This was an exciting game that Princeton appeared to be in control of at the half, having reeled off 20 points in the second quarter to take a comfortable 13-point lead into the break. Apparently the Princeton JV team took the field in the second half as Hampton outscored Princeton 34-0 the rest of the way. Princeton continued to move the ball, but their failures in the red zone and costly turnovers proved to be their downfall.

College: Princeton
Conference: Ivy
Columnist: Jeff West

Name - # - Ht - Wt - Speed - Pos - Class
Brendan Circle - 6 - 6' 0.0" - 200 - 4.60 - WR - 2008
Brendan Circle is one of those try-hard guys who might have an outside shot as a possession receiver (read: slow, but runs good routes and has great hands) at the next level. He had an average game (by his standards) as Hampton effectively took him out of the game with extra defensive attention. (Grade: C )


Players to watch: FS Kevin Kelleher – Kelleher was very active and showed no fear as a run stopper. He sheds blocks well and has good speed to get to the ball-carrier.

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College: Hampton
Conference: MEAC
Columnist: Bill Carroll

Name - # - Ht - Wt - Speed - Pos - Class
Kendall Langford - 98 - 6’ 5.0” - 293 - 4.98 - DT - 2008
Langford appears to be an ideal 3-4 DE at the next level as he has the size and speed to be productive. He had a solid game stuffing things up inside against Princeton, but wasn’t showing much getting after the QB. He looks like he could stand to increase his upper body strength some, but what college player doesn’t need to? He appears to be more straight-line fast than quick, as he didn’t seem to be able to jump the gap too frequently. Plays a bit upright at times and makes life easier for the O-linemen. Decent game with plenty of upside. (Grade: C+ )

Vernon Bryant - 97 - 6’ 3.3” - 244 - 4.69 - DE - 2008
Bryant is listed as a DE in the database, but he plays 3-4 nose tackle for the Pirates. The listed weight and speed are off some. He appears a bit undersized at NT, but he’s carrying at least 280# right now, and there’s no way he runs anything sub 4.90. Against Princeton he was very effective in the middle, always demanding a double team and even slipping the gap a few times to be disruptive in the backfield. Right now he looks like a camp body and not a real player at the next level. If he continues to add weight and muscle mass, he’ll have a better shot. (Grade: B )


Players to watch: WR Jeremy Gilchrist – Gilchrist showed some real nice speed in this one. I expected to see him really take advantage of the Princeton secondary, but he didn’t get as many opportunities as I had hoped. He did not have an opportunity to return the one time Princeton punted. He’ll be one to watch next fall. SS Henti Baird – Baird has good size and speed in the Hampton secondary, but was usually the second guy in on the tackles. DE Marcus Dixon (Sr) – Marcus Dixon appeared to be the best player on the Hampton defense. He had exceptional quickness and drive and showed a variety of moves. He used his hands well and had good leverage. I think Dixon is also the guy who served time in jail for a high school rape, so he’s wearing a giant red flag.

Bill, can you confirm/deny that info on Dixon? I was very impressed with his game when I caught Hampton earlier also.

I can, Dixon was charged with rape of a white girlfriend. It was consensual sex but her father put her up to the rape charge. But the jury (9 whites and 3 blacks) found Dixon innocent. But the prosecutor nailed Dixon on aggravated molestation since she was under aged and he was sentenced to 10 years in jail. According to all accounts the girl was a willing, perhaps even enthusiastic participant, but she was not of legal age and [this was in the South] Caucasian, many feel if this was not the case things might have been quite different. He did time in GA state prison for aggravated molestation, very similar to the Genarlow Wilson case. His sentenced was reduced and he is still on probation.

I think HU's speed and depth eventually overcame Princeton's passion and coaching, Langford and Baird may both be gone before the 5th round is 1/2 over, Dixon should get drafted but the character concerns will likely put him in the late 6th or 7th.
Jeff just how big and quick was Kevin Kelleher?

OK...thanks, Bill. If that is the ONLY thing in his background he certainly sounds worth giving a shot too!

He was an honors student in HS and I believe that is true at HU too, he has kept his nose clean at HU, the office of the SID called him a "gentleman" I am trying to set up an interview.

Awesome! He could be a good radio guest too....If he wants to do it, let JC know, Bill. Sounds like he could use a little "air clearing."

I agree, I am also hoping to find out if he ever spoke to Genarlow Wilson about the similarities in their cases.

By the way the info I have on Vernon Bryant is that he's 6'2.1" 285 and at that weight has run in the 4.88 to 4.94 range.

Yes, BC is correct. Didn't they profile that on HBO or somewhere? He really got the shaft. He was adopted by a white couple wasn't he??? It was a heartwrenching story of how his adopted parents also took a great deal of grief by others because they adopted a black male.