LSU vs. Georgia … College Preview 10/3

Every year, LSU seems to be loaded with potential NFL players. Certainly the Chiefs think so, no matter who is making the pick, as three of their most recent first round selections in the NFL Draft have been Bayou Bengals.

As usual, coach Les Miles has a roster bulging with potential pros, including WR Brandon LaFell (right) who was considered one of the top 10 players coming into the ‘09 college season.

Over at Georgia, the Bulldogs are struggling this year and it’s visible in their list of NFL prospects which is considerably smaller than normal for this program. Last year, they had guys like QB Matt Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno who were first round picks. Right now, only LB Rennie Curran is considered a potential first-rounder and that would likely be late in the round.

These teams will face each other in Athens, Georgia with a 2:30 CDT kickoff. You can watch on CBS.

Here are the prospects:

LOUISIANA STATE

WR Brandon LaFell (#1) – 6-3, 206 pounds, SR-Redshirt: The scouting services used by NFL teams (National & BLESTO) have LaFell rated as the top receiver coming out in this year’s draft. He actually put his name in last year, but changed his mind and returned to Baton Rouge. Physically, he has all the tools NFL teams are looking for at receiver with his size, body type and good speed. Plus, he has good hands, good leaping ability and he loves to block down field. LaFell is a very physical player which should make his transition to the NFL that much easier. In the ‘08 season, he caught 63 passes for 929 yards and eight TDs. During his LSU career, he has 118 catches for 1,725 yards and 14 TDs. Last weekend he had six catches f or 101 yards and two TDs against Mississippi State. LaFell is a first rounder, top 10-type pick.

SS Harry Coleman (#24) – 6-1, 206 pounds, SR-Redshirt: Last year, Coleman led the Tigers in tackles with 71 in his first year as a starter. In his first two seasons, he was one of LSU’s best special teams players, handling coverage and also kickoff and punt returns. Coleman is better at run support than coverage, which is why he’s playing linebacker this season for the Tigers and is leading the team in tackles with 25 tackles. He has played 43 games for coach Les Miles, with 130 career tackles. He’s an older player, who will turn 24 in November. Coleman is considered a second-round talent at safety, but not linebacker where he’s playing now.

FS Chad Jones (#3) – 6-3, 230 pounds, JR: Was the SEC special teams player of the week for his play against Mississippi State last week and the Walter Camp defensive player of the week. Jones had seven tackles and returned a punt 93 yards for a touchdown and the winning points. He then knocked down a pass in the end zone as Mississippi State tried to take the lead back. He has good size and power, and he plays faster than his clocked 40-yard dash time of 4.55 seconds. Over 31 games with LSU, he has 104 total tackles, four interceptions and he’s averaged 10.8 yards on 29 punt returns. The second round is where scouts believe Jones will be drafted.

OT Ciron Black (#70) – 6-4, 322 pounds, SR-Redshirt: Black has been a starter since his first game on the field, doing all his work at left tackle where he now has 44 career starts. Massive man who has very good power and strength, scouts think he lacks the foot quickness to play left tackle in the NFL. Probably headed for RT or inside at guard. There’s a spot for him in the NFL, but it won’t be at the money position on the QB’s blind side. Black is considered a second-round player.

WR Terrance Toliver (#80) – 6-4, 206 pounds, JR: Having LaFell on the other side of the field has given Toliver more opportunities in the LSU offense this season. He already has 13 catches for 206 yards as teams concentrate coverage on their teammate. Good size and body, with OK speed. He’s a capable receiver and in 31 games he has 49 catches for 772 yards and six touchdowns. Toliver is viewed as a late second-round talent.

GEORGIA

LB Rennie Curran (#35) – 5-11, 225 pounds, JR: Curran led the Bulldogs in tackles last year with a total of 115, plus three sacks and two forced fumbles. Small package, but he delivers a powerful blow and is quick in striking. He’s playing the middle linebacker spot this season for Georgia, probably not the position that he’ll play in the NFL. Curran had 15 total tackles against South Carolina early this season, but the Bulldogs defense is having some problems coming together. In 28 games, he already has 208 total tackles, with six sacks, two forced fumbles and a recovered fumble. Curran could improve his standing with another big year, and he’s considered a late first-early second-round pick.

SS Reshad Jones (#9) – 6-2, 212 pounds, JR-Redshirt: Jones can cover a lot of ground in the secondary, as he has sub-4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash. He isn’t afraid to hit people either. In 30 games, he has 152 total tackles, with seven interceptions that he’s returned for 85 yards. Jones has the hands and speed to be a good return man in the NFL. His future may be at free safety rather than strong; NFL scouts view him as a second-rounder.

DT Jeff Owens (#95) – 6-1, 306 pounds, SR-Redshirt: Coming back after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee during last year’s season opener. He’s got the size, power and speed to be a force inside in the NFL. Doesn’t post a lot of statistics, but he has the ability to fill two gaps and force more than one person to block him. Lacks a real pass rush presence. Owens is considered a good character guy, who has been honored for his work in the community. So far this season, he has six total tackles in four games. Over his 44-game career he has 76 total tackles. Comes in to the season viewed as a third-round pick, but could move up with a strong performance in his final year with the Bulldogs.

DT Geno Atkins (#) – 6-1, 290 pounds, SR: Atkins is a short, stumpy inside defender who struggled last year after a strong sophomore season. With good explosion off the snap, he has an explosive punch and is able to handle blocks very well. There are questions about his work ethic and his conditioning last year, but he supposedly was the defensive star of Georgia’s spring ball. So far this season, he’s moved back and forth between DT and DE, and did not start last week’s game against Arizona State. Right now, his stock with scouts is dropping because of his poor start. Atkins has fallen now into the fourth or fifth-round range.