drafted in the 1st next year. Especially with so many other positions being stacked potentially. This will push QBs like Barkley back.
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How about this...
If we have the 1st pick in the draft and Harbaugh passes on him, then we know you were right.
by ericalancanty on Sep 7, 2011 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions
The same way Locker would have looked with Luck's Oline and Harbaugh for 4 years.
Or Barkley having Harbaugh instead of Lame Kiffin.
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
To be honest, all the players in the poll had phenomenal weeks.
Andrew Luck didn’t do so spectacular in the opener.
176 Yards, 2 TD’s against SJSU is not as good as the other two quarterback’s up there.
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Watching out for
Andrew Luck, Landry Jones, and Justin Blackmon! Also 3 players I would easily welcome to become a Niner next year!
Yea Kellen Moore
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Other Kellen Moore
28/34 261 yards 82.4% completion 3 TDs but thats just me being a fan boy. Other than that I am excited for Cliff Harris and Boykin. The QBs excite me too.
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
indefinite
Hope he comes back though dude is good.
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
You think he could play FS?
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
I don't know.
But I think he should stick with cornerback. He’ll get paid better.
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The Hometown Fan
first quote does sound like Deion Owens
second quote “that we lost” is pretty good
I like all three of them.
1st one made me giggle 2 and 3 are awesome
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Poll
DBs are most exciting to follow since they’re the players that we’re (hopefully) most likely to draft. I say hopefully because one can never know which players will crash and burn. At this time last year, not many panthers thought they’d be drafting a QB in the first round in the 2011 draft.
Really just depends on Smith and Kaep.
It could be CB or QB.
But you just never know with the Niners. The last two drafts have been kinda strange. Iupati and Davis in the 1st round… then an outside lineback in Smith. I am shocked we haven’t gone with a DB in the last two years with all the problems. I guess the Niners felt oline and pass rush were more pressing needs.
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Me too.
I hope they get their crap together. Maybe Goodwin will step up as the captian; although he seems like a soft-spoken guy.
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He's definitely got the most confidence.
But Dre Kirkpatrick will give him a run for his money.
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agreed Drew....
I love Kirkpatrick, also Claiborne and Dennard are up their for me.
I like Cliff Harris too, he has return capabilities.
My top 5 as of now: CB wise
1. Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama
2. Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska
3. Morris Claiborne, LSU
4. Cliff Harris, Oregon
5. Brandon Boykin, Georgia
yes, I forgot about him...
I was trying to think of his name.
I also like Flemming.
I think DB is a good depth in the ’12 class of potential players.
Ray Ray Armstrong, Harrison Smith, Robert Lester & Mark Barron come to mind at S.
Those are off the top of my head as guys I like a lot.
Yeah, that is very good for the 49ers.
We could use a couple. Rogers is only on a 1-year deal. I think Culliver is starter caliber next year. And we need to draft another CB high, IMO. Rounds 1-3… maybe even two depending on what happens with Smith’s play and Kaep’s development.
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I agree on this Drew....
I love Culliver potential.
If Rogers plays great, and is back, maybe we look elsewhere for a CB, maybe vet or 2nd or 3rd rd.
I wanna see more of Brock and more progress of Brown.
I like Brock a lot.
Others were not too sold on him. We’ll see as the season unfold’s more.
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Brock looked good in the pre season
Hope he keeps it up
"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."
Norm Sloan
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."
Weldon Drew
by EcERyda69 on Sep 7, 2011 4:45 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Safety position.
I gotta watch this Telemaque kid from Miami. He was all over the field Monday night. Looked like he was channeling Ed Reed.
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I'll have to check him out more....
I just get giddy when we have draft talk.
I love evaluating prospects, and just seeing who is a good fit with us.
I'm sure there is more to him that that
But I’d be more impressed if he broke down and made a tackle on the guy instead of diving at his knees.
If he tries that in the open field in the NFL he’ll be pulling sod out of his facemask while lining up on the PAT.
He wrapped up a lot this past week.
I am going to keep my eye on him this year.
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What about Kenny Tate
I know he switched to LB/DE but he played S last year.
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Bulked up to OLB size
Don’t think he had the coverage skills to play NFL DB even last year. He’s a freak though.
Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....
by youALREADYknow on Sep 8, 2011 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions
I think my top 5 would go like this:
1. Dre Kirkpatrick, ’Bama
2. Cliff Harris, Oregon
3. Brandon Boykin, Georgia
4. Chase Minnifield, Virginia
5. Morris Claiborne, LSU
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I like
I think any combination is a great one, their are litteraly 7 CBs to mind who could/should shine at the NFL level.
Here are some top Safeties.
Kenny Tate, FS Maryland
TJ McDonald, FS USC
Harrison Smith, FS Notre Dame
Robert Lester, FS Alabama
Mark Barron, SS Alabama
Ray Ray Armstrong, SS Miami(FL.)
yes...
I thought for sure Barron would declare last year.
Its funny how players who would of declared and been mid round turn into higher round picks.
And vice versa at times.
it does....
It seems every year we have someone who was highly rated, end up low or not drafted.
George Selvie comes to mind, 7th rd pick by STL, the year before was touted as a 1st rd pick.
Dennard is a stud
"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."
Norm Sloan
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."
Weldon Drew
by EcERyda69 on Sep 7, 2011 4:43 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
indeed...
Nebraska has had some real good corners lately. With Prince last year, and now Dennard.
Loved what I saw from Griffin....
He looked terrific in the win over TCU. Kid has a good arm and good accuracy.
I like Boykin a lot as well.
Griffin.
I know it is a spread based offense but check out his footwork. It is very clean. That’s why he is so accurate.
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Plus look at Griffin's release
Effortless release and outstanding trajectory control on his deep balls.
Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....
by youALREADYknow on Sep 8, 2011 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions
I see a lot of people ignoring Stephon Gilmore as an elite CB
Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....
Also, Drew when did you fall off of the Andrew Luck bandwagon?
I recall being thrown under the bus on this site for pointing out Luck’s problems in the deep passing game.
Robert Griffin is the best QB prospect in college football, Kellen Moore is the best QB in college football, and Andrew Luck is the most pro-ready QB in college football. That’s my 2 cents at least.
Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

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