UMass is considering moving up to IA football in the very near future, and they simply had too much depth on both sides of the ball for Fordham, who, however, represented the Patriot League with distinction in this one, being tied 35-35 shortly after half time.

SCOUTING SUMMARY:

College: Fordham Conference: Patriot League Columnist: Steve Martin

Game Notes
Sam Orah 5 6' 0.0" 183 4.62 S 2008: Did not show me the range or big hits I have seen from him in the past. Nice IAA safety who will be lucky to be a UDFA. Not much more to say. He just was outclassed in this one by UMass QB Liam Coen and his bevy of fine IAA receivers. GRADE: Slightly negative

Dominique Owens 11 6' 0.5" 223 4.78 LB 2008: A very active and involved linebacker who was gashed badly by an overpowering UMass O-line and blocking TEs. Still, he fights through trash pretty well, and was involved in a lot of second hits. Not star potential but enough to warrant a look in camp. GRADE: Neutral

John Skelton 19 6' 4.4" 220 4.89 QB 2010: The standout for Fordham in this one. He's been solid all year, but he was very good in this one throwing 4 TD passes, and running the offense with poise. Nice and tall. Scans the field. Makes all the throws except the deep out--which I just didn't get to see. Seems to be a big game QB, and could develop into one of the best IAA QB prospects in the nation over the next couple of years. Looks like he has big-league potential. GRADE: Positive

Ben Dato 18 6' 2.6" 206 4.80 P-K 2008: Was not all that happy with his own performance, but he led the Patriot League with a 45-yd average, and really didn't do badly. His first two were his worst (net 37 and net 35) but he placed a couple of others nicely inside the 20 and showed off a pretty decent leg. Missed his only FG attempt. Kickoffs are a bit erratic in that he does not consistently get it near the goal line. Looks like a UDFA. The team (jokingly?) calss him their MVP. GRADE: Neutral


College: Massachusetts Conference: Colonial Athletic Columnist: Steve Martin

Game Notes
Matt Austin 68 6' 4.4" 288 5.25 OT 2008: Nothing to really get excited about unless you are looking for a IAA center to get you deep into the IAA playoffs. Very experienced and solid in all phases. Stands out in nothing. Not sure if he can be developed enough more physically to be an NFL project or not. GRADE: Neutral

Brad Listorti 82 6' 3.2" 245 4.77 TE 2008: Has not played all year with a back injury.

Matt Lawrence 32 6' 0.5" 210 4.61 HB 2008: Backed up Baylark last year, but really has gotten the job done, with a capital D this year. Stats on the season are now: 294-1,564-14. He is a tall loper. Gliding speed, but not deep speed. No real tailback moves. Duck cuts and skip cuts. Keeps churning though. Fights for yardage and breaks tackles. Looked like King Kong against Fordham, but may look more like Marilyn Monroe against NFL lines. Still, enough production and upside (based on the fact he is a UConn transfer who played sparingly there in '03 and '04 and then sat out all of '05 with a knee, and backed up UMass's 2nd best RB in their history last year.) Looks like he can be as successful as Baylark at the next level...i.e. UDFA who fights for a practice squad slot. Reminds me of the Pats Justice Hairston. GRADE: Positive

Other notes:

Fordham: Their ROG Michael Nardone (6'1", 308) does a nice job.

UMass: QB Liam Coen is a late-round pick next year. A great leader who could play and start for many IA squads. Senior WR J.J. Moore does a very nice job and has been very productive this year, but I don't see pro potential there...Same with DE David Burris.

Coen is really good, who does he remind you of?
Dato's a really good athlete, has he played any other positions?

Coen reminds me a little bit of Bob Griese.

Dato has not played any other position to my knowledge.

Matt Lawrence 32 6' 0.5" 210 4.61 HB 2008: Backed up Baylark last year, but really has gotten the job done, with a capital D this year. Stats on the season are now: 294-1,564-14. He is a tall loper. Gliding speed, but not deep speed. No real tailback moves. Duck cuts and skip cuts. Keeps churning though. Fights for yardage and breaks tackles. Looked like King Kong against Fordham, but may look more like Marilyn Monroe against NFL lines. Still, enough production and upside (based on the fact he is a UConn transfer who played sparingly there in '03 and '04 and then sat out all of '05 with a knee, and backed up UMass's 2nd best RB in their history last year.) Looks like he can be as successful as Baylark at the next level...i.e. UDFA who fights for a practice squad slot. Reminds me of the Pats Justice Hairston. GRADE: Positive




Matt Lawrence definitely runs way faster than a 4.61...when he was at Uconn he ran a 4.32 and at pro day he ran a 4.43 in the blistering cold. So his speed and explosiveness are keys that the scouts will be raving over. He is the best athlete on the Massachussetts Team and top 3 in the CAA which is the best conference in the FCS!! Keep in mind Lawrence turned down full scholarships from South Carolina, Penn State, Michigan State and a host of other teams... I think he goes 6th or 7th round after his pro day results!!!

I have spoken with a scout who said he has a hand timed 4.45 on him but coming off the knee he was timed in the 4.51-4.57 range, that 4.32 was on what kind of surface?

The moon.

If he runs a 4.4 I'll eat my hat.

What will you eat if he runs around 4.54?

Well Prepare to eat that hat......I guarantee he runs at least a 4.4 and probably will crack the 4.3 range!!! In fact If he goes to the BC pro day I guarantee he puts up better numbers than Callendar and Whitworth....If he doesn't then I'll eat any damn thing!!!