The UMass Minutemen remain undefeated in league play, and certainly proved that their #3 national ranking in IAA football was well-deserved with this impressive victory on UNH's cold, grass field. HB Steve Baylark, fresh off of his amazing achievement (in becoming only the 4th back in major college football history to rush for 1000 yards in all four of his seasons) was just too much for the UNH defense today. UNH wideout David Ball, fresh off a record-breaking day of his own a couple of weeks ago (when he passed Jerry Rice to become the all-time division one TD reception leader) also played very well in defeat.

SCOUTING SUMMARY:

College: Massachusetts Conference: Atlantic 10 Columnist: Steve Martin
Name # Ht Wt Speed Pos Class Game Notes

Steve Baylark 5 5' 11.2" 223 4.58 HB 2007: Just too big and strong for IAA defenders. He has lost some weight this year, and is quicker to the edge. However, his bread and butter will always be his power up the middle, and his achilles heel (from a scouting perspective) will always be his lack of pro speed. He looked great today against a UNH defense (missing their best player--S Corey Graham) that upset IA Northwestern in week two. Has everything you want in a star collegiate RB, but you still have to feel he would probably be the third back on many top IA teams. Didn't display hands today. GRADE: positive

Brandon London 81 6' 3.0" 208 4.55 WR 2007: They finally started going to him midway through the contest and he came up big. He is a deep threat supreme at this level, and just goes up and snatches it against smaller DBs. Didn't run many patterns involving sharp cuts--mostly skinny posts--so couldn't fully evaluate his route running ability. We truly need to see him in an all-star game against IA DBs, but doubt if we will get that opportunity. GRADE: Slightly positive

Alex Miller 62 6' 2.0" 300 5.30 C 2007: Highly decorated at this level, and does a nice job pushing back UNH-type bull rushers. Didn't see anything to make me believe he has what it takes for the NFL though. Doesn't pull all that well. GRADE: neutral

Christian Koegel 13 5' 11.8" 185 0.00 P 2007: Had one good punt all day that I saw (the last part of the 4th quarter cut off on my tape.) Had a couple of real stinkers early, including a low one into the wind that didn't get any hangtime at all. Hang time today was lousy overall. Not an NFL caliber punter by any stretch of a tortured imagination. To be fair, the wind was very, very tough on kickers today. GRADE: negative

James Ihedigbo 7 6' 0.0" 202 0.00 S 2007: Looks his best when sent on the blitz. Pretty good hitter and wrapper. Not that great in pass coverage. Doesn't look as effective when asked to lay back and then come up. Decorated IAA safety who lacks NFL measurables and speed. GRADE: Neutral

College: New Hampshire Conference: Atlantic 10 Columnist: Steve Martin
Name # Ht Wt Speed Pos Class Game Notes

David Ball 3 6' 2.8" 197 4.60 WR 2007: Ricky Proehl II. Will be that kind of a player in the NFL if given time and a fair shot. Really leaps and usually shows great hands (though not today, when he dropped a couple while looking upfield.) Amazing production and durability. Should be drafted late or be a very high priority UDFA and will stick because of his toughness, fearlessness hands and ups. GRADE: Slightly positive

Tucker Peterson 68 6' 2.0" 310 0.00 OG 2007: Best OG in IAA football. Gets so low and wins. Weird stance. Does not look like he could possibly win one-on-one in drive blocking the way he starts, but he consistently does. Stays with his man in pass pro, and is very experienced and technically strong in pass pro. Priority UDFA also. GRADE: Slightly positive

Corey Graham 8 6' 0.0" 190 0.00 S 2007: Out with a broken leg that require pins.

Ricky Santos 0' 0.0" 0 0.00 QB 2008: I know lots of people are high on Santos, but I am not yet one of them. He has to have time because he is a good scrambler, but not a great reader. Throws OK, but I am not enamored with his arm or accuracy. Does too much with his feet at this level that he will never be able to do at the next. Hard to argue with his production, but he has probably the best set of IAA receivers in the country to throw to. Let's see what he does next year without Ball, Brown & Co. before passing final judgement. GRADE: Neutral

Aaron Brown 86 6' 2.5" 210 4.60 WR 2007: Santos just started to find Brown late, and by then my tape ran out. DARN! Grade: Inc.


Other notes: #11 Charles Walker of UMass was their best defender. Soph QB Liam Coen of UMass (recruited by Penn State, VA, MD & BC) looks like he could become the best passer in UMass history if they can keep the receiver pool full over the next two years.