Big East: NFL Draft prospect watch -- Week 13
(Courtesy: Adam Bierman)
Here's the latest on the Big East's top players who are projected to go from playing on Saturdays to starring on Sundays.
1. QB Ryan Nassib, 6-2, 228, Syracuse
Why he has the top spot: Nassib has set numerous single-season and career school records in 2012 with a spectacular season. With one game left in his career, the senior quarterback already owns the Syracuse record for passing yards (9,060) and completions (780) in a career. Nassib also leads the Big East in touchdowns with 24, passing yards with 3,619 and passing yards per game with 301.6. On the national level, Nassib ranks 13th in FBS in total yards per game (312.3). More importantly, Nassib has keyed a late-season revival by the Orange. The Syracuse offense has averaged 38 points during a current three-game winning streak and 35.8 over its last six contests. Nassib has a powerful arm, reads coverages effectively and has demonstrated poise in high-pressure situations. From the start of the season, Nassib looked completely remade. In a 42-41 opening-week defeat against Northwestern, he tied a Big East record for completions with 45 and set the conference all-time mark in attempts with 66. In spite of the loss, Nassib set a school record with 482 passing yards. Syracuse coach Doug Marrone has run out of superlatives to describe the leader of his offense.
Season stats (12 games): 283 of 448 (63.2 completion percentage), 24 TDs, 9 INTs, 3,619 passing yards.
Player ranking: Nassib's stock is rising, he's now ranked No. 43 overall and the No. 4 quarterback in CBSSports.com's latest player rankings. Nassib is currently projected to be selected in the second round. At the start of the season, Nassib was projected to be taken in rounds 3-4.
Up next: Though the Orange have completed their regular season, they are assured of a spot in a bowl game. While Syracuse has an outside of earning a spot in the Bowl Championship Series, Marrone's team is likely headed to the Pinstripe Bowl.
2. DE Trevardo Williams, 6-2, 228, Connecticut
Why he has the second spot: Facing one of the nation's top quarterbacks in Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater, Williams put on a show in the Huskies stunning 23-20 upset win. The UConn senior defensive end was menacing on the outside in recording three sacks and four TFLs. Williams led a defense that held the Cardinals' explosive offense to just 10 points in regulation. The Huskies' defensive end ranks in the top 5 in FBS in sacks per game (1.05) and already has set the school record for career sacks (30). Williams has explosive speed off the edge, he just needs to add some bulk before he moves on to the next level. Season stats (11 games): 11.5 sacks, 13.5 TFLs, 42 tackles, 1 FF.
Player ranking: Williams is ranked No. 126 overall and 13th among outside linebackers in CBSSports.com's latest player rankings.
Up next: The Huskies wrap up the regular season on Saturday vs. Cincinnati. With a win, UConn will become bowl eligible. With a loss, Williams' collegiate career will come to an end. Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC).
3. LB Khaseem Greene, 6-1, 230, Rutgers
Why he has the third spot: Greene has been ubiquitous in roaming sideline to sideline throughout the season in his role as the unquestioned leader of one of the nation's top defenses. The senior linebacker leads the Big East in forced fumbles with six, is tied for first in the conference in tackles with 115 and ranks third in sacks with 5.5. As a result, Greene has emerged as the favorite to win Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors. In 2011, Greene shared the award with former Cincinnati DT Derek Wolfe. The Scarlet Knights' defensive captain has completely recovered from a horrific ankle injury he suffered in a 2011 Pinstripe Bowl win over Iowa State.
Season stats (11 games): 115 tackles, 10 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, 6 FFs, 5 PBUs.
Player ranking: Greene is ranked No. 56 overall and is the fifth-ranked outside linebacker in CBSSports.com's latest player rankings.
Up next: A BCS spot will likely be on the line when the Scarlet Knights face Louisville on Thursday night before a nationally televised audience. The Cardinals lead the conference in scoring offense with 32 points per game. Thursday, 8 p.m. ET, (ESPN).
Keep an eye on: RB Ray Graham, 5-9, 192, Pittsburgh
Why you should watch him? Slowed early in the season by his continual recovery from a serious knee injury, Graham has gained momentum with a productive second half to the season. Last Saturday, Graham rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown against a stingy Rutgers run defense. After removing a brace several weeks ago, the Panthers senior has looked like his old self. In early November in South Bend, Graham gashed Notre Dame's stout run defense for 172 yards and a touchdown. Graham demonstrated that he has regained his explosiveness on a 55-yard burst up the middle. The performance could have turned the heads of a number of NFL scouts in attendance at Notre Dame Stadium. Graham is also dangerous when he leaks out of the backfield on screen passes.
Season stats (11 games): 948 rushing yards on 4.83 yards per carry, 9 rushing TDs; 36 catches for 340 yards, 2 receiving TDs.
Player ranking: Graham is ranked No. 111 overall and the ninth-ranked running back in CBSSports.com's latest player rankings. Graham's injury may have caused the relatively low projection, but he is rapidly moving up the charts.
Up next: The Panthers conclude the regular season in Tampa against South Florida. Graham could be primed for a big running day against a Bulls run defense that has allowed 192 rushing yards or more in three of their last six games. Pitt needs a win to become bowl eligible. Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2).
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Big East, follow bloggers Evan Hilbert and Matt Rybaltowski @CBSBigEast.
