STOCK RISING

BY RICK SERRITELLA
NFL DRAFT BIBLE

Despite Louisville’s early season struggles, wide receiver Harry Douglas has been a staple of consistency. Douglas has gained 100 yards and scored at least one touchdown in every game this season. Through the first four games he has collected 679 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

Having been a manufacturer of producing pro caliber linebackers, J Leman looks to be the next in line to hail from the University of Illinois. Standing in at 6’2, 240-pounds, Leman has the size and lateral speed to be an impact player at the next level. He can also lay the lumber and punishes those who dare to come across the middle.

Boston College cornerback DeJuan Tribble has proved to be a defensive playmaker through the first quarter of the season. The defensive team leader has made a ton of plays and gets his hands on a lot of balls, whether it be via interception or pass deflections. Tribble looks to be headed towards solidifying first-round status.

One player flying under the radar is South Florida cornerback Mike Jenkins. Helping South Carolina get off to a 3-0 start, Jenkins helped set up an upset victory over Auburn with a late-game interception a couple of weeks ago. His speed is comparable to any top corner in the ’07 draft and you can be sure that scout’s eyes will be on Jenkins as the Bulls host West Virginia this upcoming week.

Lost amidst the shocking upset over Louisville is the gutsy performance by Syracuse wide out Taj Smith. The speedster from Newark, New Jersey had 4 catches- two of which went for touchdowns and 173 receiving yards. Hailing from a gang-infested community, the senior could have a turn of good fortune, as a few more performances like that and he will definitely be on the NFL Draft radar come April.