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Want to be prepared for this year's draft, then get the 2008 NFL Draft Bible. Want to know who's on our radar for '09, then check out the latest preview from our small-school expert Josh Buchanan.
Over the next few weeks I will highlight some small school players to watch for next season that scouts have already taken notice of. In each installment I will highlight some names who will be on the NFL radar this coming season. QB JASON BOLTUS, HARTWICK, 6026, 230lbs, 4.50 40
Boltus comes from Division 3 Hartwick College in New York where fans and media have yet to see this possible diamond in the rough. He is a pre med major who is just as strong as he is smart (23-27 bench reps). His head coach, Mark Carr, said he is better than Carr himself was coming out and Carr was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. Boltus, a former Albany transfer, finished with 3,986 yards and 38 touchdown passes to earn Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Year honors as a junior. He displays a strong arm, good mobility, and touch on his passes. He will have to become more consistent before he earns a draft grade but he is definitely worth looking at this season. Boltus enters the season as a priority free agent.
DT LOUIS ELLIS, SHAW, 6032, 295lbs, 5.20 40
Ellis, a former Hinds CC transfer, is one of those players you smile about on paper. He is 6’3 plus, 290 plus, and finished the season with 8 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss in ‘07. He was named the CIAA Defensive Player of the Year and earned 2nd team All-America accolades as a junior. His play on the field is somewhat of a letdown. He takes plays off, not giving full effort, and a player who does not dominate every time you watch him. Due to his size, upside, and production he is worth a look, though. If the light bulb comes on and he realizes his potential, he could vault from priority free agent status to a solid mid-late round prospect.
RB HERB DONALDSON, WESTERN ILLINOIS, 5102, 225lbs, 4.60 40
Donaldson compares heavily to Xavier Omon of this year’s draft in that he is a bigger back who gives out the punishment rather than take it and he won’t wow you with his speed. Donaldson is expected to run in the 4.5 range after training but due to lack of winter conditioning, he will more than likely be a 4.6 type when the scouts run him in May. He earned All-America mention and 1st team All-Gateway plaudits as a junior with 1,491 yards, 10 touchdowns on the ground, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He is a tough player who has rarely missed any games due to injuries. His ability to get back to full speed after making a move could be improved and his top speed is not that of an elite back but his toughness, production, and running style will certainly earn him a late round grade heading into the season.
OLB JASON WILLIAMS, WESTERN ILLINOIS, 6022, 235lbs, 4.54 40
Williams will be one of the more intriguing small school players in next year’s draft. After starting his career at running back he moved to safety and then to linebacker. He started the last two years at OLB, earning AFCA All-America honors after tallying 107 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks during his junior campaign. His speed, shedding blocks, and ability to stop the run are among some of his strengths. He will need to work on hand use, consistency, and prove he can dominate at a higher level of competition. His athletic ability will make him a highly coveted prospect and possibly earn him a mid round grade with an improved senior season.
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