UCF (10-3) squared off against Tulsa's (9-4) high scoring offense starring Sr QB Paul Smith, for the Conference USA Championship. Both teams entered the contest with several potential draft candidates in what showcased Tulsa's potent aerial attack against UCF's phenomenal ground game. The game itself wasn't anything spectacular other than another incredible performance by Jr RB Kevin Smith, with UCF dominating the line of scrimmage on their way to a 44-25 Victory. What amazes me is how anyone could not consider Smith a Heisman candidate, let alone not even consider him for the Doak Walker Award (college football's most outstanding running back) but that is exactly what's happened this year.

College: UNIV of CENTRAL FL Conf: CONFERENCE-USA Columnist: JIM O'DELL

SCOUTING SUMMARY:
Kevin Smith #24 6' 1.0" 211 4.50 RB 2009: Kevin Smith is arguably one of the nation's best backs when taking statistics purely into account. Smith finished this game with nearly 300 yards rushing. Smith has a bowl game left on the schedule and so far has amassed 2448 yards on 415 carries. It's not often, in fact only 11 times previously, that a back runs for 2000 yards in a season and Smith is now just a couple of hundred yards shy of having the greatest single rushing season in history by surpassing the great Barry Sanders. Smith is an intriguing back with average size and speed. I don't know if Smith's skills will transfer to the NFL with the same level of success but there is no doubt that he's a starting back. Smith does it all for his team and can run just as well inside as out. The most impressive thing is that not once in his 41 carries did I see him sucking wind. He looks to be in great shape and enjoys carrying the ball that much. Smith's receiving skills are so-so. He does have 21 receptions for 230 yards for the season but his hands were not on display this game. Smith does an average job of picking up the blitz but I give that a wash considering it just isn’t taught the same as it is at the next level. Besides his lack of outright speed, another chink in his armor is his upright running style. Many were quick to point this out about Adrian Peterson and the same will be said about Smith and more, who complicates things worse by failing to get his pads lower when taking a hit. I have no idea what times Smith will eventually post, whether it be this year or next, but his 40 time will be a major factor where he is drafted. When I watch this kid over and over I can't help but wonder how he produces so many yards while looking like he’s barely moving. It'll also be interesting to see if Smith requests the NFL for a projected status in this year's draft. What some consider a weak running back class could just get a little more pizzazz. GRADE: VERY POSITIVE

Kyle Smith #71 6' 2.0" 302 OG/C 2008: Smith is a projected as a potential guard at the next level but plays Center for UCF. Smith isn't an impressive athlete but he does an adequate job. Smith seems to have a firm grasp on his teams offensive scheme and must provide his fellow lineman with great reads in order to produce such a potent ground attack. Watching Smith on tape tells me he'll never make it at the next level. His size and strength are major concerns; and I don't believe he has the build to add any additional mass. If he can land as an UDFA with a zone blocking team like Denver or Houston, he could sneak on just because we are now seeing these teams lack the necessary depth going into this season. GRADE: SLIGHTLY NEGATIVE


College: TULSA Conference: CONFERENCE - USA Columnist: JIM O'DELL

SCOUTING SUMMARY:
Paul Smith #12 6' 2.0" 195 QB 2008: Paul Smith entered the game as a legitimate NFL prospect and ranked near the top of Div 1 quarterbacks. Prior to this game I heard a lot about him and have seen him projected as high as a 4th Round pick. To be honest, I was very disappointed in what I saw. Smith does an excellent job of throwing on the run and kind of reminds me of a slower version of JP Losman. However, I just don't see this kid having an NFL caliber arm. Several times I saw this kid make throws that just floated due to poor mechanics. Smith finishes the year with 300 completions against 499 attempts for 4753 yards. He also threw 42 TD's. Unfortunately he also threw 19 interceptions. Smith's best plays were on crossing patterns that enticed the MLB to commit to one of the routes. I think the designed roll outs are to hide his arm strength but I guess I'll just have to wait till the combine to see his velocity numbers. Maybe someone takes a gamble on this kid in a later round but I would say his arm strength is equal to or worse than Bruce Gradkowski's. I'm also waiting to see his hand measurements and whether this was the cause for some of his errant passes. Another thing I noticed was like so many college QB's, Smith often waited for the route to fully develop rather than making the throw as it developed. GRADE: NEGATIVE


OTHER NOTES/PLAYERS TO WATCH:

UCF:

Joe Burnett #19 5'11.0" 183 CB 2009: Burnett was all over the field in this game and finished the contest with 8 solo tackles and 2 assists. He also had an 83 yard Punt Return for a TD. Burnett looks much bigger than his listed size and several times I thought he was a safety coming up to make a stop. On the Punt Return, Burnett did not look like the fastest guy in the world but he did separate himself from the field. His moves were above average and I can see this kid being a late middle or latter round pick. Not to compare the two but this kid comes from the same school that gave us Asante Samuel, so the coaching he's receiving should at least be equal to the skill set.

TULSA:

Tarrion Adams #25 6'1.0" 204 RB 2009: Adams was just voted 2nd Team Conference-USA and has the potential to develop into an above average back. The concern would be the talent level he plays against but should Kevin Smith come out this year and produce at the next level; it could pave the way for a guy like Adams. Adams finishes the year with 202 carries for 1113 yards. He's a mix between a scat back that could succeed in a zone blocking scheme since he hits the hole with a phenomenal burst w/o dancing around. What I like about Adams is that he performed in a pass laden offense. Look for good things out of this kid next year, especially once Paul Smith moves on.

Brennan Marion #4 6'1.0 185 WR 2009: This young man possesses big play potential evident by his 35.4 yards per catch this season, which coincidentally would break a NCAA record. Marion has average hands but runs extremely precise routes with extreme quickness. I don't know if his production is a result of the system given my feelings towards Paul Smith; however, this kid could wind up making an NFL roster solely for his ST's play or as a 5th or 6th receiver. It'll be interesting next year and I'd like to see the kid add another 8 lbs of muscle mass.