Cincinnati 31, Southern Miss 21
Junior CB DeAngelo Smith comes down with one of his three interceptions for the Bearcats.
This was a contest marred with an abundance of flags and replays. In Coach Jeff Bower’s last game at Southern Miss, the Golden Eagles failed to send their coach off on a winning note. The 22nd ranked Bearcats of Cincinnati started off slow, but took control of the game down the stretch with a dominant passing game and some timely big plays. Most of the NFL talents in this game were underclassmen, as I would be surprised if any of the seniors on either of these two teams are drafted in April.
Southern Miss
Senior OG Chris Clark
Notes: Decent interior pass-blocker. Upper body strength not great. Gets stood up at the point of attack.
Outlook: UDFA
Senior DT Martavius Prince
Notes: Neutralized the entire game. Got zero pass-rush.
Outlook: Not an NFL player
Senior CB Brandon Sumrall
Notes: Forced a fumble. Good tackler. Returns punts. Was beat deep in man coverage at least twice. Also penalized for interference. Did get an interception and wisely took a knee in the endzone.
Outlook: Looks like a guy who could be drafted if and only if he runs well in the postseason. Has some experience at S and could possibly be a special teamer in the NFL.
Senior DE Matthew Chatelain
Notes: Recorded a sack. Relentless. Good motor. Good swim/spin move. Will have to run well to make it as a situational pass-rusher or 3-4 OLB in the pro’s.
Outlook: Probably doesn't have NFL speed but we've seen hustle players succeed before.
Junior TE Shawn Nelson
Notes: Caught a TD early in the game. Was not targeted nearly enough. Looks like a fluid athlete and a good receiving TE. Not much of a blocker but showed promise in that area.
Outlook: Should be right there in the group of 2009 senior TE's.
Sophomore LB Gerald McRath
Notes: Good speed. Athletic. Still learning the game. Not great in coverage. Gets lost at times. Good blitzer. Conference USA defensive player of the year.
Outlook: A fourth year sophomore because of injuries. He'll need to stay healthy if he has aspirations to make an NFL roster. Already has a Bachelor's degree. As a player he's feisty, but old. Why draft him in 2009 or 10?
Sophomore HB Damion Fletcher
Notes: Small, explosive back. Quick, good burst. Hits the hole hard. Yards after contact, but not a tackle-breaker. Had 29 carries for 155 yards and 7 receptions for 50.
Outlook: Could add bulk. Has everything you look for in a HB prospect except ideal size. Great balance. Potentially could grow into a legitimate HB prospect for the NFL. Hands are a great asset. Durability could be an issue.
Cincinnati
Senior QB Ben Mauk
Notes: Good pocket presence. Good mobility/scrambling ability. Good short-range accuracy when his feet are set. Good improvisational skills. Bad decision throwing into triple coverage. Terrible decisions on the interceptions. Inaccurate on the run. Probably no NFL future. Wants to work for the FBI. May return to school for a 6th year to study.
Outlook: He shouldn't be drafted, won't be drafted, and may not even want to be drafted.
Senior HB Butler Benton
Notes: Only had one carry for zero yards. Predominantly called on to block. Offers nothing as an NFL prospect.
Outlook: No NFL.
Senior DE Angelo Craig
Notes: Good in pursuit, but way too small for the NFL. Lacks explosiveness off the ball.
Outlook: No NFL.
Senior OT Digger Bujnoch
Notes: Mauk was constantly under duress. Got called for holding. Nothing in the run game.
Outlook: Probably not an NFL player.
Senior S Haruki Nakamura
Notes: A step slow in the endzone giving up a TD. Returns punts. Speedy in pursuit but not instinctive in coverage.
Outlook: Probably not an NFL safety, but could make a roster based on special teams potential because of his hitting ability. UDFA.
Junior DT Terrill Byrd
Notes: A solid 3-technique. Good burst. Recognized a screen and made the play. TFL. 3 Sacks. Quickness is a huge plus. Mobility great for a man his size. Lateral movement is excellent. Change of direction excellent. Pursuit down the line excellent. Not overly strong, won’t ever be a space-eater.
Outlook: This kid is FAST, SMART, PRODUCTIVE, and QUICK, QUICK, QUICK. He was second team All-American and played like it in this one. Always in the right place at the right time. An ideal 3-technique prospect for the NFL. A top DT for 2009.
Junior CB Mike Mickens
Notes: Good open-field tackling. Big-time coverage ability. Unimpressive in press coverage in the redzone. Gave up a TD on an inside release quick slant. Bad footwork and hand-battling on that play. Doesn't look for contact.
Outlook: Probably would be best served to stay at school for one more year. His size doesn't hurt him and QB's know not to throw his way, but he could improve a lot in press coverage and at being more physical.
Junior CB DeAngelo Smith
Notes: Great ball skills. 3 picks. Good closing speed. OK tackler.
Outlook: Everyone knows about Mickens, but this kid is an NFL-caliber player as well. His speed might be questionable, but he's got everything else answered. Three picks in one game is awesome, and he did produce throughout the season. Mickens-Smith (assuming both stay in school) might be the best senior CB duo in the country next season.
