...but this time, regretably, they needed a horrible offensive pass interference call on a 53-yard TD catch by All-American WR Laurent Robinson of the Redbirds in order to move on to face #1 Appalachian State this Saturday in Boone, NC.
SCOUTING SUMMARY:
College: Illinois State Conference: Gateway Columnist: staff
Name # Ht Wt Speed Pos Class Game Notes
Laurent Robinson 81 6' 1.7" 195 4.55 WR 2007: a smooth, gliding athlete who displays great hands and ball awareness. Very impressive performer in big games, and did it again in this one. Did NOT push off on his 53-yard TD that was called back in the 3rd quarter, but had several other big grabs as well, including a 2-yard TD grab later on that almost brough ISU back. GRADE: Positive
Cameron Siskowic 40 6' 1.7" 225 4.70 LB 2007: As good as asvertised. Read his writeup for more info. This kid should follow former Redbird LB (and CDS poster) Boomer Grigsby into the NFL. GRADE: Positive
Pierre Rembert 5 5' 11.5" 220 4.62 HB 2007: The Michigan transfer looked very good in this one. Runs with power. Hits the hole hard after the 1-cut. Nice size/speed combo and body lean. Read his writeup too. Looks like a definite priority UDFA. GRADE: positve
College: Youngstown State Conference: Gateway Columnist: staff
Name # Ht Wt Speed Pos Class Game Notes
Demetrius Ison 35 6' 0.0" 230 0.00 FB 2007: Among the top 5 small school FBs in the nation. Great blocked at this level, and runs hard on short yardage. GRADE: Slightly positive
Tom Zetts 24 6' 1.0" 210 0.00 QB 2008: Houdini reincarnated. Escaped pressure all day and constantly hit receivers that he should not have hit. Showed incredible tight-space accuracy in this one. Seems to play best in the biggest games. Definitely a sleeper for the '08 draft. GRADE: Positive
Marcus Mason 23 5' 9.0" 215 0.00 HB 2007: Another big-school transfer back who was healthier this week than he was last week versus JMU, and that was a shame for ISU. Runs a bit like Ryan Moats, but doesn't have his wheels. Runs better between the tackles than Moats, but not as well to the outside. GRADE: Positive
Ryan Jewell 52 6' 4.0" 285 0.00 C 2007: This kid grows on you. No one will talk about him because of level of competition issues, but he is the best IAA center I have seen this year. If he adds 20 pounds, look out. He will make a team if he gets into a camp. GRADE: Very positive
Codera Jackson 3 5' 10.0" 180 0.00 CB 2007: Flashes big play ability. Had a couple PDs and a pick in this one. Fills OK on the run at this level, but will get clocked trying to do that at the next level. Camp fodder at best. GRADE: Neutral
T.J. Peterson 9 6' 0.1" 190 4.60 WR 2007: Another guy who has been very impressive in these playoffs. Just makes grab, after grab, after grab. Better small school sleeper than just about all the ones we are currently listing. makes catches he has no business making, and really knows how to sit down in a zone, and knows how to get open. Decent YAC guy for a 190-pounder too. GRADE: Awesome.
Note to Jeff West: Please replace anybody you want in the sleeper list with this kid.
Jeff Koval 51 6' 0.6" 220 4.80 LB 2007: Best game I have seen him play in the three games I have seen since '05. Was constantly making plays right at the LOS and forcing the runs inside. Not a legit pro prospect because of his size, but kudos on a great game.
Notes: Illinois State's Jr. CB Jesse Caesar is one to watch next year. If the YSU cardiac bunch escapes App. State bext week I will freak. They are doing it with smoke and mirrors right now. Zetts and Peterson simply can not be this good. Can they?