The first half was a punting fest, but UConn was able to score on a FG and a 68 PR-TD by Larry Taylor. UConn QB Tyler Lorenzen had a couple bad breaks, didn't do anything particular noteworthy either way, but was victimized by LB Stanley Arnoux of WF who picked off a key pass, and then had a key deflection on an absolutely crucial late 4th-down conversion attempt. Wake Fores was stymied completely in the first half, offenssively, but got it going some in the second half behind the legs and arm of QB Riley Skinner, who showed off some impressive accuracy. The best PP in this game (should he declare) is OLB Aaron Curry of Wake. He has pro size (6'3", 245) and is fast and was the DPOTG for Wake in this one.


SCOUTING SUMMARY:

College: Connecticut Conference: Big East Columnist: Steve Martin

Game Notes
Ryan Henegan 43 6' 0.0" 234 4.75 LB 2008: DNP. Injured

Danny Lansanah 48 6' 0.0" 238 4.64 LB 2008: Very quiet in the first half... almost invisible for the first quarter and 1/2. Team's leading tackler (122 TTs, 14.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 4 ints.) really played a great second half though, even though that is when Wake did all their scoring. A true run stuffer with good closing speed. He is better than a lot of people think and may be turn out to be even better than Alfred Fincher. GRADE: Neutral

Don Thomas 55 6' 2.2" 300 5.25 OG 2008: Watched Don closely today, as he has been getting a lot more ink as of late. Solid bas and nice setup in pass pro. Stones the pass rush. Lacks explosive lateral quickness. Stands around sometimes. Seals well to the inside. Good hand usage. Pull nicely. Does not excel in straight-ahead run blocking.



College: Wake Forest Conference: Atlantic Coast Columnist: Kevin Willingham


Game Notes
Steve Justice 74 6' 4.0" 280 5.14 C 2008: I know some people really like this guy. He is a solid leader, and generally gets the job done. But, he gets walked back and looks a tad heavy-legged to me. He does get from snap to assignment very quickly though, gets out on the second level quickly and a lot. Also pulls well, especially on screens. Lacks the size to be a devastating run blocker at the next level. Uses 2 hands effectively--and sometimes even on 2 different defenders! I'd take him in the 6th, if he were still there...GRADE: Neutral

Jeremy Thompson 98 6' 5.0" 264 4.79 DE 2008: Jeremy is not a guy I have scouted before, or heard that much about. He was reasonably active in this one. Was in on quite a few tackles and had a 1/2 sack. I like his size and build. Not sure if I can really grade him for the next level on just one game. GRADE: Slightly positive


Other notes:

WFU: MLB #43 Stanley Arnoux was very active, and showed very good awareness in pass defense. I like him. Aaron Curry is the one to watch though. If he declares, I could see him going as high as the late-2nd-early 3rd. (He should probably be added to the dbase, Kevin, as the announcer's were saying he might declare.) QB Riley Skinner is an interesting future prospect. Very accurate. Moves around well and throws well on the run. A little Drew Brees here, but he does throw way too many picks at this stage of his career. WR-KR-PR Kenny Moore (a senior, Kevin) belongs in the database also. Runs polished routes, fights for yardage and has some really nice openfield moves. Ran the ball a couple times too, and his KR ability helps. Junior CB Alphonzon Smith is a name to remember for sure, for next year.

UConn: WR/KR-PR Larry Taylor is a blazer who is just getting on to my radar. We'll have to see what he does in the post-season to see if he warrants a PP grade. Very impressive 68-yard PR-TD. DT Dan Davis is a load, but he's a lumberer who needs to protect his legs better. Gets good penetration, and runs to the sidelines and pinballs his way through trash. UConn's 2 backs (Donald Brown and Andre Dixon) really had disappointing days, but they both have nice skill sets. Junior CB Darius Butler could be the best player to ever come out of this program in the near future.

Does Justice have the body the add more bulk or is he maxed out?

Is Justice best suited for a zone offense given his size?

and is Pollack the far better prospect in your opinion?

I'm not sure if Steve can add much more without losing something. Yes, he has Denver written all over him.

Who is Pollack?

Sorry, Mike Pollak from ASU.

I'd say they are similarly ranked in my mind...6th rounder-types.