Hello and good evening it’s almost time for the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship between The Ohio St Buckeyes and the Oregon Ducks. All year both teams have had there ups and downs but after all the hard work, practices, film studies and two a days it’s finally here, everything you’ve worked so hard for.
Some of these players have a huge spotlight on them because not only are they playing for the national title they are playing for there livelihood at the next level as every scout and GM watches tonight in Dallas (Arlington, Texas).
I have been watching all things Oregon and Ohio St the past two weeks and I see tons of big time talent at the next level from these prospects. First things first the we are missing a top 5 player at his position (CB) Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, TE Pharaoh Brown and RT Tyler Johnstone. Ohio St is missing two star quarterbacks Braxton Miller and JT Barrett but Cardale Jones is the more NFL prototype QB at 6’5 260 but despite that he has already announced he is returning to Ohio State. Last but not least Joey Bosa if he were eligible for the 2015′ draft, would be a top 10 pick but the JJ Watt clone Bosa is a true sophomore.
Here is my top ten prospects to watch tonight I think you may know who is at number one my friends…
10. Derrick Malone (OLB) Oregon
(6’1 230) Malone is the most underrated player on this Oregon defense, he is the opposite of Washington, Malone has no problem covering tight ends or running backs out of the flat and can make takcles in open space when needed. He will be responsible for helping out the 6’0 217 pound Elliot at RB and Jeff Huerman at TE as well.
9. Tony Washington (OLB) Oregon
(6’3 248) Oregon likes to stand Washington up at the line of scrimmage but Washington can also put his hand in the dirt and get after the passer. As long as Washington isn’t committing questionable personal fouls he will have a long solid career at the next level. NFL teams will like his veriaslty and his form tackling. If Washington shows off some cover skills to go along with his pass rushing tonight he could move into 3rd round talk from everyone.
8. Devin Smith (WR) Ohio St
(6’1 179) If you want a straight deep ball threat at the next level and a WR that runs a smooth route tree from the slot then give a great look at Smith. He made Alabama look silly two weeks ago at the Sugar Bowl. Smith has 32 receptions for 886 yards and 12 touchdowns averaging 27 yards per catch.
7. Hroniss Grasu (C) Oregon
(6’2 291) If you want a pure zone blocking scheme center Grassu is your guy. Grassu has been banged up this past year but could be a value pick when healthy in the 4th or 5th round. The four- year starter domianted Edwards Jr and Eddie Goldman inside at the Rose Bowl. Fun fact: Grassu’s old college roommates are Bryan Bennett and Colt Lyerla.
6. Doran Grant (CB) Ohio St
(6’0 192) Let’s play word association I say St. Vincent’s St. Mary’s HS in Akron, Ohio and you say….. LeBron James right? Well soon people will be mentioning Doran Grant as well because Grant is a future bonafide star at the next level. Grant has five interceptions and nine pass breakups.
5. Arik Armstead (DE) Oregon
(6’8 290) Armstead is a massive man the biggest at the end position in this class and has a 38′ inch vertical to go along with that frame. Armstead is a true ying and yang player, some games he looks like a top 5 pick others he looks like a 3rd day player not to mention he has been knick-knack injury prone throughout his Oregon career. Armstead is similar to Cameron Heyward a former Ohio St Buckete when projecting him to the next level but has more upside overall.
4. DeForest Buckner (DE) Oregon
(6’7 289) Somethings that pop off the screen to me when looking at Buckner is how much he’s improved game by game, his kick blocking, scheme versatility and closing speed. Buckner has went from outside the top 100 to a lock for the first two rounds.
3. Michael Bennett (DE) Ohio St
(6’2 288) Bennett has been playing lights out lately even without the suspended Noah Spence by his side. Bennett is undersized for the defensive tackle postion but plays every down with a high motor and has possibly the quickest hands at the postion as well. Bennett has had 6.5 tackles for loss and and four sacks in Ohio State’s last three games.
2. Jake Fisher (OT) Oregon
(6’5 298) The heart and should of the Oregon Duck team is no doubt Fisher at left tackle. Oregon’s offensive line took a huge step up when Fisher was back in the lineup just put on the Wazzu and Arizona tape. Fisher’s athleticism and footwork is crafty and he is a former tight end so speed is prevalent at the position. He can handle speed to the outside and can get down-field with ease.
1. Marcus Mariota (QB) Oregon
(6’4 219) Mariota is a the consensus No.1 projected pick and in my humble opinion is a once in a decade type prospect at the QB position. His athletic ability, overall arm talent, mechanics and upside are all extremely impressive. The Heisman Winner could be looking at arguably one of the best single seasons ever if he plays great tonight and leads the Ducks to victory.
