Wake Forest, you might expect to hear called somewhat inept on offense, but they like to win low scoring slugfests nowadays. For Clemson, there is absolutely no tangible excuse. This team purportedly has 5 draftable studs on offense (Harper, Davis, Spiller, Kelly, Ford) but they just aren't producing. It has to start with the head coach. I have lambasted the Bowdens before, and won't overdo it, but somebody better wake up and realize there is more to selecting a coach than a name. The next culprit has to be the QB. Harper has everything in terms of measurables and mechanics that pro scouts look for, so the problem has to lie within 8 inches of the top of his helmet. Did his older sister continually rip apart his teddy bear when he was little, or what exactly is going on in this guy's psyche? He just looks tentative, and totally lacking in confidence. How you could have the tools he has personally, and have the tools he is surrounded by. and yet still lack confidence is a HUGE RED FLAG. Both teams have outstanding defenses, and it's a good thing because the only fireworks in this one came from the nearby State Fair that was setting them off. Clemson literally had -13 TOTAL YARDS with 6:55 left in the second quarter before Harper finally connected with Gresham for a 15 yard pass play.

NOTE: I am missing the last 9 minutes of this game....DARNED DVR! grrr....

SCOUTING SUMMARY:

College: Clemson Conference: Atlantic Coast Columnist: Steve Martin
Name # Ht Wt Speed Pos Class Game Notes

James Davis 1 5' 11.0" 205 4.48 HB 2009: When Spiller went down early, he stepped up a bit and played better as the game wore on. Actually started doing some damage catching the ball. Fights the ball a bit, and will never be considered a 3rd down back, but did OK tonight. Dips his shoulder and initiates contact. Struggles for yards, and delivers a pop. Not much wiggle. He is a power back who lacks power back size, so his NFL value is minimal. I'd take him in the 6th if I hadn't already drafted a RB and had a need to fill out the roster. GRADE: Neutral

Jacoby Ford 6 5' 9.0" 175 4.35 WR 2010: This guys's greatest asset is speed. The announcers were settled that the reported 4.02 he ran in the Spring was impossible, but I COULD see him breaking into the 4.2s easily at the combine, and that is the type of thing that gets you drafted high. He has the return skills, and is an improving receiver, although he looked awfully juggling an easy TD pass all the way into the endzone from the 5. He is not the Devin Hester/Raghib Ismail-style return man just yet, and he is not anywhere near a finished product as an offensive player, but a creative coaching staff will make deadly use of him on screens and swing passes and reverses, and he should be over-drafted and go in the first, even if he comes out early. GRADE: Slightly positive

Aaron Kelly 80 6' 4.1" 190 4.50 WR 2009: He and Harper should be setting the world on fire, and I watched Kelly closely to see if he shares the blame. Not really....gets off the line OK. Bit of a glider, but he gets to top speed pretty smoothly and quickly. Patterns are what you would expect from a high cut 6'4" WR, and other guys have been successful with his dimensions who cut no mores smoothly than he does. Lacks strength in jump ball situations and can have the ball ripped away, but he gets up and tries hard. I really want to see that combine 40. I am guessing the 4.50 may be generous. GRADE: Neutral

Ricky Sapp 7 6' 3.0" 240 4.70 DE 2010: Still injured, but playing at about 90%. You can see the explosive potential this kid has, and don't be fooled by name-hype theories. The kid can play. Next question is WHERE? I'd say bulk him up to 250, and let him be your 3rd down pass-rusher. Not sure yet if he can play well enough in space to be a conversion candidate to OLB. Need more time to see him fully healthy. GRADE: Neutral

Chris Clemons 22 6' 0.2" 210 4.55 S 2009: He actually outplayed Hamlin the entire first half. Really was the standout performer on either side of the ball for Clemson in that first half. Shows good run support awareness and diagnosing ability. Head hunter who gets in on a lot of plays. Was maybe being picked on a little, but did more than fine. I would not hesitate to add him to my roster late, if he lasts. Has enough size to stay healthy, and enough smarts to contribute if needed off the bench at the next level. Classic example of a guy being over-shadowed by a headliner on the same team who plays the same position. GRADE: Positive

C.J. Spiller 28 5' 10.0" 195 4.40 HB 2010: Went out early with what looked like a leg cramp. But then he was dancing around and literally leaping around on the sidelines for the rest of the game playing cheerleader. I'm no doctor, but if he could do all that, I have to wonder why he wasn't back out there. GRADE: Incomplete

Cullen Harper 10 6' 3.0" 225 4.90 QB 2009: See my opening paragraph. The guys has all the tools. He throws a nice tight spiral. Has good form and technique. Doesn't make a lot of dumb decisions. There is just something missing. I can't figure it out. Clemson needs to retain a psychologist or a Shaman or something, and get this guy turned around. He still warrants a 3rd round grade based on potential, but he is playing like a priority UDFA right now. GRADE: Negative

Michael Hamlin 25 6' 2.5" 205 4.60 S 2009: Was fairly quiet in the first half, but really turned it on in the second. Shows good range in pass D, and the ability to smack up an attempt. Is also a consummate run defender. No weaknesses, except I'd like to see him at 215+. Should be a 3rd rounder at worst. Lots of upside too. GRADE: Positive

Dorell Scott 97 6' 2.8" 310 5.00 DT 2009: Steady plugger who usually does what you ask of him. Doesn't do a smidgen more than that though. Will not be a presence rushing the passer. Will not star, but could be a rotational 4-3 DT. Isn't likely to be drafted until very late, because there are just too many nice-sized DTs available this year if most of the juniors come out.

Rashaad Jackson 91 6' 1.4" 290 5.00 DT 2009: DNP that I know of...


College: Wake Forest Conference: Atlantic Coast Columnist: Steve Martin
Name # Ht Wt Speed Pos Class Game Notes

Boo Robinson 96 6' 1.2" 325 5.25 DT 2010: If he should declare I see him in the second round. Clemson has a young and inexperienced O-line, but they could do absolutely nothing with Robinson. He was the defensive star along with Curry. Massive and moves well for a big man. He'd be a first rounder if he was just a couple inches taller. Chaes down the line. Blows up the center of the pocket. Doesn't have elite pass rush moves or closing speed. May be maxing out, but there is plenty to like here. He could be the best pure NT candidate in the NCAA right now. GRADE: Very positive

Aaron Curry 59 6' 3.0" 240 4.70 LB 2009: I already liked him before this game, but Andrew Lalalam's surprise inclusion in the first round of his latest mock made me took an even closer look. I gotta say, I owe Andrew one. This kid has first round stamped on him. Prior to the season, some were thinking he was a bit inflexible, and maybe limited to one position, but I don't see any kinks in his armor now. WF used him a lot as a DE in their 53 package. He is a deadly pass rusher, and is equally fluid dropping into coverage. Showed me plenty of versatility and range today. He sniffs out screens and makes plays on the edges. He comes up hard, and fights his way into the backfield to disrupt plays. He could be a more classic form tackler, and could stand to gain about 10-15 pounds of muscle, and if he does that, he could be unstoppable. GRADE: Very positive

Demir Boldin 4 5' 11.5" 220 4.55 WR 2009: Was held in check most of the day, but had maybe the play of the game in the early 4th quarter, picking up 28 yards on a 3rd-and-24 situation for WF on a slant pass from the shadow of their own goal line. Rugged kid who can take a lick and deliver one. Holds on. Seems to have the kind of hands you need. Anquan's younger brother may make some money. Fine routes. I'd say 4th rounder....GRADE: Positive

Alphonso Smith 2 5' 9.0" 190 4.45 CB 2009: Had the defensive play of the game with a huge mo changing pick in the early 4th quarter. Seems to really bait the QB. Solid enough run defender for a little guy. Another one of those Ellis Hobbs type corners who is becoming a dime-a-dozen in the NFL though. Can't see him as a #1, or even #2. Smart. Lets the WR run up his back and doesn't draw the flag. Didn't do much until the game was on the line. If only he were 6'0" ...GRADE: Slightly positive

Sam Swank 38 6' 0.0" 200 5.00 K 2009: DNP, and it was nearly extremely costly for the Demons.

Chip Vaughn 9 6' 1.3" 216 4.59 S 2009: Muscled up guy with a LB's physique. Really plays the run well, and has that classic SS size and demeanor. Positions himself well. Big hitter. Really showed me something. Not sure what he can do in pass defense, because, surprisingly one of the most-potentially awesome collegiate passing attacks in the country didn't feel like passing. GRADE: Positive

Stanley Arnoux 43 6' 0.4" 242 4.67 LB 2009: The "other Wake Forest linebacker" ain't half bad in his own right. Does everything well, but nothing spectacularly well. Steady guy who makes plays dropping in coverage or standing his ground in the run game. Actually outplays Curry at times. Solid 5th rounder, IMHO. GRADE: Positive

Anthony Davis 93 6' 4.0" 251 4.80 DE 2009: Nothing to write about.

Kevin Patterson 10 5' 9.7" 191 4.60 S 2009: Barely showed up, a Smith and Vaughn were making all the plays. Looks like a possible nickel back some day, but I need to see the 40 time and the VJ on him before knowing for sure. Just not enough to evaluate today. GRADE: Incomplete

Matt Robinson 42 6' 2.0" 248 4.85 DE 2009: Matt really caught my attention too. He is obviosuly not big enough to be drafted as a DE, and I am not sure he could transition, but he is a mature, emotional kid who gets in on a lot of plays. Very quick down the line. Gets lower and wins. Wish I could figure out what to do with him, because he sure has the demeanor to play for me. GRADE: Neutral

Clifford Respress 97 6' 3.2" 280 5.07 DT 2009: Didn't see him. Is he injured? Suspended? Or did I just miss him on brief rotations?


OTHER NOTES:

Wake Forest: Riley Skinner is really going to be an interesting call next year. Did as much damage with his feet as with his arm today, though he is going to get himself killed at this level let alone the next playing this style. Can he be an effective WCO QB/ Maybe....

Brandon Ghee (#17) is a decent future CB candidate. Not far behind Smith today.


Clemson: You know, Dan Marino came out of college with plenty of detractors, and 5 other QBs went ahead of him...Harper seems to have almost similar physical skills, but my gosh, he better start putting up numbers now.

P.S. #99 Jarvis Jenkins, a DT, showed flashes of a future, then he would yank on a face mask and not let go, or something stupid like that. is this guy Schizo??

On Harper, it must have been his younger sister...he doesn't have an older one

And on Robinson, how would you compare him to Terrence Cody at Alabama? And more importantly perhaps, which would you draft first?

I haven't scouted Alabama, yet. That's why I said "could be."

Of Brandstater, Harper, Longshore, and Teel [sounds like a personal injury firm], who do you think has the best chance in the NFL, even as a DeBerg/Orlavsky/Strock type #2?
Riley Skinner reminds me of Brett Basanez, could he be a #3? I like Davis more than you, but he seems to be less sure of himself than previously. Ford is very Averyesque he is raw as a WR and was recruited as a CB by many schools. He could be a Darrell Green-type CB at the next level. DaQuan Bowers is a Simeon Rice in training, Kelly ran to 40s last Spring my sources indicate he ran 4.57 and 4.62 with no special training with pre-combine speed training low 4.5s are not impossible. Who would you take Sheets or Davis, they seem to be the same guy but Sheets can be had late day 2. Where do you see Clemons playing at the next level?

WFU Curry is my current favorite at his position and Smith is a top 5 CB, Skinner has a little Zabransky in him but less straight-ahead speed. Boo Robinson has a little "Booger" in him. Vaughn and Matt Robinson seem to be day2 guys. Who else can play on Sunday's? Is Ghee a 'Nickel?' What kind of system suits Arnoux?

Of Brandstater, Harper, Longshore, and Teel [sounds like a personal injury firm], who do you think has the best chance in the NFL, even as a DeBerg/Orlavsky/Strock type #2?

Longshore, only because I think Harper has the total package (except upstairs) to be a starter one day, and of the others, Longshore looks the most like a capable #2, although all 4 could surprise.

Riley Skinner reminds me of Brett Basanez, could he be a #3?

Basanez was thicker and tougher. Skinner has a chance to be a #3 for a WCO team. Not sure if he can be more yet...

I like Davis more than you, but he seems to be less sure of himself than previously.

I just don't see real explosion at the LOS.

Ford is very Averyesque he is raw as a WR and was recruited as a CB by many schools. He could be a Darrell Green-type CB at the next level.

Ford will find a home, and as you said, it could be almost anywhere. He is very versatile and explosive. Lots of upside, as he is still developing.

Where do you see Clemons playing at the next level?

Another versatile guy who I could see at either S spot.

WFU Curry is my current favorite at his position and Smith is a top 5 CB...

Oh, totally agreed...

Skinner has a little Zabransky in him but less straight-ahead speed.

There you go, Zabransky, yes!


Who else can play on Sunday's? Is Ghee a 'Nickel?'

Vaughn, Hamlin, Spiller...

What kind of system suits Arnoux?

3-4 SAM.

Gotcha! I think Longshore could be as good as Dilfer or Johnson, who both have rings, but he'll need to be in a run 1st and talented lineup.