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Hogs Haven College Preview: Week 6

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*Note both of these games were previewed by me. Also remember these write-ups are primarily for scouting purposes. With a focus on players and positions that the Redskins are likely looking for (teams are also picked for that reason as well). 

FBS Game of the Week: #15 Auburn @ #10 Arkansas, 7:00 PM, Fayetteville, Arkansas
TV Listing: ESPN
Point Spread:
 Arkansas -10

Summary: The Tigers have righted the ship in their run to defend their National Title. The Tigers are in the midst of a brutal stretch of games, but showed they can still hang with the best as they knocked off South Carolina last week. Arkansas is coming off a come from behind win over Texas A&M, and needs this victory to propel them into 3rd place in the Western Conference of the SEC. Arkansas has probably the better all-around talent as well as the homefield advantage, making this a tough road for Auburn to climb. The Tigers last week proved that they are still a dangerous team and should make this a close game. In the end I like Arkansas to win and cover, but it will be close for most of the game. Prediction: 35-24, Razorbacks

Players To Watch: Arkansas-

Wide Receiver Jarius Wright (5’10", 180). Wright came into this season as a bit of an afterthought, more of a 5-6th round type of player. But his performance this year including torching Texas A&M for nearly 300 yards, has him moving up draft boards. Wright has always been over shadowed by more well known teammates, but he has clicked with QB Tyler Wilson and looks to be the Razorbacks number 1 WR this year. He profiles as a slot receiver, with good route running, hands and exceptional speed. He was reportedly timed in the 4.2's back in the spring, and he shows that electric ability on the field. While he has moved up he is still probably in the 3rd to 4th round range (though he could skyrocket if he keeps it up with big performances against the SEC).

Quarterback Tyler Wilson (6'3", 220). Wilson is admittedly a bit of a longshot to come out this year with so much quarterback depth and having a thin resume while sitting behind Mallett, it is possible. He's a redshirt junior, and he has numerous weapons leaving this season. Arkansas could very well end up in a BCS game, giving him a huge national profile. While I don't think he will end up coming out, he's definitely worth writing up. Wilson, has made up for lost time with a strong season so far, and really looks to have the makings of a good NFL starer (if not better). Right now if he comes out he could enter the late first early 2nd discussion, but he looks to be more of a 3rd rounder if the draft was held today.

 

 

Auburn- Offensive Tackle Brandon Mosley (6'6", 310). Mosley is a former Community College transfer, who played primarily DE and TE at that level. He came to the Tigers last year, and wound up starting 11 games at tackle. He quickly became a major part of their offensive line. He stayed at RT this season (after a brief switch), and has been the Tigers best lineman thus far. There is some concern that he wasn't able to lock down the LT spot, but that could have simply been what is best for Auburn. NFL scouts could see something different given his size, strength and hard work. He's still a bit raw at the position, but looks to be in the 3rd to 4th round range.

Offensive Line A.J. Greene (6'5", 300). Greene originally was the Tigers starting RT in 2010, but an ankle injury allowed Mosley to take over. He seemed destined to not cut it as a starter, but after a bad first week, the TIgers shifted their offensive line and inserted Greene. Overall their offense has looked better since doing so, and while Greene hasn't been perfect, he's displayed good form and could work his way into the late round discussion with a strong season.

FBS Random Game: Boston College @ #8 Clemson, 3:00 PM, Clemson, SC
TV Listing: ESPN 3, 
Point Spread:
 Clemson -21

 

Summary: This ACC battle will probably be over before it starts, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth watching. Both the Tigers and Eagles have a some NFL talent on their rosters, including a few players who could interest the Redskins. Because Clemson is so good this will actually be a better test for the Boston College defenders, than the Tigers since they have such an advantage.. Prediction: 42-17, Tigers

Players To Watch: Clemson- 

Safety Rashard Hall (6’1", 215). Hall is a redshirt junior but could definitely look to make the jump after this year. He plays free safety for the Tigers, but has displayed good tackling ability to go along with his exceptional ball skills, and could play some SS at the next level. He takes good angles to the ball carrier, and flashes good instincts overall. He looks to be in that 3rd-4th round range, and could be an option for Washington if LaRon Landry leaves.

Defensive End/NT Brandon Thompson (6'2", 310). Thompson was Jarvis Jenkins interior line mate last year for the Tigers. Now that he is on his own Thompson star shines even brighter, as he looks to be a better prospect than Jenkins. Some scouts put him in the top 15 range, but I'd put him more in the 25-35 range. He's an extremely strong and active defensive tackle, who could fit in at either end spot, as well as help out at NT. Although it is unlikely the Redskins grab a DE/NT with their top pick, it isn't improbable, especially if say they had traded back and got extra picks. Adding Thompson to the line (Carricker is a FA), to go along with Bowen, Cofield, Jenkins and Neild could make the Redskins line extremely formidable, and really shore up any issues against the run.

Boston College- ILB Luke Kuechly (6'3", 237). Kuechly is one of the best tacklers in college football, and not just this season, but it's history. He breaks down on ball carriers exceptionally well, and has excellent instincts in finding the ball, and taking the proper angle. This has led him to 27 straight games of 10 or more tackles, which makes him one of the best run defenders in the nation. Kuechly is decent in both pass coverage and pass rush, but it is an area that needs work. Also right now he is a little light to play inside, but he has the frame to put on more weight. Kuechly is a team leader, and by all accounts an all-around good guy, who could be groomed to fill the leadership role once London Fletcher leaves. If the Redskins end up with a late first round pick (either by being a playoff team or trading back) Keuchly would be a fantastic selection.

Defensive end Kaleb Ramsey (6'3", 305). Ramsey is the Eagles best D-lineman, but he's been banged up this year and it has caused problems for Boston College. He's supposed to be 100% this week, but it is possible he re-aggravates his foot injury. If he does go he's one of the best defensive tackles in the nation (defensive end in the 3-4), and is extremely active behind the line. He occupies blockers well, which helps make Kuechly's job that much easier. He looks to be in the 3rd-4th round range right now, and could be an intriguing option for the Skins as they look to strengthen that run defense for next year.

Steve Shoup has been a Redskins fan his entire life and dreams of the day they get back to the glory days of his youth. In addition to his regular piece on Hogs Haven, you can find his daily writings at Fanspeak.com.