Nevimeister
I was there!
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2005
- Messages
- 5,361
- Reaction score
- 1,350
- Age
- 43
Offline
USA TODAY kicks off a new feature, Draft Gems, profiling under-the-radar players who could suprise and made an impact if selected in the 2008 NFL draft. The first installment looks at Tulane RB Matt Forte and Kentucky LB Wesley Woodyard:
• Player: MATT FORTE, running back (current Top 500 ranking — No. 61)
• Ht., Wt.: 6-1, 224
• College: Tulane
• Hometown: Slidell, La.
• Key statistic: Displayed impressive consistency when he posted school-record eight consecutive 100-yard rushing efforts to close senior season.
• College highlights: Came within 11 yards of equaling rushing total of first three years when he amassed 2,127 yards on the ground in 2007, the seventh best single-season mark in NCAA history. Leaves as Tulane's all-time leader in rushing yards per game (99.186), rushing touchdowns (39) and total TDs (44). Ranked second in all-purpose yards (5,261), rushing yards (4,265), rushing attempts (833) and 100-yard games (16).
• Upside: Responded to Senior Bowl showcase by emerging as game's MVP, carrying eight times for 59 yards and tacking on another 38 yards on four receptions. Pass-catching ability is eye-catching. Placed second on Green Wave as senior in receptions (32) and was third in receiving yards (282). Showed great durability and grit with school-record 361 rushing attempts in 2007.
• Downside: Finished as nation's second-leading rusher but scouts wish it had come against higher level of competition. Missed last three games as junior after tearing meniscus and posterior cruciate ligament in left knee. While he was clearly healthy as senior, knee injuries are always troubling.
• What they're saying: "He's big, he's fast, he's strong. He can do it all. Somebody is going to get him and be very happy." –Toledo head coach Bob Toledo
"Guys who are productive the way he was are usually guys who come in and do well." –Gil Brandt, NFL.com
• Projected round: Late third, early fourth
Draft Gems: Forte, Woodyard could be surprises - USATODAY.com
• Player: MATT FORTE, running back (current Top 500 ranking — No. 61)
• Ht., Wt.: 6-1, 224
• College: Tulane
• Hometown: Slidell, La.
• Key statistic: Displayed impressive consistency when he posted school-record eight consecutive 100-yard rushing efforts to close senior season.
• College highlights: Came within 11 yards of equaling rushing total of first three years when he amassed 2,127 yards on the ground in 2007, the seventh best single-season mark in NCAA history. Leaves as Tulane's all-time leader in rushing yards per game (99.186), rushing touchdowns (39) and total TDs (44). Ranked second in all-purpose yards (5,261), rushing yards (4,265), rushing attempts (833) and 100-yard games (16).
• Upside: Responded to Senior Bowl showcase by emerging as game's MVP, carrying eight times for 59 yards and tacking on another 38 yards on four receptions. Pass-catching ability is eye-catching. Placed second on Green Wave as senior in receptions (32) and was third in receiving yards (282). Showed great durability and grit with school-record 361 rushing attempts in 2007.
• Downside: Finished as nation's second-leading rusher but scouts wish it had come against higher level of competition. Missed last three games as junior after tearing meniscus and posterior cruciate ligament in left knee. While he was clearly healthy as senior, knee injuries are always troubling.
• What they're saying: "He's big, he's fast, he's strong. He can do it all. Somebody is going to get him and be very happy." –Toledo head coach Bob Toledo
"Guys who are productive the way he was are usually guys who come in and do well." –Gil Brandt, NFL.com
• Projected round: Late third, early fourth
Draft Gems: Forte, Woodyard could be surprises - USATODAY.com