Small School Insider Josh Buchanan continues his 2009 Spotlight Series with installment #20.
OT SAMUEL ALLEN, GRAND VALLEY STATE, 6054, 280, 5.06
Allen earned HM All-GLIAC honors at left tackle in his second season as a starter. While Brandon Barnes (Ravens) deserved the hype he received, Allen is considered an unsung hero of the line and was a main cog in last year’s unit. He will need to add weight but brings great height and athletic ability. Barnes enters the season with a 7th round projection but has the potential to move into the mid-rounds with a dominant senior campaign.
OG DAKARAI GRIMSLEY, MORGAN STATE, 6040, 363, 5.78
Grimsley has flown under the radar due to the MEAC coaches and media not honoring him last season but this two-year starter brings great strength and athletic ability to the position. He has started at left tackle in the past but will move to left guard in 2008. Grimsley is strong and a solid run blocker but needs to drop some weight and improve his speed before being considered more than a 7th round or PFA type. If he can get in better shape he could possibly be drafted in the mid-rounds based on his physical tools.
ILB ANDREW SCHANTZ, PORTLAND STATE, 6010, 225, 4.70E
Schantz lacks superior athleticism but brings excellent toughness and smarts. His great instincts were shown when he registered 85 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and three sacks as a junior. He also returned a fumble for a touchdown and forced three more in nine games. His numbers are even more impressive after missing two games with a torn MCL after transferring from San Diego State in 2007. If Schantz can stay healthy and improve his estimated forty-time, there is no reason why he shouldn’t improve on his preseason 7th-PFA grade by NFL teams.
James Madison University has Eugene Holloman a 2006 all coference running back. He missed most of lat year with a minor knee injury. This year starting with JMU vs Duke he will move to the top of everyones list as the top running back in the nation in all of college football. You heard it know watch it as it unfolds in front your eyes.
