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NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

The Abilene Christian trio of QB BILLY DON MALONE (6022, 236), WR JOHNNY KNOX (5115, 183), and RB BERNARD SCOTT (5104, 197) were outstanding in ACU’s blowout win over Southeastern Oklahoma last weekend and showed why all three could be drafted next April. Malone was accurate all night long with 317 yards and three touchdowns on 17 of 19 passing, with just one pick. His effort earned him Co-South Offensive Player of the Week honors as well. Scott rushed for 161 yards and two scores on 14 attempts and averaged an impressive 11.5 yards per carry. He also had three catches for 27 yards. Knox was very impressive showing his speed, hands, and ability to get open with six grabs for 140 yards and one score. Knox is an intriguing player who could churn out a 4.3 40 at the NFL Combine and should be a better player than 2nd round pick and speedster Dexter Jackson at the next level.

The SIAC named Tuskegee QB JACARY ATKINSON (6014, 199) the Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 362 yards and two scores on 19 of 34 passing in their win over Stillman. He also rushed for 95 yards on 11 attempts and one more score.

Montana QB COLE BERGQUIST (6014, 205) was impressive in a 29-24 victory over UC Davis Saturday night with 255 yards and two scores on 19 of 29 passing while rushing for 12 yards on five attempts. He still needs to show better mobility but most scouts consider him a camp guy due to average athletic ability. If he can continue to rack up solid numbers he should at least get a free agent look in the summer.

The Ivy League just started their season this past week and Harvard CB ANDREW BERRY (5117, 174) had a standout game leading the Crimson with eight stops and two pass breakups. While Berry’s lack of bulk for the position and speed probably make him a secondary league prospect, he certainly is a player to monitor if he were to improve on his speed.

There is a new rising star in the GSC from Delta State and his name is GREGORY BETTERSON (5106, 170), a receiver, who is #2 on the team in catches with 17 and leads the team with 339 yards and six touchdowns. Betterson had eight grabs for 83 yards and four touchdowns in their win over Harding on Saturday.

Division III rarely produces draftable players but Hartwick QB JASON BOLTUS (6025, 219) is making a push after breaking the school’s all-time career passing record after putting up 460 yards, four scores, and two picks on 36 of 59 passing. If he can improve on his reads and just continue to put up amazing numbers he will certainly get a long look in the postseason.

Some had labeled him as a faller in terms of stock until this week as Central Arkansas TE MARQUEZ BRANSON (6022, 247) had five catches for 174 yards and three scores. Branson provided big plays all day including a long catch of 79 yards.

The offensive line is one of the few heralded positions on the field but Hampton OG DENNIS CONLEY (6015, 299) earned some attention this week by earning MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Week after posting three pancake blocks this past week and led a unit that put up 424 yards of total offense.

Although he did not win player of the week plaudits, Howard LB ENDOR COOPER (6012, 253) had an impressive game with 17 tackles, including eight solos, and two and a half for loss in their loss to Florida A&M. Cooper has been all over the field early in the season and has seen his stock increase slightly. His stock will really soar if he can continue to dominate like he has been.

Northern Arizona K/P ROBBIE DEHAZE (6026, 193) earned Big Sky Special Teams Player of the Week honors with a pair of 32-yard fields in their non-conference road win over Southern Oregon. Dehaze put NAU ahead 13-7 late in the second quarter with his second field goal and averaged 44 yards on six punts, with a long of 55. He had three punts downed inside the 20-yard line and had three touchbacks on his four kickoffs.

Despite all the attention on the West Liberty State stars in the game Saturday, Mars Hill boasts a solid free agent type prospect in DE/DT CHRIS DOWDELL (6042, 279) and he did not disappoint with two stops on the day with one for loss, a sack, and a fumble recovery.

Perhaps one of the greatest players in Great West Conference history put on his greatest performance of his career Saturday in their loss to Montana as UC Davis DT JOHN FALETOESE (6014, 295) earned Special Teams Player of the Week honors and was nominated on defense as well. Faletoese finished with two tackles, one for loss, a sack, and showed his ability to contribute on special teams in the NFL by blocking an extra-point attempt and a field goal attempt. The first block was on a PAT attempt in the first quarter and his second came in the fourth quarter on a 34-yard field goal attempt. Those were his second and third blocks of the year and eighth for his career.

Hampton WR/PR JEREMY GILCHRIST (5086, 171) broke his own single-season record Saturday with a punt return for 88 yards for a touchdown in their victory over Florida A&M to earn MEAC Special Teams Player of the Week. It did not stop with the long return as he ran for seven yards on one carry and caught two passes for 25 yards on top of his six punt returns for 195 yards, including the 88-yard touchdown.

Despite falling to Northern Iowa in defeat, South Dakota State had a few standout performances and one was from WR JARON HARRIS (6003, 189) with nine grabs for 120 yards. Harris is considered a 4.50 type guy but will likely hit the 4.4 range in the postseason and could rise up boards from a free agent to borderline draft pick.

James Madison SS MARCUS HAYWOOD (6001, 188) was key in their upset win over #1 Appalachian State Saturday night with 14 tackles, one for loss, and a pass breakup. His performance was impressive all night long as he showed sideline to sideline speed and did a solid job covering App’s talented receivers.

Tennessee State QB ANTONIO HEFFNER (6001, 202), a former South Carolina transfer, earned Offensive Player of the Week honors by the OVC and The Sports Network, his second honor from the OVC. He finished the game completing 20 of 28 passes for 312 yards and three scores. Heffner led the Tigers to a conference-opening victory over defending champion EKU and showed why some scouts feel he could be an athlete, especially on the ground with nine carries for 47 yards and 360 yards of total offense. His lack of size will keep him from being a QB in the NFL and will have to earn a spot as an athlete.

While the defense overall did not play well, North Dakota State had a stellar effort from LB RAMON HUMBER (5106, 222) with 12 tackles, one for loss, and a forced fumble in their loss to Youngstown State. Humber is an undersized but productive player with good speed and instincts. Most teams have him as a priority free agent at this point.

Jason Boltus is not the only D3 player on the radar as Wheaton College CB PETE ITTERSAGEN (5102, 184) has been impressive thus far and showed his talent making five tackles, one for loss, an interception, breakup, and a sack. He also had two punt returns for 52 yards on the day.

Even though it is just four games into the season there is one D2 player creating a huge buzz at Elizabeth City State in FS RODRICK JONES (5116, 179) after earning his third CIAA Defensive Back of the Week honor this year with 13 stops, including seven solos, and a forced fumble in their loss to Wingate. Jones leads the CIAA with 47 tackles on the year. Jones could really boost his stock if he bulks up and drops his 40 from the 4.70 range.

In what was one of the most emotional games of the year so far, James Madison QB RODNEY LANDERS (6000, 217) was terrific at the end of the game, despite a few mistakes, to help secure the win. Landers ran 20 times for 113 yards and two touchdowns in their second half comeback and completed 7 of 13 passes for 96 yards and one touchdown. This performance earned him CAA Offensive Player of the Week honors.

One player flying under the radar that is sure to catch the attention of scouts is Henderson State WR GARETT MANNING (6013, 201) due to his upside and big play ability. Manning finished with 12 catches for 265 yards and three touchdowns on the night and showed why scouts who aren’t taking a look are missing out. One thing that makes him a more attractive prospect is his ability to punt which he showed by punting three times for 117 yards, averaging 39.0 per punt. He also nailed a 41-yarder included in that performances and booted one inside the 20. Most scouts think he is a 4.8 guy but school officials have timed him in the 4.5 range. If he can run in the 4.5s, expect him to surely to create a buzz in the league.

After recently being added to my pro hopefuls list at D2football.com, West Texas A&M WR CHARLY MARTIN (6011, 205) has been solid and was outstanding Saturday with eight catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns to lead WTAMU in receiving, as usual. His 24 catches for 408 yards and five scores leads the team in all categories, respectively.

This week’s MIAA Offensive Player of the Week was Nebraska-Omaha QB ZACHARY MILLER (6037, 236) after a standout game this past weekend with 338 yards of offense and five scores as he led the Mavericks over Missouri Southern on Saturday night. Miller rushed for 195 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries, including a 65-yard run. He was 9 of 13 passing for 143 yards and two scores, with no picks.

While ACU QB Billy Malone has garnered most of the attention from scouts, West Texas A&M QB KEITH NULL (6031, 222) has been very solid this year and is not the only small school Texas QB worth a look. Null finished with 368 yards and four touchdowns on 30 of 42 passing and just one pick. He also went without being sacked and ran for two yards on just one attempt. Most consider Null a pure pocket passer and with his numbers so far that theory has a lot of support.

Former Virginia Tech start, BRANDEN ORE (5110, 205), has been very impressive thus far and only added to his hot start with 126 yards and one touchdown on 19 touches. The current West Liberty State star is the #3 rusher in the WVIAC with 136.8 yards per game and four touchdowns on the season, averaging 7.0 yards per carry. Ore also had one catch for 29 yards on the night and showed why he is considered an every down back at the next level.

While he just had an average start to the season, North Dakota State RB TYLER ROEHL (5095, 227) is still considered a possible late round selection and showed why in their loss to Youngstown State with 104 yards and two scores on just 14 carries.

In the win over Norfolk State, William & Mary QB JAKE PHILLIPS (6022, 208) had a stellar performance with 204 yards and four touchdowns on 14 of 26 passing. He was not perfect with two picks and was sacked twice but still flashed the arm and vision that have caught the attention of NFL scouts.

The Ivy League finally opened their season this past week and the top prospect, Harvard QB CHRISTOPHER PIZZOTTI (6053, 224) put on a show in their come-from-behind victory over Holy Cross. He threw for 370 yards and one score on 30 of 44 passing while rushing for two more touchdowns. All three of his scores came in the fourth quarter as they scored 13 unanswered points in the last nine minutes to take the win.

The media has been slowly learning about Central Washington QB MIKE REILLY (6026, 211) while scouts have had him on the radar since last season and his production throughout the year has been proof that he is draft worthy after another stellar outing Saturday. He threw for 311 yards and two scores on 23 of 40 passing and tallied 11 yards rushing and one score as CWU blew out Humboldt State 48-10.

Colgate RB JORDAN SCOTT (5091, 206) became the All-Time Patriot League leading rusher after thrashing the Dartmouth for 239 yards and two scores on 29 attempts. Scott now has 5,015 yards rushing in his career after breaking the old mark of 4,834 yards by Lafayette’s Erik Marsh. Scott’s effort earned him Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Earning his first SWAC Defensive Player of the Week honor this season, Alcorn State LB LEE ROBINSON (6021, 246) was all over the field with nine tackles, including seven solos, two for loss, a sack, and two hurries. Robinson was disruptive in the backfield and showed his sideline to sideline speed during the game. He also showed his ability in coverage with an interception and one pass breakup.

While Branden Ore is gaining most of the national attention among backs in this game, there has been one player overlooked in Glenville State RB JERRY SEYMOUR (5052, 216). Seymour is #1 in the WVIAC with 176.2 yards per game and six touchdowns on the season had another big game Saturday with 254 yards and one touchdown on 25 attempts, averaging 10.2 per carry in their heartbreaking loss to Seton Hill. Seymour has averaged a whopping 9.5 per carry through the four contests and could surprise in training camp next summer.

Southwest Minnesota State QB JOSH SHUDLICK (6044, 223) was outstanding in their victory over Upper Iowa as he threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns on 23 of 35 passing. His final pass was a 54-yard touchdown with 10 seconds left for the game-winning score. This was his second straight 300-yard plus passing game and his seventh in the past nine games to earn him NSIC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Shudlick is a possible sleeper to turn up on the NFL radar over the next few weeks.

NFL teams constantly look for big quarterbacks who produce while scouring the FCS for prospects and one that is fitting that mold is Prairie View A&M QB MARK SPIVEY (6044, 220) after throwing for 252 yards, three scores, and just one pick on 16 of 25 passing. He also rushed for 77 yards and one touchdown on 10 attempts in their win at Mississippi Valley State. This performance earned him SWAC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

One player that scouts were waiting to see have a big game is Nicholls State S LARDARIUS WEBB (5093, 159) finally had his, although the hurricane probably did a better job of holding him back than any previous opponent has on special teams. Webb earned Southland Conference Special Teams Player of the Week honors after scoring his team’s only touchdown when he scooped up a blocked field goal and returned it 70 yards. He also added three kickoff returns for 68 yards and added a punt return.

Alabama A&M LB ALFRED WILLIAMS (6010, 235), a former duke transfer, tallied seven tackles, half for loss, half a sack, and one hurry to earn SWAC Newcomer of the Week honors. NFL teams like FBS transfers in the FCS and that could mean Williams gets a look in camp if he continues this solid play.

While there was a buzz around the NFL that Tennessee State RB JAVARRIS WILLIAMS (5093, 218) has seen his stock drop he must have been listening as he went wild on Eastern Kentucky with 117 yards and three scores on 17 touches, averaging 6.9 per carry. Williams also caught three passes for 29 yards and could have resurrected his stock, which was severely needed due to his average performances early in the season. I have liked Williams ever since last year and think he is underrated by many outlets and has a chance to be a solid mid-late round pick next April.

If Union College LB WILLIE WILLIAMS (6027, 211) continues to wreak havoc he could certainly play his way back onto the national radar after putting up seven stops and two sacks this past weekend. Despite his off field issues there is no denying that he is one of the top five most talent small school prospects in this year’s draft and will only go undrafted due to his past record.

Youngstown pulled an upset over #2 North Dakota State due to the play of CB DE’ANGELO WILSON (5092, 195), a former Nebraska transfer, after his pick in the end zone with 22 seconds left to seal the Penguins’ 32-24 win. He finished the night with two picks, his first he returned 26 yards to set up the Penguins’ first touchdown of the game (10-0). In the second quarter, Wilson blocked the second career field goal of his career and finished with three tackles. Wilson earned Missouri Valley Defensive Player of the Week honors for his outstanding play, respectively.

SCOUTS BUZZ

NFL scouts have been seen at Cal Poly in full force over the last few weeks due to WR RAMSES BARDEN (6060, 220) due to his size, hands, and ability to dominate. His nine grabs for 176 yards and one score Saturday showed again why many scouts have him in the 2nd-3rd round on their boards despite just playing the first half.

While he finally caught a pass against James Madison, Appalachian State WR TJ COURMAN (5074, 190) has seen his stock drop over the last few weeks and could be falling off the radar completely if he doesn’t pick it up. While scouts have peaked at him they are noticing sophomore RB ROBERT WELTON (5104, 215) who ran for 92 yards and two scores Saturday night. Don’t be surprised if this big back is not on the radar in 2010.

Elizabeth City State FS RODRICK JONES (5116, 179) has been very impressive on the year and has drawn the attention of several area scouts. Jones lacks ideal bulk and speed for the position but is a proven playmaker that could draw late round consideration with a solid postseason both at an all-star game and at his pro day.

About half of the NFL’s 32 teams have visited Hillsdale College to evaluate ILB TOM KORTE (5117, 239), a four-year starter, who has great instincts, plays fast, and gives great effort. Most teams have him as a free agent due to his lack of size, however, his production and consistency have peaked the interest of several teams and has become a sleeper prospect to keep an eye on.

Despite very little traffic by NFL Scouts at games, Montana has had several come through practices over the last few weeks due to the play of OT BRENT RUSSUM, C JD QUINN, SS COLT ANDERSON, and QB COLE BERGQUIST.

Weber State has attracted a few area scouts over the last few weeks to take a look at FB MARCUS MAILEI and OT PAUL CARPENTER. Carpenter has ideal size at 6’6, 310 while Mailei can play the “H” back position as a receiver due to his hands and speed.

STOCK REPORT

UP

OG Roger Allen, Missouri Western

WR Ramses Barden, Cal Poly

WR Greg Betterson, Delta State

FS Rod Jones, Elizabeth City State

QB Mike Reilly, Central Washington

LB Willie Williams, Union College

DOWN

WR TJ Courman, Appalachian State

OT/OG William Giles, Chattanooga

CB Sean Smalls, UMASS