SOUTH FLORIDA PRO PROSPECTS:
Andre Hall #2 509.5 210 4.50 HB - Andre Hall may be the best senior running back that no one knows about. He's a shifty, slashing runner who displays excellent power and determination. He had a number of good holes as the USF offensive line outplayed the RU defensive line for most of the game. Hall was able to slide along the line well and then used a nice cutback to dart through the hole. Hall has good, if not break-away, speed and very good body control. He was not used at all in the passing game, so I cannot comment on his ability as a pass receiver. His game was a bit reminiscient of Emmitt Smith's. He's a compact (although slightly taller) wrecking ball of a back who can carry the load (35 carries in this game) with the ability to break the big gainer (26 yards on his first carry) and the power to be effective in the red zone (three 2-yard TD carries in the game). (VERY POSITIVE)
Terrence Royal #56 603.0 255 4.80 DE - Royal is an undersized DE who doesn't move particularly well. He was awfully stiff as a runner, although he is still an effective force on the field. He is generally in the right place, as he came up with two turnovers (one a fumble recovery that was returned 11 yards for a TD, the other an INT on a tipped ball that he returned for 24 yards). Royal was also active from his DE position with three tackles and three assisted tackles (including half a sack). While he was effective, I wasn't thrilled with his speed and stiffness. (NEUTRAL)
Others to watch:
John Miller (Senior - Center) - Miller is an undersized center (he couldn't have been much more than 275 lbs.) who moves very well. He was matched up against the smaller Ramel Meekins or the inexperienced Luis Rivas and handled both very well. Miller is outstanding as a pulling lineman and shows good speed and good footwork. He is very active and relentless. He should be able to add some weight and, if he can retain his quickness, might be able to play at the next level.
RUTGERS PRO PROSPECTS:
John Glass #76 604.8 300 5.00 OG - Glass played a much better game than I had seen him play previously this year. He was quicker and more active in the running game. He got off the ball quickly, engaged the DT or DE and was able the immediately turn him away from the hole, opening nice lanes for the RB. He was able to get out and pull effectively too, flattening some unsuspecting LBs and DBs. He used his hands well and got a good punch on the defender and got to the second level quickly. He was beat early and was called for tripping on the play. (POSTIVE)
Clark Harris #81 606.0 250 4.80 TE - Harris continues to be used more as a blocker than a receiver, and isn't getting as much of a chance to show off his excellent receiving skills, which is probably good because that part of his game is much more polished than his blocking game, so he could use the experience. Harris is a very willing blocker who takes on all comers. He can be overpowered by the bigger DEs and even some LBs and will need to continue to hit the weight room. Harris does much better against the speed rushers as he is able to use his long arms to make contact with them and his speed to move with them and force them wide. When he gets to the second level, he is very effective against the smaller LBs and DBs. As a receiver, Harris understands how to find the seams and holes in a zone and makes himself a good target. He gets open in the redzone as he was able to do on a crossing pattern for a TD in the 4th quarter. He also had a very nice catch on a TE screen that went for 31 yards. Harris used blockers well and broke tackles on that play. (POSITIVE)
Brian Leonard #23 602.0 230 4.75 FB - Leonard was his usual versatile self. He ran the ball (ineffectively for the most part) only seven times, but was still a vital cog as a receiver and blocker. As a receiver, Leonard excels on swing passes, catching the ball securely and running around LBs or through DBs. He had a nice TD catch to stop USF from running away with the game early in the second quarter. As a blocker, Leonard lacks the strength to really be an effective lead blocker. He can disrupt the defender enough to keep him from making a play, but he often runs into a D-lineman or LB only to get knocked backwards. As a rusher, Leonard has good balance and power and showed his atleticism on a 1-yard TD vault where he found a seam and dove head-first into the endzone. (SLIGHTLY POSITIVE)
Tres Moses #8 509.8 191 4.50 WR - Moses, once again, was the focus of the RU passing game. He averaged nearly 25 yards a catch with his five receptions. Moses is able to get open and has good hands to secure the catch. Uncharacteristically, Moses did lose concentration on a short crossing pattern where he looked for the hit before securing the ball - it tipped off his fingers and into the hands of a USF defender. Moses runs good routes and even made a nice play on a corner fade for a TD before the half. (POSITIVE)
Ryan Neill #91 603.0 260 4.78 DE - Neill is as active a DE as they come. Amongst the leaders in the nation for tackles for loss, USF did a fantastic job of running plays away from him and doubling him to neutralize him. Even with the added attention, Neill was able to get involved on eight tackles (two solos) despite failing to record a sack or tackle for loss. His motor kept running against the larger USF O-lineman and his resolve and determination were evident despite his failure to make plays in the backfield. (NEUTRAL)
Ryan Hart #13 602.0 200 4.9 QB - The senior QB who started the season so well, had a mixed-bag of a game. When he had time, he was able to find his receivers and get the ball to them. He threw three TDs, all of them impressive displays of accuracy, arm strength, touch, and experience. Hart is a consummate leader and helps keep his players focused on making plays. However, Hart came under heavy pressure tonight and fumbled twice when sacked (one which was returned for a TD). Hart also threw three interceptions - two tipped off the wideouts hands, although one of those two was a poor throw. On a rushing attempt late in the game, he got hit hard and was unable to return to the game. (SLIGHTLY POSITIVE and SLIGHTLY NEGATIVE)
Others to watch:
Raymell Rice (Frosh - Running Back) - He's going to be a really good prospect in a few years. He sees the field well, locates holes, and is quick through the line. He runs with power, determination, and speed. He is patient enough to allow his blocks to set up. He had 158 yards on 26 carries.
Ramel Meekins (Junior - Defensive Tackle) - Meekins is an undersized DT who can really move. He, like Neill, is active and frequently involved in the play. He also had two solo tackles and six assists. However, Meekins really showed his athleticism on one play in the third quarter where he ran a stunt around the right tackle and chased down Andre Hall from behind, making a tackle for loss outside the left tackle position. He should continue to work in the weight room and add some bulk and he'll be a nice pro prospect for 2007.
RB Raymell Rice (left) and ROG John Glass.