This one was a real grinder in the early going with neither team able to assert themselves offensively. Despite having more pro prospects, UNM was worn down and eventually run over by a more disciplined Utes team in the second half. The Lobos focused on stopping Utah's find tailback, #6 Durrell Mack in the first half, and really did a nice job of it, but their d-line just gave in and began showing cracks versus the larger Utah O-line in the second half. The best player for either club today was Utah d-lineman Martel Burnett who definitely looks like he could play on Sundays.

SCOUTING SUMMARY:

College: New Mexico Conference: Mountain West Columnist: Jay Strickroth

Game Notes
Cody Kase 47 6' 1.0" 216 0.00 LB 2008: Practically invisible again. Maybe I have just picked the wrong two games to watch him. I saw that he was in on a few tackles, but there is nothing here to write home about. There are plenty of DII and DIII linebackers that would appear to have as much to offer as this guy. GRADEL: Slightly negative

Travis Brown 81 6' 2.0" 202 4.55 WR 2008: A bit of a loper who takes time to gert to full speed. Still, he is fearless over the middle, catches well off his feet, and appears to have decent "ups." I am having a hard time deciding what I think of his pro potential, however. Doesn't seem to be one of the more polished route runners around. Rounds his cuts some, and prefers straight-line routes. GRADE: Neutral

DeAndre Wright 2 5' 10.5" 193 4.50 CB 2010: Actually was more involved than the more-highly touted Quin. It could be that they have to test somebody and they are taking their chances with Wright. He held up very nicely in run support all night and had a big interception in the second half. Was beaten once soundly in the first half. Aggressive and tough. This kid is really beginning to grow on me. They kept calling him a junior though, Jay...so what's the scoop there. Doubt if he will declare, but if he does, he looks like a 5-6th rounder to me. GRADE: Slightly positive

Glover Quin 19 6' 0.0" 203 4.49 CB 2009: Looks like an impressive athlete and if he is really 4.49 and comes out, he's a solid mid-rounder. Wasn't challenged that much in this one, and I think I can see why. Best set of DBs in the west this side of SJSU. Bigger than Wright, but I am not sure that he is better. Shows pretty good tackling form, but needs to wrap consistently. Fearless in coverage, and has the size and speed to man up and do a good job at this level. Intriguing physical prospect that I would love to see workout. GRADE: Slightly postive.

Rodney Fergusen 21 5' 11.4" 229 4.54 HB 2009: He really should not even think about declaring. He has a good size/speed combo, but he is not a quick starter at all out of his stance. Must work on his first step and figure out how to get to top speed earlier. Still, he is a load, makes good reads, hits the right hole and goes. Nice body lean. Drags tacklers. A poor man's Dwayne Wright. GRADE: Neutral

Vince Natali 66 6' 1.8" 309 5.17 C 2008: Not as impressive as the first time I watched him closely. Has a nice wide base, a nice short-yardage run-blocking mentality. Really excels in run over pass pro, and is built more for that. Gets to the second level a lot (sometimes before he is free to do so) but doesn't always find anything to hit, and/or misses. Good leg drive. Seems like he may be a better ROG than C to me. GRADE: Neutral

Tyler Donaldson 55 6' 3.5" 228 4.70 DE 2008: Plays much bigger than 228. If he is truly that light, than he is a freak to be able to do what he has (and is) done at that size. Still the guy who sticks out on film for the Lobos on that side of the ball. Big play man with a good motor. I just don't what you do with him at the next level...an enigma in pads who deserves a shot somewhere with a more creative coaching staff...May even find a home on offense? GRADE: Positive

Marcus Smith 4 6' 1.2" 214 4.48 WR 2008: Very good ball awareness. Finds the soft spots in the zone. Good hands and concentration, but not elite in either. Nice blocker who gives good effort when blocking...this will help. I can see him being a late-round, UDFA kid who sticks because of his desire and toughness. Maybe, just maybe, he will be the next Marques Colston-type surprise. GRADE: Positive


College: Utah Conference: Mountain West Columnist: Jay Strickroth

Game Notes
Jason Boone 69 6' 4.0" 300 0.00 OT 2008: DNP. don't know th reason...

Steve Tate 28 5' 11.0" 195 0.00 S 2008: Playmaker. That's the word for this kid. He is a classic in the box smacker who is very solid in run support. More like a 5th LB. OK in pass D at this level, but I'm afraid he'd be a liability in that area at the next level. GRADE: Neutral

Louie Sakoda 35 5' 10.0" 178 0.00 P 2009: Quite solid. Always seems to drop it inside the 20. Needs to work on producing a consistent forward roll after surface contact. Pretty consistent guy who also kicks FGs, but missed from 50 in this one. GRADE: Slightly positive (note...UNM's punter was just as impressive)

Other Notes:

UNM: Punter Jordan Scott stood out, as did DB Blake Ligon.

Utah: QB Brian Johnson did a nice job all day, though he is not accurate deep. #4 Sean Smith looks like a pretty good coverage guy, but he dropped 3 ints. The best eventual pro prospect out of this secondary is #1 Bryce McCain though, without a doubt. Very fluid. Covers very tightly. WR Brandon Godfrey had a big day. Watch out for DL Martel Burnett. I was very impressed with his play all afternoon, and he looks like a future draft pick. What class is he in, Jay?