College Bowl Preview: Rose Bowl

Rose Bowl

January 1, Pasadena, California

Ohio State (10-2) vs. Oregon (10-2)

ABC, 3:30 p.m. CST

OHIO STATE

#4 S Kurt Coleman, 5-10, 189 pounds – An all-Big 10 Conference first-teamer in the ‘09 season, Coleman is a team captain and the brains of the Ohio State defense. This season he had 64 total tackles, with a sack, three forced fumbles and five interceptions. He took one of those picks back 89 yards for a score against Wisconsin, and he added 14 tackles. Coleman also was suspended for one-game by the Big 10 for a helmet-to-helmet hit against Indiana. Over his career, he played in 43 games with 215 total tackles, nine interceptions, one returned for a TD. He also blocked two kicks.

Evaluation – Coleman lacks the size teams look for at safety, both strong and free. But during his time with the Buckeyes he has been very active in going after the ball, especially as the tackler. He’s got a great work-ethic in the weight room and works hard at studying the game. Scouts view him as a late third, early fourth-round prospect.

#87 DE Lawrence Wilson, 6-3, 268 pounds – A broken leg ended his 2007 season in the season opener and he ended up with a steel rod in his leg. The next year, he suffered a torn ACL that required surgery and missed the season’s final six games. Those injuries forced Wilson to restructure his game and this season he’s shown that he can be disruptive, if not like he was in his first year at Ohio State. Wilson has played in 38 games, with 57 total tackles, seven sacks and two interceptions.

Evaluation – The physical components are all good when it comes to size, quickness and agility. For a big man he’s a very good athlete and has shown the ability to handle all the duties of a defensive end in the 4-3. He can play either side and he’s very good laterally. His pass rush needs work as he seldom shows a second move in trying to get to the passer. Teams will be worried about his injury history and that will knock him down to the fifth or sixth-round.

OREGON

#83 TE Ed Dickson, 6-4, 245 pounds –As a red-shirt freshman, Dickson played nine games at defensive end during the ‘06 season. That’s when he was moved to tight end for the final four games, where he caught four passes for 45 yards. He quickly transformed to the position. He’s played 51 games, with 124 catches, 1,557 yards and 12 touchdowns. This season, Dickson caught 42 passes for 551 yards and six TDs.

Evaluation – Strong and fast, he has above average speed for the position and Dickson is also upper-body strong, bench pressing over 400 pounds. He’s got the type of body that can carry more pounds. He has soft and reliable hands and can take the routes deep. Dickson has shown he’s willing to go over the middle to make the catch. He’s not a drive blocker and he’ll have to improve in that area in the NFL. Dickson should be a late second-round choice in a strong tight-end class in this year’s draft.

#6 CB Walter Thurmond, 5-10, 185 pounds – He’s a three-year starter for the Ducks on the corner and had been very durable, missing only a game in ‘08 because of the after-effects of a concussion before this season. He went down in the season’s fourth game with a sprained knee that ended his season. Thurmond was very active on special teams, as well as on defense. Over his career, he played in 41 games with 12 interceptions, including three that he returned for touchdowns. He also returned one fumble for a TD and one punt return as well. Thurmond averaged 25.4 yards on 31 kickoff returns and had 253 total tackles with 1.5 sacks.

Evaluation – Very gifted athlete with all the physical skills the NFL seeks from a corner. He’s fluid, quick twitch, confident, willing to be aggressive and a good tackler. Other than adding a few pounds, there isn’t much more he can bring to the game. He also has the personality to play the corner and walk away from one play and get to the next. He is very good as a returner as well. Thurmond should be a fourth to fifth-round selection, especially after the injury. His rehab has gone well and there’s a chance he’ll be ready to go for the Combine.