Towson's CAA home opener was not supposed to go like this. After taking a 17-7 lead in the second quarter, the wheels just came off, as the Tiger defense just didn't have the horses to deal with the tougher Northeastern line and the direct-snap offense employed so effectively by the Huskies. Northeastern took a page from the Arkansas '07 play book, and ran several different looks and plays off the direct snap to the halfback. 3 of their 5 TDs came as a direct result of that package. Draddy semi-finalist QB Anthony Orio outplayed his more highly-touted rival, Towson's Sean Shaefer, and the Northeastern defensive line really rattled Shaefer in the second half--sacking him three times and keeping him under constant pressure, thus stifling any comeback attempt.

SCOUTING SUMMARY:

College: Northeastern Conference: Colonial Athletic Columnist: Steve Martin

Game Notes
Anthony Orio 10 6' 1.7" 230 4.90 QB 2009: Doesn't have a lot of what you are looking for, but somehow he still comes out on top more often than not. It starts with maturity, toughness and smarts. Orio is a Draddy finalist, and a very good student. He plays like a surgeon. Slow footed, average arm, throws a bad pitch. Ball wobbles and hangs. Overthrows the fade. Like I said, plenty to pick on. Still, he throws OK on the rollout. Does very well on the QB sneak. And, he just gets the ball there. GRADE: Neutral

Brian Mandeville 83 6' 5.0" 255 4.90 TE 2009: I was really looking forward to scouting Mandeville, but he was a "DNP" today--out with a partial tear of the MCL in his left knee.


College: Towson State Conference: Colonial Athletic Columnist: Steve Martin

Game Notes
Jordan Manning 36 6' 0.0" 228 4.70 LB 2009: Manning looked absolutely terrific in the season opener against Navy, but he was injured late in that game, and just doesn't seem to be fully recovered, though he is playing. Seems to have lost his excellent change of direction skills. Still, NU still ran away from him most of the time. When healthy, Jordan is a rush LB who is moved around a lot, and usually plays near the LOS. He made a ton of tackles before the injury, but was only in on a few today. I can't justify grading an injured guy, except to say I am impressed by his toughness in trying to go while still not healthy. GRADE: Incomplete

Marcus Lee 16 6' 1.3" 195 4.55 WR 2009: Shaefer's favorite target always gives good effort. Runs nice routes (and I don't say that all that often.) Nothing fancy or "wow" about him, but he could make a practice squad if he sneaks into a camp because he doesn't let you down, and doesn't do anything to hurt you. Reliable hands. Knows how to find the marker. GRADE: Neutral

Sean Shaefer 13 6' 0.2" 215 5.00 QB 2009: Story of two halves, really. When he is in rhythm he is as good as any QB in the FCS, but he was totally out of it in the second half. Good throwing on the run. Makes good decisions now, and doesn't force it anymore. Ball comes out quickly. Average accuracy and arm strength. Size will always be a concern that is compounded by a 3/4 delivery leading to lots of batted balls. Most effective on the run where that is less likely to happen. Enjoys the sidelines routes and throws them well, including the deep out. Can get antsy in the pocket and rush. Usually takes what the D gives, but can be rattled and thrown totally off his stride, which was the case in the second half today. Leading passer in the FCS in most categories, but he is a marginal pro prospect because of the items mentioned. Still, he has come a long, long way, and has some tools to work with. Could develop into an effective WCO QB if you have room on the practice squad and a good QB coach with patience. GRADE: Neutral

Drew Mack 15 6' 0.6" 205 4.66 S 2009: Still lacks the explosiveness he showed last year coming off an injury this year. Was in there, and made some plays in the running game, but did nothing in pass D, missed a tackle, and was part of the general defensive malaise that cost the Tigers the ball game. GRADE: Slightly negative

Austin Weibley 70 6' 2.0" 290 5.19 OG 2009: DNP...don't know the story.

Tommy Breaux 85 6' 7.3" 207 4.65 WR 2009: Also coming off a recent injury and only had a couple touches. Did the most with both. Got 5 yards on a WR end around, and caught the only ball thrown his way, took a wicked hit, and knocked Thellan out on the play while bouncing back up himself. Obvious intrigue with the size, and is more fluid than you might think, making you think he MIGHT be able to get off the line at the next level. Built up speed. GRADE: Neutral

OTHER NOTES:

Northeastern:

#5 Chris Plum is one heckuva a possession WR at this level. Bulls people over after the catch despite not being the biggest guy around. Tough and competitive.

Last week's DPOTW in the CAA, Sophomore DB Nate Thellan, had that collision with Breaux that he lost, and had another pick (bringing his season total to 4).

Senior DT, #55 Corey Thomas (5'10", 272) is a nice FCS DT, but he is 2 inches short and 20 pounds light of a camp invitation. He had two sacks and another pressure in the second half and gets my defensive game ball.

Towson:

I continue to be impressed by #64, Sophomore DT Yaki Ibia. He looks like a future star at this level.

#80 WR Newsome, is fairly impressive as well.