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Greetings 49er Faithful! We continue our college football bowl coverage breakdown highlighting and profiling a few notable draft-eligible prospects you should pay attention to. This will help people build a list of names to know when we get into the offseason. For today's action we take a look at Central Michigan vs. Tulsa match-up battling it out in the Miami Beach Bowl. So, sit back, put your scouting hat on, and let's get things started.
Miami Beach Bowl
Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Conference Affiliations: MAC vs. American Athletic
Location: Miami, FL | Marlins Park
Game time: 11:30 AM PT
Channel: ESPN
Live Stream: Watch ESPN
Bowl gift swag: Under Armour backpack, hat and sunglasses; ISlide sandals; portable power bank; beach paddle-ball set; football.
Central Michigan's draft-eligible prospect to keep an eye on:
QB Cooper Rush, No. 10, 6'3" - 230 lbs., 4.86 40 - (5th)
QB Cooper Rush is a highly intelligent quarterback prospect with NFL pocket level size (6'3" - 230 lbs.). Rush displays the ability to stand tall in the pocket maneuvering well climbing and sliding (quick feet) avoiding pressure with poise for a clean release. Displays NFL level arm strength with solid zip at all levels of the field and is not afraid to throw in tight windows and go deep with great touch. At times Rush plays flat showing inconsistency in arm strength, accuracy, timing, and ball placement. He displays a high mental acumen with a terrific football IQ and shows flashes of being a quick decision maker able to swiftly process information efficiently and successfully with the ability to scan the entire field; however, lapses of processing and poor decision making is still concerning with a lot of the inconsistency stemming from very poor pocket protection. Shows sneaky athleticism to scramble out of the pocket keeping his eye continuously downfield and shows good zip throwing on the run and the toughness to pull the ball down and steam ahead for extra yards. Rush is renowned for his leadership skills and the ability to make players around him better. Succeeds in a pro-style offense working under center, in shotgun, and in pistol formation. A solid pocket passer with great college production Rush would give the 49ers a back-up quality quarterback with the opportunity to start at the next level.
Other Chippewas to keep an eye on: FS Tony Annese, No. 18 - (7th-UDFA) and FB Joe Bacci, No. 40 - (7th-UDFA).
Tulsa's draft-eligible prospect to keep an eye on:
WR Keevan Lucas, No. 2, 5'9" - 195 lbs., 4.54 40 - (7th)
WR Keevan Lucas missed the majority of the 2015 season (played the first four games only) with an injury he sustained during the game against Houston - torn patella tendon in his right knee. The explosive playmaker showcases good short area-quickness, extends to pluck balls from the air with sound hands, adjusts to errant thrown balls well with good awareness and agility, the ability to break in and out of cuts with suddenness separating from defensive backs, as well as utilizing his frame to shield defenders. Shows the ability to thrive in the slot at the next level and brings value in the return game. With Jeremy Kerley being an unrestricted free agent and Bruce Ellington's injury plagued professional career, Lucas brings added value to compete for the slot in the 49ers’ scheme.
Other Golden Hurricanes to keep an eye on: WR Josh Atkinson, No. 88 - (7th-UDFA); QB Dane Evans, No. 9 - (7th-UDFA); and OG Blake Belcher, No. 78 - (7th-UDFA).