In a great spectacle for the fans, the Delaware Blue Hens outlasted the Middies at Annapolis. Two great offenses collided, and neither team had and defense for the other. UD quarterback Joe Flacco proved once again that he deserves all the late-coming accolades he has been getting with 4 TD passes, and a huge game yardage-wise as well.

SCOUTING SUMMARY:

College: Navy Conference: IA Independents Columnist: Jeff Carnahan

Game Notes
Adam Ballard 22 6' 1.0" 223 0.00 FB 2008: He has been the backup to Kettani most of the year, and did not get the start today. He is not as good as the Ohio product, but he is not far behind. He had an impressive 55-yard gallop in the first quarter for a score, and is a Brian Leonard type ball carrier, without the hands. He would start at FB for almost any other team around, but Navy is LOADED with good running backs. GRADE: Neutral

Irv Spencer 55 6' 0.0" 238 4.75 LB 2008: I added Irv to the database, Jeff, because he has pro size, and is pretty active in there. I'd hate to think what the Hens might have scored, had he not been in the game. Solid wrap up guy. Gets to the ball quickly. Blitzes and finishes the QB too. Reminds me of Notre Dame's Corey Mays. GRADE: Positive

College: Delaware Conference: Colonial Athletic Columnist: Steve Martin

Game Notes
Omar Cuff 28 5' 10.0" 195 4.49 HB 2008: Tough inside runner, who is a poor man's Ray Rice (but not that poor). Gave the Middies fits with his slashing inside moves all day. Very productive at this level, but can he replicate this success at the next. My guess is he can. May not be drafted, but he should be. Great feet. GRADE: Positive

Mike Byrne 75 6' 5.0" 295 5.05 OT 2008: Limited-area tough guy who does a great job sealing to the inside. Will never play OT in the pros though. Good hand usage. Hard puncher. Doesn't lock on in run blocking. More of a pusher than a plower in the run game. Choppy pass pro drops. Will hit two people on a play. Will put a hat on you on short yardage and move you out. Misses his reach too often. Must convert inside and get bigger and stronger if he wants to be more than camp fodder. GRADE: Neutral

Joe Flacco 6 6' 5.0" 230 5.05 QB 2008: The Pitt transfer is easily among the top 2-3 pro prospects in the conference. Reminds me of Elvis Grbac. Classic dropback passer. 3/4 delivery, but it is effective. Almost comes sidearm on some of his shorter stuff. Nice ball skills. Understands trickery. Big hands. Nice pump fakes. Throws the deep out with no problem (and, of course, everything else too.) Somewhat stiff in the pocket. SHould be harder to bring down than he is. Very good game manager. Shows good football intelligence. DEFINITELY A RISER who is among the top 10 QB prospects for the NFL draft. GRADE: Very positive


Other notes:

Delaware: #4 Anthony Bratton is a rising star at CB. He picked off a pitch early in the game to help turn the tide. Good in run support too. #1 WR Kervin Michard is a fine wideout at this level and is deadly on reverses.

Navy: #7 Reggie Campbell is a deadly kickoff return man.