College Bowl Preview: Liberty & Alamo

Liberty Bowl

January 2, Memphis

Arkansas (7-5) vs. East Carolina (9-4)

ESPN, 4:30 p.m. CST

 

ARKANSAS
#66 G Mitch Petrus, 6-3, 315 pounds – Petrus has had a roller coaster career with the Razorbacks. He began as a freshman fullback, was moved to left guard and started 12 games in 2007 and received second-team all-SEC honors. He did not play in ‘08 because he was academically ineligible, but has comeback in 2009 with a strong season. Petrus played 30 games.

Evaluation – Although he has a thick body, Petrus does not pack a powerful punch and needs to increase his strength. His lack of experience at guard can be seen sometimes, but he’s improved tremendously, especially with the use of his hands. He’s known as a hard worker and always gives solid effort. Teams right now see him as a fourth and fifth-round selection.

#96 DT Malcolm Sheppard, 6-2, 290 pounds – Availability and flexibility have been pluses for Sheppard at Arkansas. He’s missed only one game in his career and that due to an ankle sprain. Plus, he’s played both defensive end and defensive tackle and has shown productivity at both spots. Sheppard played 50 games with 117 total tackles 38.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks, with three forced fumbles. This season he has 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks

Evaluation – A bit under-sized to play inside in the pros, so he might best be suited for outside. Sheppard has added weight and muscle in each of the last two off-seasons so he could get even bigger. His experience at end and tackle provides the type of versatility that teams like to see. Sheppard plays with a lot of fire and effort. He’s a sixth or seventh-round prospect.

EAST CAROLINA

#95 DE C.J. Wilson, 6-3, 278 pounds – This guy has been a sacking machine almost from the day he first stepped on the field for the Pirates. In his first season back in 2006 he grabbed four sacks, pretty good for a freshman. During his time at East Carolina he’s played both the left and right side when rushing the passer. Had a big ‘08 season when he earned Conference-USA Defensive MVP honors and conference player of the year awards as well. In his 53-game career, Wilson was part of 191 total tackles, with 45.5 tackles for loss and 27 sacks. He also forced four fumbles and blocked four kicks.

Evaluation – A relentless pass rusher who never stops chasing the quarterback, no matter the situation. Wilson lacks obvious explosion at the snap, but he has the type of quickness to find the quarterback and he’s been known to deliver some pretty big hits. Just on his natural abilities and size, he’s a fourth-round prospect. If he can show teams more in the evaluation process he could rise to the third round.

#4 FS Van Eskridge, 6-0, 195 pounds – He began his career as an outside linebacker, but moved to free safety going into his junior season of play for the Pirates. Eskridge always seems to be around the ball, and his career stats indicate that with his interceptions and fumbles. He played in 53 games and had 354 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He also had 11 interceptions, including one that he returned for a touchdown. He also returned a fumble for a TD. In ‘09 he had six interceptions with 93 total tackles.

Evaluation – Physical numbers are average and he does not have top end speed. But in his college career he has always seemed to find himself in the middle of the action and teams will like to see that as they are evaluating his tapes. He should be a sixth-round choice.

Alamo Bowl

January 2, San Antonio

Texas Tech (8-4) vs. Michigan State (6-6)

ESPN, 8 p.m. CST

TEXAS TECH

#76 G Brandon Carter, 6-6, 344 pounds – A second-team All-America after the 2008 season, he did not have a big senior season to improve his standing in the class of 2010. Carter played in 48 games with the Red Raiders and it’s safe to say pass blocking is his forte.

Evaluation – Physical numbers are very good and his strength is off the charts, but Carter lacks even average speed and that’s why he’s not rated higher than he is going into draft season. His initial punch in pass protection can be devastating and he seems to handle second moves well. He’s certainly more advanced at pass blocking thanks to the Tech passing offense the last few years. He’s viewed as a fourth or fifth-round choice.

#3 CB Jamar Wall, 5-10, 203 pounds – Got playing time early as a freshman and then became a starter for three years on the corner for the Cowboys. In 48 games in Lubbock, Wall has 179 total tackles, eight interceptions and two forced fumbles. He returned 23 kickoffs for an average of 22.3 yards. In ‘09 he had 52 total tackles and an interception.

Evaluation – Has the size and speed to play the corner, and being a three-year starter in the Big 12 certainly gives him a lot of experience at playing the cover corner. His ability as a returner will help his stock as well. He figures to be a fourth to fifth-round selection.

MICHIGAN STATE

#25 WR Blair White, 6-2, 200 pounds – Began his career in East Lansing as a walk-on and advanced to status as a two-year starter. In 39 games he caught 110 passes for 1,560 yards and nine TDs. In the ‘09 season he had 64 catches for 876 yards and eight TDs. White has a string of 23 consecutive games with a catch. He earned first-team Academic All-America honors thanks to his 3.89 GPA in human biology.

Evaluation – Here are numbers that the NFL loves to see for a guy like White: 41 of his 64 catches during the ‘09 season resulted in either a first down or a touchdown. Because his first two years were largely without offensive production, NFL teams don’t know how good he might be. But his special teams work in those two years will pay dividends for him in the evaluation process. He’s a fourth-round prospect.