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The Small School Spotlight returns with a 5-pack of prospects to watch for the '09 draft!
OLB/SS BOBBY DALY, MONTANA STATE, 6003, 215, 4.75 40
Daly’s production has been outstanding over the last two years after putting up 121 tackles as a sophomore and 135 as a junior. He earned 1st team All-America and 1st team All-Big Sky honors as well and also accumulated 15.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. He is undersized for linebacker but has the body of a NFL safety. Scouts love his hips and how well he opens up. He also has a good football IQ and reacts well. His below average speed for a safety will have to be improved in order to get drafted. With his production and smarts Daly enters the season as a priority free agent grade.
CB DEVON HUGHES, HENDERSON STATE, 5086, 178, 4.51 40
Hughes has been among the productive corners in the D2 level over the last few years. He started his career with 2 interceptions as a freshman and followed that up with 9 over his last two years. He earned All-GSC honors each of the last two seasons and garnered honorable mention All-America honors as a junior. He displays good ball skills and hands. His negatives are his height and level of competition. A postseason all-star game is a must to see his true NFL potential. He enters the season as a free agent grade.
WR JOHNNY KNOX, ABILENE CHRISTIAN, 5112, 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.
DE MARIO LANE, MOREHOUSE, 6050, 274, 4.85E
Lane, a former Alabama commitment, is tough to get a feel for on paper because his numbers are average, however, they are incorrect. If you watch film, you will see that he has forced fumbled and hurries than what is listed. He was ineligible in 2005 and 2006 after transferring from Alabama State. Expect him to earn a priority free agent grade from most with a chance to be drafted once he improves his speed.
WR GARRETT MANNING, HENDERSON STATE, 6014, 205, 4.41 40
Looking for a potential draft sleeper in ’08? Look no further. Manning moved from quarterback to receiver for the last game in ’07 and caught 5 passes for 159 yards and 2 touchdowns. His breakout performance, size/speed combo, and athletic ability make him a possible draft pick after a full year at the receiver position. Manning was also a punter who earned 1st team All-GSC honors in 2006. A former Blinn JC transfer, Manning just needs game experience at receiver. He enters the season as a priority free agent with the sleeper tag as a potential early stock riser.
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