Big East sleepers hoping for some love

By Darrell Laurant  |   Friday, April 25, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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There are all kinds of reasons why football players don't get drafted, even those who have obviously proved their ability at the college level.

As scouting has grown more sophisticated and the combine and pro days have placed a supreme value on statistics (40 times, bench-press reps, etc.), it isn't always enough to be All-Conference -- or, in some cases, even All-American.

The upside is that niches have opened up for players with specific skills, such as third-down pass rushers, nickel backs, or fullbacks with good hands.

Here are a few Big East athletes who may warrant a late-round selection or be sought after in the post-NFL draft free-agent market.

1. DANNY LANSANAH, LB, CONNECTICUT. The Huskies' leading tackler in 2007 with 121, Lansanah could well be picked in the later rounds of the draft. Otherwise, his versatility (he had 14 tackles for loss and four passes defended last season), size (good for a linebacker at 6-1, 244) and propensity for dealing out highlight film hits will make him one of the most popular free agents.

2. HARUKI NAKAMURA, S, CINCINNATI. He's tough, smart, big (205 pounds) and he made 95 tackles last season as a senior. The perception, however, is that he lacks the speed (4.65) to stay with NFL receivers man to man. He'll probably have to distinguish himself on special teams and work up from there.

3. JOHNNY DINGLE, DT, WEST VIRGINIA. Statistically, Dingle had an outstanding season for the Mountaineers in 2007 -- 19 tackles for loss, nine sacks. The problem is, he's too small at 252 pounds to play defensive tackle in the pros and not quick enough to play outside. Or so they say.

4. ANTHONY HOKE, DE, CINCINNATI. One of those guys without a position. Played defensive end in college and middle linebacker at the Hula Bowl, but how do you ignore 13 sacks as a senior?

5. MIKE FLADELL, OL, RUTGERS. Fladell showed up at his pro day a bit overweight (he's listed at 324), and consequently performed poorly in the agility drills. The pros like his strength and dogged determination, however, and one scout remarked, "The battle's over once he gets his hands on a defender."

6. MICHAEL MAGRO, LB, WEST VIRGINIA. Another productive West Virginia defender who's been branded a step slow. Magro has the size to play in the NFL (6-1, 244), but his pro day 40 time (4.82) was off-putting. He did rack up 83 tackles and eight sacks in 2007, however, and there is a long list of productive pro 'backers who played faster on the field than for the stopwatch.

7. MALIK JACKSON, LB, LOUISVILLE. The Cardinals' defense was truly terrible last season, and Jackson was part of the problem. Nevertheless, he's 6-1, 230 and runs a 4.62 40. Enough said.

8. JOE CLERMOND, DE, PITT. His 40 time wasn't so hot (5.09), but when does a D-lineman have to chase a quarterback 40 yards? Clermond had 10.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss last season, and somebody is going to take a chance on him.

9. TAJ SMITH, WR, SYRACUSE. Good size, great leaping ability, a knack for making the big play. But he only spent one season in D1 (he was hurt in 2006), and his so-so 4.56 speed will make it tougher to achieve the sought-after "separation" at the next level.

10. KEILEN DYKES, DT, WEST VIRGINIA. The opposite of Mike Magro in that his 2007 numbers (three sacks, four tackles for loss, 32 tackles overall) didn't match his rep. Nevertheless, no one faulted Dykes' effort, and he's known for his toughness. As a bonus, he was also one of the team leaders.

11. JEREMY ITO, PK, RUTGERS. Not as accurate as Louisville's Carmody, but has a rocket launcher for a leg. Connected from as far out as 53 yards as a Scarlet Knight.

12. DARRELL STRONG, TE, PITT. Certainly big enough (6-4, 268) to be a standout tight end in the NFL, but (ironically, given his name) needs to get stronger. And faster. Oh yes, and there are some character issues.

13, 14. ERIC WICKS AND RYAN MUNDY, DB, West Virginia. Lumped together because both were tough, productive defenders who aren't considered fast enough. Mundy started for both Michigan and West Virginia, however, which tells you something.

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