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.
CB SAM POPE, HAMPTON, 5114, 200, 4.45E
Pope, a former South Carolina transfer, could join Jackie Bates and Jeremy Gilchrist in the pipeline of Hampton stars to make it in the NFL. Pope has ideal size and good speed for the next level. He is a hard hitting corner who just needs to polish his skills and technique. He earned 1st team All-MEAC honors last season with 5 interceptions and 6 pass breakups. Expect him to possibly earn draft grades due to his physical tools and the Hampton lineage.
SS/CB LARDARIUS WEBB, NICHOLLS STATE, 5106, 173, 4.43
Webb, a former Southern Miss transfer, exploded onto the FCS scene by earning 1st team All-American honors, 1st team All-Southland, and Southland Newcomer of the Year with 5 interceptions, 8 pass breakups, and solid numbers in kick and punt returns. He transferred after getting with the wrong crowd and realized he needed a fresh start. Since then he has been of good character at Nicholls State. He plays safety but his lack of bulk will probably force a move to corner at the next level. He brings a hard-hitting style and versatility as he can play receiver, return punts and kicks, strong safety, corner, and can be a gunner on special teams. He did not run for the scouts in the spring so many might under estimate his speed initially. Many people spell his name incorrectly so make sure not to disrespect this superstar by spelling his first name as Ladarius and spell it as Lardarius. Expect him to carry mid round grades heading into the year with potential to move in the top 100 draft picks.
RB JAY LUCAS, SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA, 5104, 220, 4.51
Lucas, a two-time All-Southland performer, is a bigger back with good but not game breaking speed whose production can not be ignored. The former Texas A&M and Bowling Green transfer ran for 1,139 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior after running for 684 yards and 6 touchdowns in his sophomore campaign. He has the potential to earn a draft grade if he can have a good senior year and postseason. He should enter the season with a late round or priority free agent grade.
K TAYLOR ROWAN, WESTERN ILLINOIS, 5114, 180
Rowan was one of the top kickers in the FCS level last year as he showed great leg strength by hitting a 53-yard field goal and was 28 for 28 on PATs on his way to earning 1st team All-Gateway honors. He will have to work on consistency as he missed some easy kicks while going 19 for 31 on the season. Once he improves his consistency he should quickly rise up draft boards.
