By Sascha Bartels
Published: April 11, 2008 PrintEmail
Top Division 2 prospects – by Sascha Bartels
There are currently several prominent DII stars with starring roles in
the NFL, four alone from Saginaw Valley State University who all played
roles in their team’s success last season. Receivers Ruvell Martin
(Packers) and Glenn Martinez (Broncos) both played considerable minutes
in their teams’ offenses. 2nd year MLB John Digiorgio stepped into the
spot reserved for Paul Posluszny in Buffalo, and finished with 113
tackles, 2 sacks and in interception. Guard Todd Herremans of the
Philadelphia Eagles was inserted into the starting lineup during his
2005 rookie season, and hasn’t left it since. So, who this year, can
fill the shoes of those before them and make an impact on Sundays.
Curtis Johnson, OLB, Clark Atlanta This
6’3”, 244 pound powerhouse from is projected as the 18th best OLB
prospect in the nation, and his stock is still rising. After a move to
DE from OLB in 2007, Johnson led the nation with 13.5 sacks and 27
tackles behind the line of scrimmage, finishing the year with a total
of 112 tackles in 11 games. Johnson (pictured, right) should fit in
really well in a 3-4 defense as outside linebacker. If he stays at
defensive end, look for him to have to add some weight to his frame.
His workouts were quite impressive, running the 40 in as low as 4.59
seconds, and doing 25 reps of 225 pound bench-presses. He could go as
early as the 4th round, but is currently projected to go early in the
6th.
Xavier Omon, RB, Northwest Missouri State
Omon has led the Bearcats to three straight Division II championship
games, but unfortunately, has lost them all. Omon, a back whose style
has been compared to Priest Holmes, is a compact runner who can go
through you, but still has enough speed to turn the corner on you as
well. He measures in at 5’11” and 211 pounds, and would make a very
good complement for any team hoping to employ an effective two-back
system. Omon is the first back in NCAA history to run for over 1500
yards in four consecutive seasons, and his 590 career points ranks him
third all time in DII history. He didn’t wow the pro scouts at his
workout, posting an average 40 time of 4.52, but he didn’t hurt his
stock too bad either. He was once projected as high as a third round
pick, but most have laid off that claim, even stating that he will be
an undrafted free agent. I think he will end up finding a home around
the 5th or 6th round.
Brandon Carr, CB, Grand Valley State
If you’re looking for the guy whose stock may be rising the fastest
right now, Carr is the man you’re going to find. He is inching his way
up the draft board consistently. A national champion twice during his 4
year career at Grand Valley, Carr has been a lock down corner, and the
best defender on what has been the nation’s best program in the decade.
He impressed at his workout, posting a 4.43 40 time, a 35 inch vertical
and a 6.09 three cone drill time. At 6’0” and 207 pounds, Carr has the
right numbers to be an NFL cornerback, and he is sure to make a team
very happy for taking him. Once projected as undrafted, Carr has shot
up the boards, to as high as a 4th rounder. I’ll lay off that claim
just a bit and say he will go late 5th, early 6th.
Mackenzy Bernadeau, OG, Bentley
Currently ranked as the 12th best guard prospect in the draft,
Bernadeau is almost sure to hear his name called sometime on Sunday
afternoon. He’s 6’4” and weighs 298 pounds, and had a good showing at
the combine. Bentley, like most NFL guards, played his college career
at tackle, starting every game since his 2004 freshmen season, before
losing the last half of the 2007 season to an injury. Bernadeau is
projected as a 6th round draft selection, and that is also where I will
say he gets selected.
Danny Woodhead, RB, Chadron State A
2 time Harlon Hill trophy winner (DII’s Heisman), Woodhead (left) has
run for an NCAA record 7,962 yards over his career. He also posted very
impressive workout stats at his pro day, running the 40 in as low as
4.33 seconds, as well as posting a 38 inch vertical jump, and 20 reps
of the 225 pound bench-press.
So, why was he not invited to Indy to take part in the combine?
Because, he is only 5’8”, 197 pounds, and pro scouts doubt his
durability in the pro game. If he was 3 inches taller, Woodhead would
probably be a first day selection, but because of his height
limitations, he is more likely to go very late in the draft if at all.
But, for whatever team gives him a shot, it will be very interesting to
see how he performs in minicamp.
Hopefully, this will give everyone something to watch and listen for while the late rounds are on. Enjoy the NFL draft.
This
6’3”, 244 pound powerhouse from is projected as the 18th best OLB
prospect in the nation, and his stock is still rising. After a move to
DE from OLB in 2007, Johnson led the nation with 13.5 sacks and 27
tackles behind the line of scrimmage, finishing the year with a total
of 112 tackles in 11 games. Johnson (pictured, right) should fit in
really well in a 3-4 defense as outside linebacker. If he stays at
defensive end, look for him to have to add some weight to his frame.
His workouts were quite impressive, running the 40 in as low as 4.59
seconds, and doing 25 reps of 225 pound bench-presses. He could go as
early as the 4th round, but is currently projected to go early in the
6th.
A
2 time Harlon Hill trophy winner (DII’s Heisman), Woodhead (left) has
run for an NCAA record 7,962 yards over his career. He also posted very
impressive workout stats at his pro day, running the 40 in as low as
4.33 seconds, as well as posting a 38 inch vertical jump, and 20 reps
of the 225 pound bench-press.
