Pitt's Romeus Is Not In A Rush

Quarterbacks and offensive linemen all around the Big East were collectively disappointed to find out that defensive end Greg Romeus will be returning for his senior season with the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Big East’s Co-Defensive Player of the Year received a third round draft grade from the NFL Advisory Committee, which he understands is a conservative projection.

“I knew it could be higher than that, so it didn’t matter,” Romeus said of the grade and where he ultimately could get drafted. “Coach (Dave Wannstedt) basically told me that. If that (third round grade) was a reason (for me coming back), it wasn’t a big reason.”

More importantly, Romeus believes that another year at the collegiate level will help his career. He told College Football Insiders Radio that it wasn’t just one reason or another, but rather many factors which led to his decision to return to Pittsburgh for his senior campaign.

“The pros outweighed the cons,” Romeus said of staying in school. Like most college football players who must decide whether or not they are ready to make the jump to the NFL, Romeus leaned heavily on his family and head coach.

“It was a long decision. I didn’t make my mind up actually until the last week, a few days before the deadline. I talked to Coach. He talked to me. Toward the last few games he just told me he would look things up for me and tell me what the best option would be,” Romeus said. “He and my family all sat down and came to the conclusion that the best decision for me would be to stay. Every year it seems I have improved, not just physically but mentally, which is a big part of the game that you need to haave when it comes to going to the next level. I just think another year of experience would benefit me a lot more. There’s really no rush.”

Who else encouraged him? None other than Pittsburgh alumnus and current New York Jet Darrelle Revis, who provided advice and shared his own experience; as a junior, he was presented with the same choice.

“He (Revis) told me to just trust Coach,” Romeus told College Football Insiders Radio. Adding, “I knew Coach wouldn’t lead me in the wrong direction.” Wannstedt appears to have earned the type of trust in his players that can be the core of a program on the rise.

A high school basketball star, Romeus was a bit behind in the learning curve but made a solid contribution as a red-shirt freshman in 2007, recording 41 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks. In 2008 those numbers leaped to 51 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks. The 6’6”, 270-pound Romeus enjoyed a 2009 season in which he finished with eight sacks, 43 tackles, three forced fumbles, five passes defended and an interception on his way to Co-Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors, as well as an All-College Football Insiders third team selection.

So where does he need to improve? Romeus wants to lead the team and ensure they achieve all that they can in 2010.

“We have a lot of goals for next year and to come back and have a chance to win a championship would be something good. I’m happy with my decision and I don’t regret it.”

Next year, Pittsburgh returns some key pieces from a 10-3 team that nearly pulled off a conference championship. Something that will be vital is leadership, and Romeus is on it.

“Me, as a senior, I feel as if I have to get out there and lead the guys. I’m ready to take on that role, coming in there everyday and making sure we train as hard as we can.”

Romeus understands that next year could bring even greater opportunities for him, namely a college degree and a Big East Championship. He’s already gotten college football fans excited about the 2010 Panthers, admiring the program’s consistency.

“We’re just improving every day. Everybody understands that it starts in the off-season and it’s something that we’re all buying into. Every year that happens we see the results are getting better. We are looking forward to that.”

As for this coming weekend, if you think Romeus is rooting for Revis to win a championship of his own, think again. When asked if he would be rooting for the former Panther he answered in the negative.

“Living in my Miami, we learned not to like the Jets.”

Click Here To Listen To Entire College Football Insiders Interview With Greg Romeus

Photos Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard & University of Pittsburgh

Radio: Draft Digest - 1.17.09

Join NFL Draft Bible President Daniel Mogollon, Executive Editor Ralph Mancini and draft guru Justin VanFulpen as we talk...what else...NFL Draft. From the All-Star games, the NFL Scouting Combine and school pro days, every week we will bring you players to watch and the latest news from the leading authority on the NFL Draft.

When: Sunday January 17

Show Time: 10:00 AM Eastern

Length: 1 Hour

Call In Number: 1.347.945.6275

To Listen Live, Replay or Download - Click Here

Hot Topics:

* The Underclassman List
* Who Should Have Stayed?
* Who Should Have Come Out?
* Our Big Board Top 10
* East-West Shrine Player Watch

Photo Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard

Player Spotlight: Brian Babin

It’s been over 20 years since the last time a Southeastern Louisiana alumnus has played in the NFL.

Quarterback Brian Babin is looking to be the man to break that trend as he prepares for his upcoming pro day workout in March. Known as a film-junkie, Babin stands in at 6’5, possesses a rocket arm and has displayed great accuracy throughout his collegiate career. We unleash the beast in this one-on-on NFL Draft Bible Player Spotlight Show with host Bo Marchionte.

CLICK HERE

Photo Courtesy of Randy Bergeron, Southeastern Louisiana University

Player Spotlight: Joique Bell

As winner of the Harlon Hill Trophy this past season, little-known Wayne State running back Joique Bell made a name for himself.

He also earned himself a trip to Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. The DII standout rushed for over 2,000 yards in 2009, to go along with 29 touchdowns. He plans to make sure scouts are very well aware of his talents at the NFL Scouting Combine as shares his journey to the NFL with NFL Draft Bible host Bo Marchionte.

CLICK HERE

Photo Courtesy of Wayne State University Athletics

Player Spotlight: Gerald Baptiste

The NFL Draft Bible takes great pride in bringing you the stars of tomorrow, today.

Meet Southern Miss wide receiver Gerald Baptiste. The New Orleans native was named Conference USA Honorable mention after playing a major role in the Golden Eagles' wide spread passing attack. Those who have followed his career have indicated to the NFL Draft Bible that Baptiste is a “coaches dream,” for his team-first attitude. Host Bo Marchionte goes one-on-one with the speedster.

CLICK HERE

Photo Courtesy of University of Southern Mississippi Media Relations

OU's Murray To Return To Norman For 2010

Oklahoma junior running DeMarco Murray has decided to hold off on starting his NFL career and return to Norman for his senior season as a Sooner. Oklahoma has already lost quarterback Sam Bradford, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and cornerback Dominique Franks as early entries for the 2010 NFL Draft.

"I felt I wasn't done here," Murray told ESPN. "I still had some more things I wanted to get accomplished with my teammates and become a better player as well."

Ironically, it was reported last season that Murray might have declared for the 2009 NFL Draft as a red-shirt sophomore had he been healthy. Durability has been the biggest hurdle for Murray during his college career. Murray was held out of one game and missed time in others in 2009 with a midseason ankle injury. He finished with career lows in rushing with 705 yards and eight touchdowns.

With senior Chris Brown off to the NFL, Murray will be counted on as a feature back and will likely be asked to carry a heavier load in 2010. This Boomer Sooner is powerful runner with breakaway speed and nose for the end zone, who could work himself into the first round of 2011 Draft with a big senior campaign. In three seasons, Murray has run for 2,471 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Photo Courtesy of OU Athletics Department

Player Spotlight: Dorin Dickersonq

The NFL Draft Bible Player Spotlight continues with Pittsburgh playmaking tight end Dorin Dickerson.

The former Panther nabbed 10 touchdowns this past season, on his way to being named a John Mackey Award finalist, as well as a third team All-College Football Insiders selection. His performance warranted an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine, where he hopes to improve his draft stock. Join host Bo Marchionte as they discuss his training preparation, strengths and goals leading up to April.

CLICK HERE

Photo Courtesy of University of Pittsburgh

Player Spotlight: Lucien Antoine

The NFL Draft Bible gets up close and personal with the “Punisher” aka Oklahoma State free safety Lucien Antoine.

Originally born in Caicos, this Cowboy journeyed to Haiti before coming to America in 2001. His first passion was basketball until he found out the physical nature of football and the rest is history. Fresh off a worthy performance in the AT&T Cotton Bowl which included an interception, Lucien now finds himself on the cusp of making it to the next level. Join host Bo Marchionte as he speaks with Antoine about Oklahoma State football and his own personal path to the NFL draft.

LISTEN HERE

Photo Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard

Q&A: Dace Richardson, Iowa

In our never-ending search to bring you information about the players you need to know, the NFL Draft Bible goes one-on-one with Iowa offensive lineman Dace Richardson, fresh off the Hawkeyes' Orange Bowl victory. The Big Ten All-Conference selection played three different positions this past year, displaying the type of versatility that has NFL scouts buzzing…

What are your official height and weight, and do you have a recent forty time?

Six-five, 305 pounds and I ran it in 5.45 seconds.

What do you consider your biggest strength?

I believe my biggest strength is my work ethic. I am always focusing on ways to get better.

What part of your game have you worked on improving?

I have been working on my leverage in pass protection. I watch film to make sure I get my hands inside of the defensive lineman, to get leverage instead of grabbing from the outside.

Where have you been training? How often do you workout to stay in shape?

I will start my training on Monday, January 11 at the University of Iowa and we will be training five days a week.

Who is the toughest opponent/teammate you have faced? How did you fare?

The toughest opponent I have gone against this year was Jared Odrick from Penn State. I held my own with him and played a good game.

Which coach has had the biggest impact on your playing career up to this point?

I believe that Coach Kirk Ferentz has had a big impact on my playing career. He is always hands-on with the offensive line at practice and he has tremendous knowledge of line play.

Are there any players that you would compare yourself to? Did you have a favorite player growing up?

I can’t think of anyone to compare myself to but my favorite player growing up was Emmitt Smith.

What do you like to do with your free time, do you have a hobby?

On my free time I like to fish and hang out with friends and also play Call of Duty.

What is something that people might not know about you?

That in college I took acting classes, and after I graduated last May I made theatre my second major this past fall.

If you could invite any three guests for dinner past or present, who would they be?

I would first invite President Obama because it would be an honor to meet our President and then I would also invite Jonathan Ogden to learn his work ethic he had in the NFL and how he found ways to be better than his competition. Lastly I would invite Jared Allen to learn things from a defensive perspective and learn how to not tip defensive linemen off.

What are your future goals outside of playing in the NFL?

When football is over I might try getting into acting. I have always been interested in that.

Why should a NFL team draft you?

I believe a NFL team should draft me because they will get a guy who is a hard worker and has come from a coach that knows how to train and develop good offensive linemen (Coach Ferentz).

Photos Courtesy of Iowa Sports Information

Draft Journal Entry #2: Martin Tevaseu

Martin Tevaseu describes what it’s like to prepare for the 2010 NFL Draft.

Dear Journal:

My time in California has concluded as I am now back in Las Vegas to continue taking classes and working towards my degree, and of course, to prepare for my Pro Timing Day.

Before I left California, my agent scheduled a meeting with my Performance Specialist/Sports Psychology Consultant, Will Lenzner. Mr. Lenzner has worked with several professional athletes to enhance cognitive/mental performance as it relates to output on the field, personal life, weight training, the classroom, etc. The general areas of focus include targeting self-confidence and efficacy, motivation, mental toughness, focus, and positive outcome expectancy. As all of these psychological factors have a relationship with each other, they directly affect athletic performance. Regarding football players specifically, we tend to work on core football-specific components such as performance routines (pre-game, pre-snap), trigger cues and visualization. Of those and other performance components, a wealth of additional football-specific areas are directly affected and have the ability to dramatically enhance athlete output on a given play, during combine testing and split-second decision making skills.

Preparing myself mentally, is equally important as preparing myself physically.

THIS JUST IN…Great news for all of you who have been following my journey, I just spoke with my agent and I have been invited to the East-West Shrine Game in Orlando, Florida. You heard it first right here on NFL Draft Bible! I am very grateful to the East-West Shrine Selection Committee for the opportunity and I look forward to exceeding your expectations.

I am so excited. I’m looking forward to spending time with the kids and competing with some of the best athletes in college football.
I apologize but I have to go for now. There’s work that needs to be done. I’ll check back in with you before I leave to Florida. Thanks for following my journey guys!
Sincerely,

#68 Martin Tevaseu, DT, UNLV

1.6.10 - Draft Journal Entry #1

More Jackets To Leave The Hive?

Three days after Georgia Tech junior wide receiver Demaryius Thomas declared for the NFL Draft, Yellow Jackets Morgan Burnett, Jonathan Dwyer and Derrick Morgan will meet with the media.

At 1:00 on Monday, the University will make trio of juniors available to the media. It would not be a surprise if all three followed the lead of Thomas and give up their final year of eligibility for the chance to play on Sundays.

Morgan is projected as a potential top ten pick should he decide to make the jump. The defensive end is coming a spectacular season in which he recorded 55 tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumbles recoveries on his way to ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Joining Thomas and Morgan on the All-ACC first team was Dwyer, who ran for 1,395 yards to lead the team. He found the end zone 14 times as a junior and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. Burnett was a second team All ACC selection after snagging four interceptions to lead the Yellow Jackets. The safety registering 85 tackles (four tackles).

Dwyer is a potential first round pick and would be competing with fellow underclassman Jahvid Best and Ryan Mathews to be the number two running back prospect after Clemson’s C.J. Spiller. Like Thomas, Burnett is more likely to go in round number two should he decide he is ready to play in the league where they play for pay.

Georgia Tech is coming off of an 11-3 season, which included an ACC title. The Ramblin' Wreck defeated the Clemson Tigers in the ACC Championship game 39-34 before falling 24-14 to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2010 Orange Bowl.

Check for updates on this story.

Photo Courtesy of Georgia Tech Sports Information Office

Draft Watch: Fiesta Bowl

Here are the following players to keep your eye for the 2010 NFL Draft in the FIESTA BOWL.

TCU Horned Frogs:

DE Jerry Hughes (#98) – Hughes lacks the ideal size for a defensive end, so some believe he may end up as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. But when it is all said and done I think he will be a 4-3 defensive end in a Tampa Bay Two type defense. Right now has a 2nd round grade.

LB Daryl Washington (#41)– Washington is an athletic linebacker who is quick and is also fast. The issue with him is his size or lack thereof. In addition, there is a question mark regarding his position - is he an outside linebacker or an inside linebacker? Right now he has a 2nd round grade.

Senior Watch: RB Joseph Turner (#24), LT Marshall Newhouse (#70), CB Nick Sanders (#20)

Stars Of Tomorrow: QB Andy Dalton, JR (#14); RT Marcus Cannon, JR (#61); C Jake Kirkpatrick, JR (#76); MIKE Tank Carder, SO (#43); FS Tejay Johnson, JR (#3)

Medical Examiner: CB Rafael Priest (Out/Sprained Left Foot)

Boise State Broncos:

CB Kyle Wilson (#1) – Wilson is a good overall athlete at cornerback and also does a good job in the return game. He has smooth hips and has the ability to play man to man. The New Jersey native is an aggressive cornerback who can get beat with double moves. Right now he has a 3rd round grade.

Stars Of Tomorrow: WR Austin Pettis, JR (#2); LT Nate Potter, SO (#73); DE Ryan Winterswyk, JR (#98); DE Bryon Hout, SO (#94); DT Billy Winn, SO (#90); SS Jeron Johnson, JR (#23)

Medical Examiner: WR Austin Pettis (Questionable/Broken Leg)

For more NFL, NFL Draft news, you can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jvanfulpen

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

UFA's Joe Haden Declares

Junior cornerback Joe Haden is the first of many Gators who are contemplating making the jump the NFL to make it official. The Fort Washington, Maryland native announced earlier today that he will enter 2010 NFL Draft.

Haden became the first true freshman cornerback to start the season opener at Florida and has started all 40 games in his stellar career. After a somewhat rocky inagural campaign, Haden has been among the top cornerbacks in the nation and was a finalist for the Thorpe Award this season, which is given to the nation's top defensive back. He was a first team All-SEC performer and first team All-American as a junior.

Haden is a lock first round pick, who some believe could even crack the top five, in addition to being the favorite to be the first cornerback off the board come April. Not only is this Gator a lockdown cover man (4 interceptions, 10 pass break ups this season), he is an all-around defender–he’s very capable versus the run and an excellent blitzer (68 tackles, 3 sacks).

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

Jahvid Best Discusses Decision To Turn Pro

By Ralph Mancini

In a Saturday teleconference call, University of California standout Jahvid Best described the process he went through in making the final decision to enter the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft.

While the running back consulted with head coach Jeff Tedford and former teammate Justin Forsett (now a member of the Seattle Seahawks) on the pros and cons of leaving college as a junior, it was a “gut feeling” that ultimately pointed him in the direction of the NFL.

“During the past couple of months, me and my family have been offered the opportunity to join the NFL…I plan to finish my education after football, but this is an opportunity I can’t pass up,” he reasoned.

Best had no doubts that he would be healthy enough to perform at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. But when asked what 40-time he would be targeting, he couldn’t come up with a specific number.

“I never ran a legit 40 [yard dash] before. I’ve only ran track,” he said while also adding that he himself is very curious to see how he measures up with his peers.

On the subject of the work he needs to accomplish to make himself 100-percent ready for pro ball, Best told the NFL Draft Bible that he’s determined to increase his overall physical strength to handle the more physical nature of the NFL.

The 5’10” playmaker further mentioned that he has yet to enlist the services of an agent and also communicated that no decision has been made on where he’ll be working out in preparation for the combine.

Coach Tedford joined in the question and answer session, and had no doubts about Best’s potential at the next level.

He described his player as an athlete who possesses great balance, excellent lateral movement, strength and the ability to catch the ball.

From a maturity level, Tedford lauded the junior phenom as a soft-spoken, level-headed individual who has always handled the attention surrounding him very well.

“He’s not a verbal leader, but he’s well respected in the locker room,” observed the head coach.

Regarding Best’s durability, Tedford focused on the way he recently bounced back from a dislocated elbow in a two-week time frame.

When the topic of the running back’s concussion was broached, however, the coach didn’t believe the future pro had any proneness to head injuries. In relation to the play in which he suffered the concussion versus Oregon State, he called it “a part of playing football.”

Tedford concluded the discussion by pointing out the similarities between Best and his successor Shane Vereen by commenting that they both have very similar characteristics.

Going forward, he continued, his Golden Bears offense will look to carry on with a two-man committee at the running back position.

Photo Courtesy of University of California

TCU's Hughes and Washington Headed to Senior Bowl

TCU defensive standouts Jerry Hughes and Daryl Washington have accepted invitations to the 2010 Under Armour Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

The game will be played Jan. 30 at 3 p.m. (CST) in Ladd-Peebles Stadium and be televised live on the NFL Network.

Jerry and Daryl are two very big reasons why the Horned Frogs lead the country in total defense, Senior Bowl President and CEO Steve Hale said. They are both excellent professional prospects and we look forward to watching them compete in front of the entire NFL here later this month.

Hughes is a two-time consensus All-American and the 2009 recipient of the Lott Trophy and Ted Hendricks Award. He has 15 tackles for loss, including 11 1/2 sacks, among a career-high 54 stops this season. Hughes topped the nation last year with 15 sacks and six forced fumbles.

Washington leads TCU with 99 tackles, the most stops by a Horned Frog since 2004 (Martin Patterson, 131). Washington was a Dick Butkus Award semifinalist. He has 7 1/2 tackles for loss and is tied for the TCU lead with three interceptions.

A signature play for Washington was catching Clemson's C.J. Spiller from behind to make a touchdown-saving tackle in TCU's 14-10 win in Death Valley.

Photo Courtesy of TCU Athletics Media Relations

Gator Bowl: NFL Draft Watch

Here are the following players to keep your eye for the 2010 NFL Draft in the GATOR BOWL.

Florida State Seminoles:

LB Dekoda Watson – Watson is a athletic outside linebacker who has shown the ability to make plays in both the running game, as well as covering tight ends and running backs alike. He is a weakside linebacker in a 4-3 defense and right now has a 3rd round grade.

CB Patrick Robinson – Robinson has all the physical skills to be a top notch cornerback, but this season hasn’t made the plays you would expect him to. He has a 2nd round grade right now and he has the ability to be a boom or bust type pick.

West Virginia Mountaineers:

QB Jarrett Brown – Brown has just started one season but has shown the ability to be a top notch quarterback prospect. He is a very good athlete with a strong arm and has the ability to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Right now has a 3rd round pick.

WR Alric Arnett – Arnett has good size at 6'2" and 190 pounds. The Mountaineer is a good overall receiver who has shown that he has the ability to run good routes, to complement his good hands. Right now he has a 5th round grade.

OT Selvish Capers – Capers is a very good offensive tackle with quick feet. He's a very impressive athlete for an offensive tackle, and should be able to play on the left and protect the quarterback's backside in the NFL. Right now he has 2nd round grade.

ILB Reed Williams – Williams came back from double-shoulder surgery to be a big time player this season for the Mountaineers. He is a good run defender but lacks great skills in the passing game. Right now has 7th round grade.

For more NFL, NFL Draft news, you can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jvanfulpen

Photo Courtesy of FSU Sports Information

Music City Bowl: Prospect Watch

By Justin Van Fulpen

Here are the following players to keep your eye for the 2010 NFL Draft in the MUSIC CITY BOWL.

Clemson Tigers:

RB C.J. Spiller – Spiller is all around offensive threat; running, receiving and returning. That versatility should make him a high 1st round pick.

WR Jacoby Ford – A small, quick receiver who should do very good working the slot in the NFL. Ford could go as high as the 2nd round but most observers believe he will go in the 3rd-4th round range. Could be the fastest wide out in the 2010 Class.

OG Thomas Austin – Austin has shown very good ability as a run blocker and is a decent athlete; he should end up being a 7th round pick.

DE/OLB Ricky Sapp – Sapp is the type of player that 3-4 defensive teams crave as an outside linebacker. The strength of his game is his ability to be a pass rusher, which bodes well for him because there is a high demand in the NFL for players that can get to the quarterback. He could go as high as the 1st round.

OLB Kavell Conner – Conner is an all around outside linebacker that can not only play the run but can also adapt to pass coverage, as he is an above average cover man. He currently holds a 6th round grade.

CB Chris Chancellor – Chancellor is a player who is moving up on many draft boards and could use this game, as well as an all-star game to help push his stock up higher. Right now he has a 6th round projection.

CB Crezdon Butler – Butler has shown flashes of ability but needs to be more consistent, right now he is considered to be a free-agent type.

Kentucky Wildcats:

DT Corey Peters – Peters has gotten better every year at Kentucky and is a true 4-3 defensive tackle who is a good athlete who can make plays up and down the line of scrimmage. Right now is likely a 3rd round pick.

ILB Micah Johnson – Johnson is a two-down linebacker who likes to play down hill and can make plays against the run but will have to come off the field in passing downs. Currently, he is a 4th round pick. With his size, he should fit in nicely in a 3-4 scheme.

CB Trevard Lindley – Lindley is an athletic cover cornerback, who will come up and tackle but needs to get bigger and stronger to be a complete corner in the NFL. However, he does posses a lot of skills and should be a 2nd round pick.

For more NFL, NFL Draft news, you can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jvanfulpen.

Photos Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard & SEC Sports Media

Meineke Car Care Bowl: Prospect Watch

By Justin Van Fulpen

Here are the following players to keep your eye for the 2010 NFL Draft in the MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL.

Pittsburgh:

QB Bill Stull – Stull has really come on this season and has opened a few eyes in the NFL, but most scout just think he is more of just a guy than a prospect, but he should get a look as a free-agent.

TE Nate Byham – Byham has shown that he can both be a blocker and a pass receiver. The senior also possesses decent size; he projects as a 5th or 6th round pick.

OG Joe Thomas – Thomas is a good run blocker, but needs to improve as a pass blocker. Right now he is considered a free-agent type.

DE Greg Romeus – Romeus is a physically gifted defensive end who can rush the pass as well as play the run. He is only a junior and many people around the league believe that he will declare; if he does look for him to be an early 2nd round pick.

ILB Adam Gunn – Gunn is a hard-nosed player who swarms to the ball and is good against the run, but doesn’t do a great job against the pass. Right now is a free-agent type.

CB Aaron Berry – Berry doesn't have great size and wide receivers have shown the ability to take advantage of him when he plays man-to-man. Right now he is a free-agent type.

North Carolina:

DE EJ Wilson – Wilson has great size for a defensive at 6'2" and 280 pounds, along with excellent speed and quickness. The Tar Heel is a very good tackler who does possess pass-rush ability. Many scouts view him as a 3-4 defense end at the next level. He should be a 6th round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

DT Marvin Austin – An athletic defensive tackle, Austin is also able to play defensive end in the 3-4 defense. Should the junior declare, he is projected to be selected late in round one.

DT Cam Thomas – Thomas is a massive defensive tackle at 6'3" and 330 pounds, and he may be able to play nose tackle at the next level, which could boost his draft stock. He carries a mid-late round pick.

DT Aleric Mullins – Mullins has good size but he hasn't played a ton because of the presence of Thomas and Austin. The NFL will like his ability to be a rotation type player on the defensive line and he should sign as free-agent.

ILB Quan Sturdivant - Sturdivant is a sideline-to-sideline inside linebacker who could step in and play middle linebacker in the NFL, but he is only a junior. It Sturdivant decides to declare, the Tat Heel would likely be be a 2nd round pick.

OLB Bruce Carter – There is talk that Carter has already made his mind up to come back to North Carolina for his senior season, but he could ultimately decide to come out and be a 2nd round pick due to his size and athleticism at outside linebacker.

CB Kendric Burney – Burney doesn’t have great size, but he will come up and hit; a very strong tackler for a cornerback. There is some talk about him coming out early and if he elects to forgo his senior season, expect him to be selected in the middle rounds.

S Deunta Williams – Williams has great size at 6'2" and 205 pounds, in addition to having a knack for making big plays. He is only a junior but should he declare he could wind up being a 2nd round pick.

For more NFL, NFL Draft news, you can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jvanfulpen.

Photos Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard & UNC Athletic Communications

Decision Time: Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas

Why Dezmon Briscoe made the right decision to turn pro and enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

1. Program in transition: New head coach Turner Gill has big shoes to fill. Say what you want about Mark Mangino being an insensitive brute; the man completely turned around a program in ruins. In fact, since coming to Kansas in 2002, the big man engineered a high-flying and prolific offense, which led throngs of fans to donate the necessary funds to bring KU’s facilities up to Big 12 standards. While Gill inherits a good player base to remain competitive in the early-going, the former quarterback’s resume at Buffalo saw him amass a 15-18 record in conference play in a rather weak Mid-American Conference. Even in his conference-winning season a year ago, Gill’s squad was barely a .500 team, which played its best game in the conference final. The Bulls went on to lose their bowl game despite being located only a stone’s throw away from the game’s site in Toronto. Also, the fact that Gill is a Nebraska guy may dissuade top recruits from committing to the Jayhawks due to the perception that he’ll immediately jump ship to coach his old team if given the opportunity. Briscoe didn't wait to find out who the new head coach would be, but Coach Mangino had more than one foot out the door when the wide out made his decision.

2. New quarterback takes over for Reesing: Kansas fans are bracing themselves for life after Todd Reesing, who was the ring leader of an electrifying passing game thanks to his intelligence, accuracy and consistent play. Briscoe’s return to Kansas would have had him adjusting to the growing pains of the athletic, but unproven Kale Pick at quarterback.

3. It doesn’t get any better than this: While completing a four-year college education is the right and honorable thing to do, all that goes at the window when a first- or second-round selection is in the offing. Briscoe is a long, physical receiver with the ability to break tackles and change directions after the catch. Despite an occasional bout of the dropsies, the 6’3” wide out is skilled enough to contribute right now at the next level and would only risk seeing his value drop by returning to a Kansas team in transition.

Mancini’s Take: Although he’s never been accused of being a speed merchant, Briscoe has the size, strength, body control, and leaping ability to be a difference-making weapon. In addition, the playmaker possesses key intangibles that pro teams covet, such as effectiveness as a blocker, amazing balance to remain in bounds at top speed, and on-field awareness. While Briscoe may still need to improve his consistency, he definitely has an NFL body and should be able to immediately overpower smaller defensive backs at the line of scrimmage and in the red zone.

Photo Courtesy of Jeff Jacobsen, KU Athletics

Heisman On Location: Tebow Takes It In Stride

During the Heisman Trophy ceremony, not only was Florida’s Tim Tebow candid about not expecting to go home with the big prize, but he was also genuinely proud of Mark Ingram’s tremendous accomplishment.

“We hung out a lot, me and Mark, and I was really proud of him…I offered some words of encouragement beforehand. He was a little bit nervous; he was doing a little bit of his pre-game [routine], shaking back and forth. We actually prayed together beforehand,” revealed the all-time college great. “He’s just a great kid. He’s just a kid you want to be around—I’m really happy for him.”

Tebow was ready to move on when responding to questions of his disappointing SEC championship loss only a week ago, and told reporters that he’s determined to use the setback as motivation going into Allstate Sugar Bowl versus the upstart Cincinnati Bearcats.

In looking ahead to the NFL, the charismatic field general said he was ready to tackle the professional ranks head-on by offering: “I look forward to the challenges, quite honestly. I look forward to starting something new, a new venture…a new challenge.”

“The obstacle of trying to play in the NFL and trying to play quarterback in the NFL…that’s something I look forward to. I relish the opportunity to go out and compete against the best in the world.”

Tebow also harkened back to the unforgettable experience of winning the Heisman Trophy two years ago.

“It was very special and a lot of fun. It was an opportunity to do that as a sophomore [when] you’re still new to this college thing a little bit, so I kind of know what Mark is going through. It’s something I’ll never forget. A lot of years…a lot of stuff goes on, but you’ll never forget that.”