I was basically looking to make sure we hadn't missed anybody from Utah State and to get a better look at Croyle & Co. We haven't missed anybody, although John Chick is a serviceable major college DE, and young Ryan Bohm looks like he has a chance to develop into a PP at running back some day.

This was not the total domination the score might indicate. Utah State actually put together a few decent drives, but they just couldn't finish what they started. Alabama has way too many weapons for the Aggies (or most teams, for that matter.)

Note: ESPN joined this one in progress early in the second and Alabama cleared the bench early in the 4th, so this is basically a 1/2-game evaluation.

SCOUTING SUMMARY:

College: Alabama Conference: Southeastern
Name Jersey# Height Weight Speed Position

Mark Anderson 47 605.0 253 4.79 DE: Had two sacks and drew a lot of double-teaming. Showed me he can be drafted in the mid rounds. Looks like he has a good (though not great) motor, and knows how to get after the QB in a variety of ways. SLIGHTLY POSITIVE

Brodie Croyle 12 603.0 205 4.72 QB: Very effective before being pulled in the early 4th quarter. 3 TDs. Was around 22 of 30. I'm still not sure I like his windup, but the kid can certainly play at the next level. Release point is high enough. Release spped is not superior, but decent. Didn't make many questionable throws or other decisions. POSITIVE

Roman Harper 41 601.0 197 4.54 S: It is nagging me whether this guy or Anthony Smith at Syracuse are the "S" we are leaving off the top of our rankings unfairly. Hits well, takes good angles. SLIGHTLY POSITIVE

Anthony Madison 9 509.0 180 4.47 CB: Not challenged much, but had a PD in the half of action I saw, and lloks fluid in his backpedal. SLIGHTLY POSITIVE

Charlie Peprah 26 511.0 195 4.52 S: Nice run supporter who shows me lots of nice (but no "WOW!") things. He has the look of a career nickel--but that's a very nice living if you can get it. NEUTRAL

Fred Roach 8 602.0 240 4.74 LB: He was actually better than Ryans during the second quarter, but then Ryans picked it up in the third. Sheds well, and runs to the ball. Doesn't seem to guess much...i.e. not a "Big Play" (read: chance taker) type. Solid special teams player? NEUTRAL

DeMeco Ryans 35 602.0 232 4.65 LB: Yep, he is one of the better ones out there, but I don't ever see him leaping the top tier 5-6 LBs for this draft, despite what my friend Mel thinks. Plays very well in space. Technically sound. SLIGHTLY POSITIVE

LeRon McClain 33 601.0 260 N/A FB: This guy has all the tools to actually be a FB...that's right (not an H-back or some other type of hybrid)...in a system that still utilizes a real FB (not many left). Runs, blocks, catches...sound football player. POSTIVE

J.B. Closner 74 604.0 290 5.20 C: Technician. Never out of place. Not dominate in any phase. Reminds me of a poor man's Dan Koppen. Probably a 7th-UDFA guy, but will not hurt any team filling a roster spot as a backup. NEUTRAL

Kenneth Darby 34 5110.0 210 N/A HB: Yea, he's good...almost very good. Interested to see his 40-times. Had a special TD run, and runs hard. Not an elite "wiggler," but not far off the mark either. POSITIVE