Running backs make strong impressions....Clemson
CJ Spiller RB NFL Comparison: Chris Johnson- For Clemson, the success of this team hinges on how well RB CJ Spiller can dominate games. Spiller, who runs in the low 4.3's at 5'11 195, is equally adept at making game changing plays by running the football as well as through catching the ball out of the backfield. Versus a superior Georgia Tech team, Spiller rushed the ball 20 times for 87 yards (4.4 YPC) in addition to making 4 catches for 67 yards and a touchdown. Given the fact that the Yellow Jackets blew the door open early with a 24-0 early lead, Spiller's rushing attempts were limited and he was forced to block and make plays through catching the ball. A 63 yard touchdown reception showed that he can still find a way to produce even in this unfavorable situation. Look for Spiller to make a strong push for the Heisman, this season, and if he can run a low 4.3 forty (as expected) he should be able to secure a draft spot somewhere in the mid to late first round.
Jacoby Ford WR NFL Comparison: Eddie Royal- at 5'10 185 Ford, a senior, is one of the fastest players in college football- he is the indoor 60 meter champion in college track and field. On Thursday night, he caught 5 passes for 109 yards including a 77 yard touchdown catch in which he executed a deep post against double coverage to make the catch and break free for the score. Ford, who has never caught more than 4 td's passes in a season, already has 2 touchdowns in 2 games so far this season. He has a chance to become an excellent slot receiver in the NFL and if he can continue to make plays throughout the season, he should secure a spot somewhere in the first three rounds of next year's draft.
Georgia Tech
Jonathan Dwyer RB NFL Comparison: Jonathan Stewart- Dwyer very well could be the most complete back in college football this season. He is an extremely powerful back who runs with a low pad level which allows him to ward off defenders and break through arm tackles in order to gain extra yards. Dwyer had an average game tonight- only rushing for 67 yards on 18 carries- but he didn't have to be spectacular as his teammate RB Anthony Allen was put in a position to be the big play threat tonight. Dwyer, at 6'1 235, is a house and if he can prove to be a consistent big play threat- in addition to being a dependable between the tackles back- he could be a first round selection come next draft. Even if he fails to run a sub 4.5 forty and falls to the second round; He will still prove to be a strong pro and a perfect compliment for a smaller change of pace back which seem to be coming into vogue these days in the NFL.
Anthony Allen RB NFL Comparison: Matt Forte- Allen- who transferred from Louisville- draws the Matt Forte comparison for a couple of reasons. First, he is a big back, at 6'1 228, who also can be a solid threat to catch the ball out of the backfield. And Second, b/c he will almost undoubtedly be underrated come draft time. Regardless, Allen was the star of the game, on Thursday, rushing for 127 yards on only 5 carries- including an 82 yard touchdown run- while also adding a 24 yard reception. Allen, like Dwyer, is only a junior so it is unlikely he will bolt for the NFL after this season-Dwyer, on the other hand, probably will come out early. But given Allen's added explosiveness (at Louisville he seemed like more of a short-yardage back) he could prove to be an even better NFL back than Dwyer. Allen will be one of the players I will be following closely through out this NFL season.
Demaryius Thomas WR NFL Comparison: TBD- I had not seen Thomas play before this game so I will reserve judgement before making an NFL comparison. But at 6'3 229, this junior is built in a similar way to former GT standout Calvin Johnson. He will have a lot of work to do to prove he can be considered an elite NFL prospect in said mold, but the early results 4 catches for 101 yards in the first game and 3 catches for 93 yards and a score in the second game- show that he has the type of big play ability (in addition to the freakish size) to maybe play his way into the first round. He is another prospect I will be following closely this season.
Prospect Rankings:
1. CJ Spiller
2. Jonathan Dwyer
3. Jacoby Ford
4. Demaryius Thomas
5. Anthony Allen
Nice sharre
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