Top Prospects

Position/Size

Class/Other Notes

Summary

#70 James Brown

LT-6’4 329

• Junior
• 1^st Team All-SBC in ‘10
• Good punch and arm length
• Bends at the waist at times

Brown carries his 329 pounds very well and seems pretty well-proportioned.  We like his punch and he moves OK for a 330-pounder.  While he will need to watch his weight, Brown could very well be a candidate for G or RT duty in the NFL.

#94 Jonathan Massaquoi

DE-6’2 250

• Junior
• 13.5 QB Sacks and 19.5 TFLs in ‘10

He could get stand to get stronger, but he’s certainly a natural pass rusher.  He may have the best body control of any DE in the conference.

2^nd Tier

#92 Emmanuel Dudley

DT-6’1 285

• Senior
• Medical redshirt in 2009

An undersized spark plug who can penetrate snaps and use his hands better than expected.  He needs to stay on the field.

#1 Brett Moncrief

WR-6’3 205

• Senior
• Son of former Bucks’ star G Sidney Moncrief

Moncrief has shown some ball skills and strength after the catch.  However, he hasn’t put it all together. 

Who’s Next?

#34 KeJuan Phillips

CB-5’9 176

• Junior
• O INTs in 2010
• Good tackler

Philiips isn’t big, and he hasn’t shown the ball skills to finish plays.  However, the tape suggests he can take a big leap in 2011.  But will he even start?

Top Prospect

Position/Size

Class/Other Notes

Summary

#4 T.Y. Hilton

WR-KR/5’10 178

• Senior
• 4.4 speed
• 848 yds receiving, 5 TDs in ‘10
• Averaged 28.7 yds/KR and 2 TDs 

Hilton’s explosiveness has been on display since he arrived on campus with a purpose in 2008, averaging over 24.7 yds/catch as a freshman.  His sophomore year was filled with injury issues and he is very frail at 178 pounds.  With 4.48 speed, Hilton will have to run to his field speed to get looks early in the process.  He came on campus running in the low 4.3s, but he has seemed to lose speed even with a minimal ten pound weight gain.

2^nd Tier

#25 Jonathan Cyrprien

SS-6’1 205

• Junior
• Led team with 113 tackles in 2010

He’s got underrated range for a big-time striker who plays with a ‘Nasty’ attitude.

#97 Tourek Williams

DE-6’4 230

• Junior
• Team’s best pass rusher
• Led team with 6 sacks and had 13.5 TFLs

He may eventually stand up, but Williams is very effective on line games.  His lack of feel in the run game is offset by superior athleticism. 

#34 Winston Fraser

LB-6’1 232

• Junior
• Finished third on the team with 72 tackles and 1^st with 8 TFLs in 2010

Fraser chases plays down from behind, but he needs to clean up his footwork.

#71 Caylin Hauptmann

OT-6’4 312

• Junior
• Was one of the top junior college OL in the nation in 2009

He is unorthodox at times in his pass pro, but his athleticism and punch could suggest a move to OG at the next level. 

#28 Darriet Perry

RB-5’9 200

• Senior
• Scored 15 TDs in 2010

Perry runs with a natural lean at the point of attack and is a legitimate RED ZONE threat. 

Who’s Next

#2 Junior Mertile

CB-6’1 197

• Junior
• He started 4 games at WR in 2010

Although he played some at WR in 2010, he did find time to start two games at CB late in the year.  The team is hoping he can develop into a legitimate starter. 

Top Prospect

Position/Size

Class/Other Notes

Summary

#52 Ken Dorsey

DE-OLB-6’2 270

• Senior
• Led the team with 12 TFLs in 2010
• Injury problems have stunted his growth 

There’s not much to not like about Dorsey’s effort, but he does lack length.  He has an effective first step off the ball, stands up on occasion and is generally disruptive at the POA. 

2^nd Tier

#55 Troy Evans

DE-6’1 250

• Senior
• Disruptive player
• Earned 1^st Team All-SBC honors in 2009

Evans missed most of last season due to injury, so his durability is a concern.  He has some explosiveness off the ball when healthy.  He and Dorsey could cause havoc opposite one another.

#37 Darius Prelow

Safety-6’0 204

• Senior
• Finished 3^rd on the team with 74 tackles
• 2 INTs, 9 PDs in ‘10

Prelow will move to the team’s ‘Hawk’ position in  2011, but it has nothing to do with his cover skills.  Look for him to be very active due to his play range and effort.  His footwork has to get better in coverage. 

#22 Luther Ambrose

WR-KR-5’8 181

• Senior
• 10.2 100-meter speed
• Caught 65 passes for over 750 yards in 2010

Unlike FIU’s Hilton, Ambrose hasn’t developed into an elite KR after starring there as a Frosh.  Instead, the team uses his 4.3 speed to be an extension of the running game from the slot.  He has uneven hand-eye coordination.

#72 Ryan McCaul

OT-OC-6’4 293

• Senior
• Started a lot at three different positions

While he’s versatile, we feel McCaul will be much more effective at OC.  He will have to improve his anchor ability. 

Who needs to step up?

#83 Anthony McCall

WR-6’1 191

• Senior
• He caught 33 passes and averaged 14.5 yds/catch

McCall has to put it all together in his final season.  He’s never been the team’s #1 receiver and is in danger of losing playing time to sophomore sensation Tavarese Maye.

#69 Austin Roberts

OG-6’4 307

• Senior
• Has started at three different positions

Roberts keeps his hands up and understands protection, evidenced by his experience up and down the OL.  However, he doesn’t always show the slide-n-mirror skill to stay in front of a defender.

Generation Next

#8 Tavarese Maye

WR-5’11 171

• Sophomore
• 4.40 speed
• Caught 43 passes as a true freshman
• Scored twice vs. Troy in the team’s eighth game

He really came on late in the year and if he continues to develop, the Warhawks could field the fastest receiving trio in the conference. 

Top Prospect

Position/Size

Class/Other Notes

Summary

#89 Ladarius Green

TE-H-Back-6’6 230

• Senior
• Finished 2009 with 32 catches for 533 yards
• 44 receptions for 794 yds and 7 TDs in ‘10

There isn’t a better receiver in the middle of the seams than the angular Green.  He’s an ineffective in-line blocker and the team likes to move him into a number of spots.  Green doesn’t always bend (blocking or receiving) well enough. 

2^nd Tier

#5 Dwight Bentley

CB-5’11 173

• Senior
• Former JC transfer

The former 1^st All-SBC corner could be a candidate to make a couple of house calls in 2011.  He reads the QB’s intentions in the quick game, but needs to develop more discipline with his technique. 

3^rd Tier

#82 Jevone Lawson

WR-KR-6’1 183

• Junior
• 22 receptions in 2010

He has more than enough speed to become more of a down the field threat for the Cajuns this season.  He is a factor on rocket-type screens and quick hitting passes.

#76 Jaron Odom

LT-6’7 350

• Junior
• Has started at RG and RT

The massive junior overextends too much and isn’t quick footed.  However, he’s a mauler who wins battles in the phone booth.  The problem?  He plays a space position. 

#58 Nate Douglas

DE-6’2 248

• Senior
• Finished the 2010 season with 2.5 sacks

If he weren’t one dimensional as a pass rusher, he would cause more havoc with his lower body strength.

#44 Bernard Smith

DE-6’3 235

• Senior
• 31 tackles and 6 TFLs in ‘10

He aligns at a couple of spots and surprises OL in pre-snap looks.  He plays bigger than his size, but is still a liability when attacked in the run game.

#11 Devon Lewis-Buchanan

SLB-6’2 210

• Senior
• Strong safety projection
• Ranked 2^nd on the team in tackles in 2010 (63)

A solid blitzer, Buchanan is more than capable in coverage.  We feel he projects to a strong safety spot at the next level.

Keep Your Eye On

#72 Leonardo Bates

RT-6’5 316

• Junior
• Has started at two different OL spots

His technique is all over the place.  The team needs him to pick it up this season.

#22 Melvin White

CB-6’3 190

• Senior
• 24 tackles last year

He doesn’t have a lot of experience, but that can be tempered with a strong September.  White’s combination of size and footwork could overcome concerns.

#45 Emeka Onynenekwu

DE-6’5 237

• Junior
• Still not a starter

We wouldn’t be surprised if Onynenekwu has a breakout year.  He flashes, but still lacks a true feel for the game at this point. 

Top Prospects

Position/Size

Class/Other Notes

Summary

#3 Bobby Rainey

RB/5’8 205

• Senior
• Finished 3^rd in NCAA football with 1,649 yards rushing and 15 TDs
• Earned 1^st Team All-SBC honors

It wouldn’t surprise us if Rainey made a push for 1,800 yards in his final season.  His combination of swivel hips and active legs keep him a threat long after contact.  He attacks holes, can catch the football and displays unique balance.  Can he pass protect?

#93 Quanterus Smith

DE-OLB-6’5 246

• Junior
• 47 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 10.5 TFLs

Smith grabbed the attention of many within the conference with his athleticism a year ago.  He lines up all over the place and can bend to make plays a variety of ways. 

2^nd Tier

#82 Jack Doyle

TE/6’6 244

• Junior
• Ranked 2^nd on the squad with 365 yards in 2010

He’s been one of the team’s unsung leaders over the last two seasons.  The team forces him to know a lot of positions and he is ultra-competitive.  Doyle does a lot well, but has yet to show sufficient play strength. 

#77 Wes Jefferies

OT/6’4 298

• Senior
• Has started since his redshirt freshman season

The 2^nd Team All-SBC selection benefits from solid footwork.  For him to grow into a more dominant force, he has to play with more urgency from snap-to-snap. 

#76 Adam Smith

OG/6’5 334

• Junior
• Extensive duty at the OG position

He doesn’t look 334 at first glance.  His ability to engulf, block down or tie up DL has to excite Rainey. 

#5 Jared Clendenin

DE/6’3 270

• Senior
• Has aligned at three different spots for the team

He played well in 2009 vs. Tennessee, but he’s been forced to play the 3-technique due to the Hilltoppers’ lack of size up front.   Clendenin needs to improve his agility.

Top Prospects

Position/Size

Class/Other Notes

Summary

#32 Alfred Morris

RB/5’11 222

• Senior
• He ran for school-record 1,392 yards and 11 TDs in ‘09

Morris doesn’t waste time getting north and south.  The coaches will give him every opportunity to become the school’s all-time leader rusher in his senior year.

#92 Kevin Cyrille

DE/6’4 275

• Senior
• He registered 11.5 TFLs in ‘09
• Transfer

Cyrille struggled at times last year as he adjusted to splitting reps with teammates.  He’s got the necessary size and foot speed to get looks as a left DE. 

2^nd Tier

#52 Chris Newbold

RG/6’5 285

• Senior
• Started most of his junior year at RG

Newbold is a decent athlete but he has to improve his awareness in his senior year.  He may have to gain weight to stay inside due to his angular frame. 

#27 Marcus Bartels

FS/5’9 170

• Senior
• Two-time All-SBC selection
• Finished 3^rd on the team with 104 tackles in 2010

He filters through traffic and plays bigger than his size, but he can sometimes be out of control.  Bartels is the team’s most instinctive defender and has similar size and characteristics to current NY Jet Drew Coleman. 

#17 Micky Groddy

P/5’11 170

• Senior
• 1^st Team All-SBC in 2010

He has saved touchdowns on KORs (see Mich ST. ’10), but too often serves up returnable kicks.  He has to improve his block point; three of his kicks were blocked a year ago. 

Top Prospects

Position/Size

Class/Other Notes

Summary

#2 Benjamin Cunningham

RB/5’10 200

• Junior
• Averaged 5.4 yds/carry in 2010

Cunningham has the quickness and leg strength to be a factor when running inside.  We expect a much more productive 2010 and we like the fact that he contributes on the KO team.

#4 Malcolm Beyah

WR/5’11 191

• Senior
• Tallied 560 yards receiving as a freshman

Beyah can do a lot on the field, but it seems that his confidence seems to vary from game-to-game.  He’ll need to become a true #1 WR in 2011. 

#60 Brandon McElroy

OG/6’3 300

• Senior
• Most experienced MTSU OL

The team is hoping he will recover after he missed time this spring.  They ask him to connect a lot when pulling and trap inside.  While effective, he lacks great size or natural power. 

Top Prospects

Position/Size

Class/Other Notes

Summary

#5 Lance Dunbar

RB/5’9 203

• Senior
• Ran for 1,553 yards and 15 TDs

His combination of balance and pass receiving skill make him the Sun Belt’s most viable threat.  Dunbar has to improve in pass protection. 

#47 Brandon Akpunku

DE/6’1 240

• Senior
• Finished the 2010 season with 53 tackles and 3.5 sacks

Don’t be fooled by the numbers, Akpunku is relentless.  He also shows surprising skill in pass coverage.  We think he’s a 3-4 OLB projection.

#10 DaWaylon Cook

S-6’1 205

• Junior
• Earned All-SBC honors as a sophomore

Cook was very active in 2009 but an injury forced him to redshirt a year ago.  It will be imperative that he returns to form. 

2^nd Tier

#21 Royce Hill

CB/6’0 181

• Senior
• Effective as a kick returner in ‘09

Hill offers some special teams capability but probably isn’t sturdy enough to hold up there.  We think he’s a developmental corner with limited technique. 

#66 Brandon McCoy

DT/6’2 265

• Junior
• He’s already 26 years old after joining the Armed Forces out of High School

If you want to draw up what a football player should look like, look no further than the real ‘McCoy’.  He’s strength at the point of attack is very impressive.

Top Prospects

Position/Size

Class/Other Notes

Summary

#23 Demario Davis

SLB/6’3 230

• Senior
• 4.59 speed
• 75-yard INT return for TD vs. Iowa on 10/3/09

Davis’ combination of speed and cover skills make up one of the better skill sets at the LB spot in the conference.  He needs to play a full season in his final campaign.

#1 Darrion Edwards

CB /5’11 175

• Senior
• Led the team with 10 passes defensed in 2010

Edwards closes well from the outside in on in-breaking patterns.  He’s comfortable in off man coverage and moves with fluidity.  He’ll need to add some weight. 

#99 Brandon Joiner

DE/6’3 255

• Senior
• Former Texas A&M Aggie

While Joiner took a little time to adjust, he became fairly productive as the season wore on.  He should have a flashier final year.     

2^nd Tier

#92 Dorvus Woods

DE-6’3 265

• Senior
• 2^nd Team All-SBC choice in 2010
• Recorded 9 TFLs

He displays good space skill and will often align over the OC or OG in a quasi two-point stance to spy the QB.  Woods can close in short areas. 

#21 Kelcie McCray

SS-6’2 195

• Senior
• 79 tackles and 2 INTs in 2010

He needs to get stronger, but he reminds us of former teammate MD Jennings in his movement skills. 

#2 Taylor Stockemer

WR-6’4 210

• Junior
• Averaged 15 yds/catch in 2010

They will align him outside or in the slot.  Stockemer has sneaky speed and very good size.