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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. OT CUYLER GROTH, SUNY BROCKPORT, 6057, 320, 5.60 40
Groth has been dominant at the D3 level and his size, wingspan, and strong play has attracted the attention of scouts. Awards are nothing new to him as he was named an AFCA All-American and earned 1st team All-ACFC honors at right tackle last season. One question he will get is why he did not dominate until this past season. He missed half of 2006 with an injury and did not really bloom until this past year. While he probably won’t get drafted unless he can improve his 40 time, he is a project worth taking on.
WR JARON HARRIS, SOUTH DAKOTA STATE, 6004, 190, 4.48 40
Harris has plenty of ability and speed. He is much faster than the 4.4 he ran for the scouts due to his tweaked hand this spring that has kept him from working on his 40. He set the 100 meter state record in high school and flashes the speed to become a game changer. Much bigger than most of his speed (6’1, 200) he presents a tough match up. He only played one season of high school football and shows a major upside and even though Harris is raw he still earned All-Great West honors every year in college. He is a big, strong kid who is worker harder than he had early in his career and has the looks of a sleeper in 2009. The bloodlines are certainly there as his father spent some time in the NFL and his second cousin is the great Jerry Rice. Harris will probably earn a priority free agent grade entering the season, however, if he can get in the 4.3 range and a have a huge senior season the mid to late rounds are not out of the question.
QB TERRY MAYO, TEXAS A&M COMMERCE, 6026, 245, 4.75 40
For those who have not seen Texas A&M Commerce QB Terry Mayo, you are missing out on a big, strong armed passer who has the tools for the NFL. He can throw on the run, displays decent mobility, and can make the throws teams want. Mayo’s problem will be his age. He was born in 1981 and will be 29 years old when he enters a NFL training camp and will only have a few years in the pros. He earned 2nd team All-Lonestar North honors after passing for 1,414 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior. Don’t expect Mayo to get drafted, but he should get into a camp for sure.
OLB/SS SHAWN MELLAND, UNIVERSITY OF MARY (ND), 6042, 222, 4.65 40
Melland weighed 195 pounds in high school and was overlooked by major programs. Soon they will find they missed out on a fine player. He is a big, agile player who does well in space and can cover. His negatives will be his level of competition, lack of pass rush moves, and technique. He is also a big time playmaker as he returned 2 of his 5 picks for touchdowns and returned a fumble for one as well. Melland finished the season with 82 tackles, 8 for loss, 5 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, a sack, 3 breakups, and 3 total touchdowns. He is getting better each year that goes by and has the upside teams are looking for. There is only one minor incident of baggage with him but it is nothing to worry about now. Expect Melland to receive priority free agent grades from most but his athletic ability could land him in the draft with a stellar senior season.
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