This game doesn’t draw as many stars as the Senior Bowl but wanted to share some notes I took the other night.
Caleb Murphy Edge Ferris State - first D-II player to win the Ted Hendricks Award (25.5 sacks.) Got a hustle sack. Looked like he belonged. 6030/254 & AFAIK not a Combine invite yet, probably late D3 pick or UDFA. Good sleeper to remember.
Aidan O’Connel QB Purdue - pretty accurate at times, made a nice touch throw on a deep intermediate sideline route.
DTR QB UCLA - played the most of the 6 QBs by a good margin. Not impressed.
Xazavian Valladay RB Arizona State - he got what was there, I could see him making an NFL roster.
Jordan Mims RB Fresno State - nice twitch, ripped off a 30 yarder with an outstanding cut outside after getting through the first level.
Brodeic Martin Western Kentucky - 1-tech space eater (6045/337) but super quick swim move. Natural leader. Gonna be a great late Day 2/early Day 3 pick.
Nic Jones CB Ball State - very impressive, probably going to play slot corner but he can stick with his guy without getting too handsy. Very deep corner class so probably a d3 pick but he’s gonna be on somebody’s 53-man. 5116/191
Jake Moody K Michigan - 4/4 on FGA, two from 35 and two from 51. Couple of touchbacks & IIRC the other team ran back another from 8 yards deep (went badly.) He’s the real deal.
Zay Flowers WR Boston College - by all accounts the star of the week. Sat out the final practice & the game, he’d done enough. Should be a first round pick.
Ricky Stromberg C/G Arkansas 6031/315 - keyed on him whenever he was in, class is thin at IOL. Don’t like his technique, extends his arms too far, gets grabby when he’s beat. Pass pro looked OK at times but doesn’t possess the strength to drive forward in the run game. Played a lot of snaps in college, was disappointing to see him struggled.
Trey Dean III S - like the way he closes. Got an interception off a deflection. Projects as a 4th-5th rounder but I think he could be an impact player. 6025/211