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Small School Spotlight Special: Part VIII
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Written by Josh Buchanan
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Monday, 24 March 2008 06:29
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Our Small School Spotlight Series continues as Josh Buchanan previews another four-pack of players to keep an eye on for the 2009 NFL Draft.
RB BRANDEN ORE, WEST LIBERTY STATE, 5104, 204, 4.51 40
Ore was dismissed from Virginia Tech earlier this month with no details given by the school. It is believed Beamer and Ore had an altercation in which he told Ore he was no longer welcome. He almost declared early for the NFL Draft before deciding to come back. Before his removal from the program Ore collected 992 yards rushing in 2007 and 1,137 yards in 2006 on his way to 1st team All-ACC honors. Joining his cousin Darren Banks should attract several scouts to the school as Ore is a 3rd-5th round projection and Banks projects in the 4th-5th round range heading into the season.
OT TIM SILVER, RICHMOND, 6056, 308, 5.35 40
Silver entered 2007 getting legit draft looks from scouts before injuring his knees in the first game and sat out the rest of the year. He earned 3rd team All-Atlantic 10 honors in 2006 and has started at least one game since his freshman year. His potential as a late round prospect at right tackle will surely have scouts coming to check out his knee and his outstanding play in 2008. He is a smart player with great size who is likely to earn a late round grade entering the year.
WR JOHNNY KNOX, ABILENE CHRISTIAN, 5114, 190, 4.50 40
Knox could be a late round surprise. Many fans don’t know about him outside of the Lonestar Conference because he has only been at ACU for one season. The former Tyler College transfer burst onto the scene with 1,158 yards and 17 touchdowns last year after earning 2nd team JC All-American honors in ’06. He was named the Lonestar South receiver of the year for his efforts. He has average size but makes up for it with good hands, quickness, and speed. He could potentially be low 4.4 type with training. He enters the season as a potential late round value.
FB TYLER ROEHL, NORTH DAKOTA STATE, 5094, 233, 4.64 40
Roehl came out of nowhere to earn All-American and 1st team All-Great West honors in 2007 with an outstanding season. His 21 touchdowns and 1,431 yards on 6.9 yards per carry were very impressive. He lacks ideal bulk but has speed and has proven to be a good receiver out of the backfield. His only medical concern known is his broken leg in spring ball that forced him to redshirt in 2005. He will enter the season as a potential 7th to priority free agent type.
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