Northern Illinois's RB Garrett Wolfe came off a three-game, knee-injury-induced hiatus to rush for 177 yards and 2 TDs on 29 carries to power UNI to the first win at Toledo since 1972. UNI's starting QB Phil Horvath is out with a broken arm, but Nicholson, a true freshman, hit his first 10 passes, played very well with both his arm and his legs, and Toledo's QB Bruce Gradkowski was very sub-par on a cold and windy night along the lake.

SCOUTING SUMMARY:

College: Northern Illinois Conference: Mid-American Columnist: Andrew Lalama
Name # Ht Wt Speed Pos Class

A.J. Harris 24 600.7 223 N/A HB 2006: DNP-shoulder

Doug Free 62 606.0 290 5.0 OT 2007: DOug is as solid as they come in pass pro, but only above-average in run-blocking. He could emerge as a topflight LOT candidate next year, just the same, because he is SO sound in pass pro. Uses his hands very well, seals, punches, and recoils with alacrity. POSITIVE

Garrett Wolfe 1 507.0 178 4.39 HB 2007: Garrett was slowly feeling his way in the first half, and did not look like he had the same cuts & breakaway speed. The fact that his knee held up well through that half must have given him the confidence he needed to pull out the rocket pack in the second half, as he really got the job done--including a 64-yard TD scamper to put the game away. Garrett is a solid 3rd round pick either this year or next. POSITIVE

Sam Hurd 0.0 N/A WR 2006: THIS GUY NEEDS A WRITEUP! He is a solid leader, a BLOCKER and makes all the catches he should make. At 6'4" few are going to win against him in jump ball situations. He has a great upside too, because he only started playing football 6 years ago. He could sneak into the middle rounds of the 2006 NFL draft. POSITIVE

College: Toledo Conference: Mid-American Columnist: Andrew Lalama
Name # Ht Wt Speed Pos Class

Bruce Gradkowski 7 602.0 204 4.50 QB 2006: In perhaps the most important game of the year, Bruce was not up to the task tonight. He had an 81% career completion percentage against Toledo coming in, and threw well under 50% in a raw, wind-whipped and snowy atmosphere. He threw 3 interceptions in the second half, but the worst play was an underthrown lateral that was recovered deep in Toledo territory by UNI. To be fair, his receivers dropped quite a few balls, especially late in the game, and one of them went out with what appeared to be a serious neck or back injury on a board in the 4th quarter, but Gradkowski has been known for rallying his team, and he just didn't do it tonight. NEGATIVE

Antonio Malone 30 511.0 185 4.4 CB 2006: I don't see enough there to make me think he is as good as some of his preseason hype. He hits hard in run support, but doesn't wow me at all in the passing game, and that is kind of important for a CB prospect. Late rounder at best, IMHO NEUTRAL

Anthony Jordan 40 603.0 240 N/A LB 2006: Anthony is an inch shorter and 5 pounds lighter than we've had him listed, but he is active and tough. Not a real special guy but he looks like he could make a team in the right organization, if he can contribut on ST enough. Had a sack and about 8 tackles tonight. SLIGHTLY POSITIVE

Others:

C Brian Van Acker of Toledo, I will say it again, is an under-rated guy who will be a later-round gem for somebody. He deserves to be in our database . He is quick off the ball and equally proficient in both pass pro and drive blocking for running plays. Wolfe ran up the middle for the tough yards tonight and Van Acker was the reason why he was able to do so.

RB Trinity Dawson of Toledo is a decent downhill runner who will be a UDFA.

What kind of speed does Hurd have? Does he get off the line quickly, or does it take awhile for him to get up to speed?

He looks like a classic slot receiver...I'd guess 4.60-4.65...but he BLOCKS, and blocks well. Do you know how much NFL coaches love that? I think he will be drafted.

Yeah Hurd is nice because he has that room for improvement and what he lacks now he can gain with some coaching and conditioning help. I think that one he starts training for the draft he will get stronger and a little more explosive off the line. Like Patriot said he's only just begun to play the game and with experience he will play the position even better and learn to better use his size to shield off defenders.

As far as Brian Van Acker I have to agree but you slipped up and put bown Toledo for his school. The play I was impressed with was the slip screen. On that play Van Acker simply drove his man down field like it was almost effortless.

Right sweet, of course I meant NIU. Yea, he is a top 15 center for this draft...no doubt about it. That team really suffers when he goes out for any period of time with an injury. He makes the holes.

I made a post about Hurd a month or so ago. The dude is for real. He is one of the better slot receivers in this years draft. A solid, solid, player.