Statistics and highlights are nice, but scouts will tell you it's the little things that divide successful NFL prospects from unsuccessful ones.
Watching California defensive lineman Tyson Alualu against Arizona Saturday night reminded me of how some "little things" can make a big difference. On one play early in the game, he drove massive right tackle Adam Grant into the running back, who lost the ball and the Bears recovered.
Alualu wasn't credited with a forced fumble, but he caused the play. Using leverage to push the pocket, even if it does not directly result in a statistic, makes defensive coaches happy. His ability to play multiple positions and holding the line vs. double teams are other attributes scouts take note of that the casual fan may not.
His teammate, cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson, started his 49th consecutive game for the Bears, displaying how durability is another factor not often enough considered in the evaluation process. And unlike many corners, Thompson plays physically in run support so his lining up every game isn't an easy task. Like fatherhood, half of succeeding in football is just being there.
On the flip side, Arizona redshirt sophomore quarterback Nick Foles displayed his inexperience by throwing a ball after Alualu batted the first attempt back into his hands. That's another heads-up play by the senior that won't show up in the stat sheet; he couldn't get to Foles through a double team so he got his hands into the passing lane.
The penalty for Foles' illegal throw resulted in a fourth-and-17 in Cal territory that Arizona did not convert. Instead of setting up for a game-winning field goal attempt on the road, Foles' mistake led to his team losing the ball - and Bears running back Shane Vereen running for a game-clinching touchdown on the first play from scrimmage.
Foles should learn how to handle those situations as he continues his career, as Alualu and Thompson fought through their mistakes early on. He has the size and arm strength to be a good future prospect, but continuing those types of mental mistakes will hinder his draft stock, even with his enticing physical tools.
The difference between this week's Risers and Fallers partially comes because of their attention to small detail, but also their explosiveness as playmakers on the grand stage.
Risers and Fallers - Chad Reuter -- (Updated 11/16/2009)
McCluster's school-record 324 all-purpose yards, which won him the Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week award, in the win over Tennessee couldn't go unnoticed. The Rebels' main offensive threat rushed for 282 yards and four scores, showing exceptional speed and elusiveness against a fairly strong and quick Volunteers defense. He also had four catches for 42 yards, continuing to show his potential as a playmaker in the backfield and in the slot at the next level. Obviously McCluster's 5-8, 170-pound frame is a concern for NFL teams, and will probably keep him out of the top 50 picks. But Pittsburgh's Stefan Logan, San Diego's Darren Sproles, Arizona's LaRod Stephen-Howling and Chicago's Garrett Wolfe have proven that teams can use playmakers of any size on offense and special teams.
The Scarlet Knights haven't had their best season, but the 31-0 shellacking of South Florida in front of a national audience Thursday night spotlighted one of the best players. McCourty led his team with nine tackles, two for loss, forced a fumble on a USF punt return and blocked a punt which led to a field goal. His speed and fluidity in coverage, willingness to support the run and special teams acumen (a not-so-little aptitude scouts and coaches notice) should allow him to be picked earlier than his twin brother, Jason, a sixth-round pick by Tennessee last April.
Williams has steadily risen up NFL Draft boards because of performances such as the one he had in a losing effort against Ole Miss. His nine tackles led the team, and his 2009 total of 52 is third on the squad. That sort of production is a bit unusual for a defensive tackle not named Ndamukong Suh. Williams also had two tackles for loss, one of which came after a pass he batted went to Ole Miss C Daverin Geralds - it was the easiest tackle Williams had all year. One of his most impressive plays came early on, as Williams chased a scrambling QB Jevan Snead to the sideline to prevent a big run. Snead has decent speed, so the big man's hustle could not be ignored. Combining that chase with his strength on the line makes him an intriguing early-round nose tackle prospect.
Boateng didn't get the memo from teammates Alualu and Thompson on how to be a smart football player. After finally getting healthy last season and putting his troubled past in Florida (which caused him to transfer to the West Coast before the 2007 season) behind him, Boateng stepped forward as a junior with 29 catches for 439 yards and five scores. But in eight games this year, he has only 10 for 191 yards. Saturday night, he produced more penalty flags (one) than catches (none). CB Devin Ross frustrated Boateng with his physicality, and probably trash talk, and the receiver couldn't stop himself from yanking Ross' facemask after one play. Boateng has some talent, but his lack of production and discipline could cost him an NFL future.
Time after time this season, Duncan has proven himself unable to handle pass protection against top talent. Pittsburgh's junior defensive end Greg Romeus, a probable first-round pick in 2010 or 2011, continually beat Duncan on the edge or used a bull rush to get under the pads of the 6-7, 315-pound senior tackle. With the Irish trying to take the lead late in the game, Romeus pressured junior QB Jimmy Clausen twice, forcing a fumble that basically ended the game, with Duncan getting no help. Clausen's talent and head coach Charlie Weis' decided schematic advantage makes little difference without the proper protection.
The Utes' beat-down of Alabama in last year's Sugar Bowl figured to give Sylvester a boost in his draft stock this season. But like the rest of his teammates Saturday night against TCU, the senior just wasn't able to halt the Horned Frogs in the 55-28 dismantling. His small 6-2, 230-pound frame was covered up often by TCU offensive linemen, as he managed only one solo tackle. At other times, Sylvester was late to the play or lost his gap discipline to allow large running lanes. He has only managed 2.5 tackles for loss this season, and his inability to beat blocks when blitzing was evident against TCU.
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Anyone else think Tebow should be on this list? He really isn't showing he has the abilities to be drafted as a QB. If he wants to be a QB, he'll be drafted mid to late 2nd round, but if he comes out as an athlete or whatever they call it (ATH), then he might be mid to late 1st round IMO. I don't like him as an NFL qb, but he is Tebow and he could prove me wrong. I don't think he will though. I'm
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