Minnesota Vikings 2007 Draft coverage and picks. A round by round list of the teams 2007 draft picks and a profile of each player.
Minnesota Vikings 2007 Draft order is as follows:
Round 1: 7
Round 2: 12 (44) (from Atlanta)
Round 3: 8 (72)
Round 4: 3 (102) (from Tampa Bay)
Round 5: 9 (146)
Round 6: 2 (176) (from Detroit through Denver)
Round 7: 7 (217)
Round 7: 23 (233) (from Denver)
Adrian Peterson | Sidney Rice | Marcus McCauley | Brian Robison | Aundrae Allison | Rufus Alexander | Tyler Thigpen | Chandler Williams | Undrated Free Agents
ADRIAN PETERSON
Tailback
Oklahoma University Sooners
#28
6:01.7-218
Palestine, Texas
Palestine High School
OVERVIEW:
Blessed with a perfect blend of size, speed, strength and field vision, the
most decorated runner in Texas high school football continued to have great
success at the collegiate level. Even playing for a school known for its
storied history of running the football, Peterson etched his name into the
Oklahoma record books numerous times during his short career with the
Sooners. Despite injury problems in his three seasons at Oklahoma
(dislocated left shoulder, right high ankle sprain, broken right clavicle),
Peterson became the first player in school history to eclipse 3,000 rushing
yards in two seasons. He ranks second in school history with 747 rushing
attempts (sixth in Big Twelve Conference annals), third with 4,045 rushing
yards (fifth in conference history) and fourth with 41 touchdowns rushing.
His 4,401 all-purpose yards are third on Oklahoma's all-time record list.
Peterson was a consensus National Player of the Year as a senior at
Palestine High School. College Football News and Rivals.com rated him the
best player in the prep ranks. Prep Star's National Offensive Player of the
Year was also a first-team All-State choice. He rushed for 2,960 yards on
252 attempts, an average of 11.7 yards per carry, and 32 touchdowns as a
senior in 2003. He finished his junior season with 2,051 yards on 246
carries, an average of 8.3 yards per carry, and 22 scores. A talented
athlete, he also competed in track-and-field and basketball. Peterson
announced that he would enroll at Oklahoma after rushing for two touchdowns
in the 2003 U.S. Army High School All-American Game, leading the West squad
with 95 yards on only nine carries. He would make an immediate impact on the
collegiate scene for the Sooners in 2004. He finished second in the Heisman
balloting, the highest ever by a freshman, and finished third in the voting
for the Maxwell Award (player of the year). That year, Peterson was a
consensus All-American -- the first OU freshman to earn that honor. He was
also the first freshman since Dre Bly in 1996 to be named to the Associated
Press All-American squad, and the first freshman to be a Doak Walker Award
finalist. He led the nation and set an NCAA freshman record with 339 rushing
attempts (third highest in OU history) and ranked third nationally with
1,925 rushing yards (5.7 avg). He had 1,365 yards after contact, 71 percent
of his net. Peterson broke the OU single-season rushing record set in 1978
by Billy Sims (1,896) and the NCAA freshman record set in 1996 by
Wisconsin's Ron Dayne (1,863). He also set the NCAA freshman marks for
consecutive 100-yard rushing games (nine) and total 100-yard rushing games
(11). His 11 total 100-yard games ranked second at OU (Quentin Griffin had
12 in 2002) and he also tied the NCAA freshman record for reaching 1,000
yards in the fewest games (seven) with Emmitt Smith (Florida, 1987) and
Marshall Faulk (San Diego State, 1991). All that production came despite
playing most of that season with a dislocated left shoulder suffered in fall
practice that would require surgery after the season. A right high ankle
sprain limited Peterson's playing time in 2005. He missed the Baylor game
and was sat out more than two quarters in each of four other games. Peterson
still rushed for 1,108 yards and 14 touchdowns on 220 carries (5.1 avg) and
averaged 104.91 all-purpose yards per game, but it was clear he was not the
same back as his freshman season. A right collarbone fracture would sideline
Peterson for the team's final seven regular season games in 2006, but he
still earned All-Big Twelve Conference first-team honors. He managed his
third consecutive 1,000-yard season, picking up 1,012 yards with 12
touchdowns on 188 attempts (5.4 avg). He also showed solid receiving and
return skills, making 10 catches for 136 yards and a score while returning
seven kickoffs for 162 yards (23.1 avg). He raked in an average of 187.14
all-purpose yards per game. In 31 games at Oklahoma, Peterson started 32
times. He ranks second in school annals with 747 carries and finished third
in OU history with 4,045 yards on the ground (5.4 avg). He scored 41 times
rushing and added 24 receptions for 198 yards (8.3 avg) and a score. He
gained 162 yards on seven kickoff returns (23.1 avg) and finished third on
the school career record list with 4,401 all-purpose yards (141.96 ypg). His
252 points scored rank fifth among non-kickers and ninth overall in Oklahoma
history. He finished second in OU annals with 22 100-yard and six 200-yard
rushing performances, but also turned the ball over six times on 17 fumbles.
ANALYSIS:
Positives: Has a thick, defined chest, shoulders
and arms, a tight waist, good bubble, thick thighs and calves with room on
his frame to add more bulk...Possesses impressive strength, outstanding
balance and quickness with that uncanny vision and awareness to quickly find
the holes...Has the hip snap to easily change direction and shift gears,
generating a sudden burst out of his cuts...His feet and body control enable
him to pick his way through trash, and he keeps his feet after contact...Has
the loose hips to make the initial tackler miss and is very good at
anticipating the opponent's moves (gained 71 percent of his yardage after
initial contact)...Excellent block reader who immediately sees the hole
develop, and it is rare to see him makes his cuts too early...Tough runner
who is very hard to bring down once he builds to top speed...Likes to lower
his head and drive through with his legs after contact, but also has the
agility to bounce off tackles and redirect rather than trying to overpower
the opponent constantly (used to try to run over guys earlier in his career,
but used cutback lanes more often in 2006)....His quick cutting skills mean
he doesn't have to gear down to change direction...Can drop his pads and
shift gears quickly, maintaining that burst through his cuts...Quick to
attack the inside holes and has the acceleration to separate once he clears
the trash...Has that natural feel for the holes, quickly anticipating the
opening...Has also shown the patience to set up and use his
blockers...Started running with pitter-patter steps in 2006, as it allowed
him to maintain body control to slide through the holes...Shifts gears
naturally and can make crisp cuts to turn and head up field...When he keeps
his pads low, he punishes the defender and can move the pile...Has the
balance to stay up on his feet after contact and will lower his head or
bounce off tackles to compete for extra yardage...His strength is evident
when he sticks his hat into the defender, and he has also developed into a
decent cut blocker, showing effectiveness to face up and stone when working
in space...His deceptive leg thrusts lets him bounce off the opponent while
maintaining top speed...Has good lateral quickness and fluid pick-and-slide
agility.
Negatives: Looks natural running
with the ball in his hands, but needs to be more conscious of protecting it,
as most of his 17 fumbles came after he hit the ground...Has a lot of Eddie
George in him, as he seems to be too erect in his stride taking the ball up
the middle, but he has the lower leg strength to break tackles and is
effective at lowering his shoulder to move the pile...Will sometimes revert
to trying to run over the opponent, but considering his two bad shoulders
and chronic ankle problems, he is better served trying to escape rather than
overpower...Even when running at full speed, he knows how to use his
blockers, but ball security rears its ugly head when he fails to square up
on contact...Shows the make-you-miss burst in the open, but will sometimes
take a side...Has very good balance and runs with powerful strides, but
loses his power base at times when he gets too upright in his stance...Needs
route refinement, as he has the quickness to separate underneath, but it was
rare to see him run intermediate or long patterns...Needs to do a better job
of eyeing the ball on pitch-outs...Seems to let the ball get into his body
too much and will double catch it (just an adequate safety valve working
underneath). Compares To: DEUCE McALLISTER-New Orleans...McAllister is a
much better receiver, but both are blessed with exceptional size and speed.
Peterson is a punishing runner, but might be best served trying to avoid
defenders rather than overpower them, considering that he has had several
big injuries that have affected his play. He runs more like Eddie George
between the tackles, getting too tall in his stance, but with his lower body
power it is evident he can break tackles, gaining 71 percentage of his
yardage after initial contact.
INJURY REPORT:
2004: Dislocated his left shoulder in fall drills and re-injured it several
times during the season, requiring surgery in January 2005. 2005: Bothered
all season by a chronic right high ankle sprain that eventually forced him
to miss the Baylor game (10/22) and more than two quarters of action in each
of the Kansas State (10/01), Texas (10/08) and Kansas (10/15) contests.
2006: Suffered a left collarbone fracture vs. Iowa State (10/14), sitting
out the next seven contests vs. Colorado, Missouri, Texas A&M, Texas Tech,
Baylor, Oklahoma State and Nebraska.
CAREER NOTES:
Peterson ranks third in school history with 4,045 yards rushing, topped only
by Billy Sims (4,118 yards, 1975-79) and Joe Washington (4,071,
1972-75)...Became the fifth player in Big Twelve Conference history to rush
for over 4,000 yards in a career, joining Cedric Benson of Texas (5,540;
2001-04), Ricky Williams of Texas (5,289; 1996-98), Darren Sproles of Kansas
State (4,979; 2001-04) and Brad Smith of Missouri (4,289; 2002-05)...His 747
carries are surpassed only by Steve Owens (958, 1967-69) in school annals
and rank sixth on the Big Twelve's career-record list behind Cedric Benson
(1,112), Ricky Williams (845), Darren Davis of Iowa State (823, 1996-99),
Darren Sproles of Kansas State (815, 2001-04) and Brad Smith (799)...Ran for
over 100 yards 22 times during his career, one short of the school-record 23
by Steve Owens (1967-69) and two shy of the Big Twelve all-time record of 24
by Texas' Ricky Williams...His six 200-yard rushing performances rank second
in school annals behind Billy Sims (7, 1975-79)...Peterson's 4,401
all-purpose yards rank fourth on the school's all-time record list, topped
only by Joe Washington (5,881; 1972-75), Quentin Griffin (5,275; 1999-02)
and Greg Pruitt (4,431; 1970-72)...His 1,925 yards rushing in 2004 set a
school season-record, breaking the previous mark of 1,896 yard by Billy Sims
in 1978...Only Troy Davis of Iowa State (2,185 in 1996), Ricky Williams of
Texas (2,124 in 1998), Byron Hanspard of Texas Tech (2,084 in 1996) and
Darren Sproles of Kansas State (1,986 in 2003) ran for more yards in a
season in Big Twelve Conference history...His 339 carries in 2004 rank third
on the school's season-record list, topped only by Steve Owens (358 in 1969
and 393 in 1968)...Peterson's 41 touchdowns rushing rank fourth in school
history behind Steve Owens (57), Billy Sims (53) and Quentin Griffin (44,
1999-2002)...His eleven 100-yard rushing performances in 2004 are topped
only by Griffin's 12 in 2002 on the Oklahoma season-record list and his
three 200-yard rushing efforts in 2004 ranks behind Billy Sims' four in 1978
on the Sooners' record books...Gained 1,937 all-purpose yards in 2004, the
third-best season total in school history behind Quentin Griffin (2,148 in
2002) and Greg Pruitt (2,066 in 1971)...Adrian's 249 yards rushing vs.
Oklahoma State in 2004 is the eighth-best game total in school history and
the most by a Sooner since De'Mond Parker totaled 291 yards vs. Texas in
1997.
AGILITY TESTS
Campus: 4.37 in the 40-yard dash...345-pound bench press...530-pound
squat...37-inch vertical jump...32 1/4-inch arm length...9 1/2-inch hands.
PERSONAL:
Sociology major...Son of Bonita Jackson and Nelson Peterson...Born
3/21/85...Resides in Palestine, Texas.
HIGH SCHOOL:
Attended Palestine (Tex.) High School, playing football for head coach Jerry
Harrell...Consensus National Player of the Year as a senior...College
Football News and Rivals.com rated him the best player in the prep
ranks...Prep Star's National Offensive Player of the Year was also a
first-team All-State choice...Rushed for 2,960 yards on 252 attempts, an
average of 11.7 yards per carry, and 32 touchdowns as a senior in
2003...Finished his junior year with 2,051 yards on 246 carries, an average
of 8.3 yards per carry, and 22 scores...Also competed in track and field and
basketball.
SIDNEY RICE
Wide Receiver
University of South Carolina Gamecocks
#4
6:03.5-202
Gaffney, South Carolina
Gaffney High School
OVERVIEW:
The Gamecocks have featured several speedy wide receivers who have gone on
to professional careers in recent years, but not since Sterling Sharpe
(1983-87) and Robert Brooks (1988-91) has the school been able to boast such
a big-play specialist like Rice. Even though he spent only two seasons with
the Gamecocks, Rice made his mark in the school record books, including
becoming the first player in the program's history to produce consecutive
1,000-yard receiving seasons. Among active Southeastern Conference players,
Rice's two-year total of 2,233 yards receiving ranks third in the league,
topped only by Dwayne Bowe of Louisiana State (2,403 yards on 154 catches,
2003-06) and Dallas Baker of Florida (2,236 yards on 151 catches, 2003-06),
and it took those two players four years to accomplish their totals. Rice's
23 touchdown catches in 24 games rank second among the conference's active
players, topped only by Marcus Monk of Arkansas (24 in 36 games, 2004-06).
Rice was regarded as the best receiver in the state of South Carolina during
his senior year at Gaffney High School. He was named to the High School
Sports Report Statewide All-State team and selected Offensive Player of the
Year. He ended his career with 138 receptions for 2,500 yards and 25
touchdowns. In 2003, Rice caught 57 passes for 897 yards and seven
touchdowns as a senior. He had 38 catches for 735 yards and 11 touchdowns
his junior campaign. He also excelled in basketball, earning 2002-03 Class
4A basketball Player of the Year after helping lead Gaffney to the state
championship. That season, he averaged 18 points and seven rebounds per game
as the Indians finished the basketball season 28-0. Rice was the last high
profile recruit of the Lou Holtz era at South Carolina, choosing the
Gamecoacks in 2004 over offers from Florida, Miami, Tennessee, North
Carolina, Georgia and Syracuse. He spent his first season with the
Gamecocks' scout team after suffering a hyper-extended left knee in warm-ups
before the Georgia game. Rice's collegiate debut was delayed one game in
2005 after he suffered a broken finger during August camp that would
sideline him for the season opener vs. Central Florida. He got back on the
field for the second game vs. Georgia and started the final 10 games.
Rivals.com named Rice the National Freshman of the Year, as he led the team
with 70 receptions for 1,143 yards (16.3 avg) and 13 touchdowns. He also
posted four tackles (3 solos) and caused one fumble on special teams. His
average of 103.91 yards per game receiving led the Southeastern Conference
and ranked fifth nationally. Rice followed up that banner rookie season with
All-American recognition, as he again led the team and ranked third in the
Southeastern Conference with an average of 5.54 catches per game. He paced
the Gamecocks with 72 receptions for 1,090 yards (15.1 avg) and 10
touchdowns to become the school's first two-time 1,000-yard receiver. He
also had a six-yard reverse that set up a touchdown drive. In 24 games at
South Carolina, Rice started 23 times. He finished his career with 142
catches for 2,233 yards (15.7 avg) and 23 touchdowns. He rushed once for six
yards, attempted one pass, scored 138 points and recorded four tackles (3
solos) with a forced fumble.
ANALYSIS:
Positives: Has a tall frame with adequate muscle
development, long arms and legs...Has deceptive speed to get downfield,
showing good body flexibility, good balance and body control to adjust to
the ball in flight...Quick to find openings or come back for the ball, and
has no trouble working in unison with the quarterback...Good crack blocker
who will compete for the ball deep...Shows good quickness and a deceptive
stride, where he can suddenly put on the second gear to eat up the
defender's cushion... Doesn't have ideal strength to fight through a
powerful jam, but when he is able to avoid it, he gets into his route
quickly...It is evident that he has natural ball skills to adjust to the
ball in flight and play it deep...Builds to top speed nicely with no wasted
motions and takes long strides to compensate for a lack of blazing
speed...Can run a lethargic defender off the line of scrimmage and plays the
ball well with nice adjustment skills...Shows nice acceleration throughout
his routes and has an array of moves to set up the defender...Will sometimes
round up field routes, but has the body control to adjust and get under the
thrown ball without having to break stride...Seems to be better on linear
routes, as he can build his acceleration and make cuts to separate...Has the
functional speed and decent burst to get deep and threaten, but needs to be
more crisp adjusting on underneath routes...Plays with a very good feel for
the ball in flight...Shows the ability to adjust and get in position to
snatch the long ball over his outside shoulder without having to throttle
down...Very good working the sidelines and keeping his feet in bounds...Does
a good job of adjusting to deep coverage and can get open and settle on deep
throws better than he can going over the middle...Has outstanding ball
skills to adjust to the thrown ball, looking natural with his body control
to get in position and make plays over his shoulder...Able to extend and
pluck the ball outside his frame and while his concentration lapsed at
times, he was very good at securing the ball and protecting it before
heading up field...Has enough elusive moves to take a short crossing pass
for a long distance, but needs to have room to operate in order to be
successful...Has to be creative in his moves to compensate for some tight
hips, but shows the vision to make the big play if he finds the crease.
Negatives: Has the leaping
ability to compete for the ball in the air, but needs to do a better job of
timing those leaps...Has some hip tightness, but still shows shifty moves on
long routes (less in shorter routes)...Whether it is timing or an
unwillingness, he will struggle to compete for the ball in a crowd and
despite a 35-inch vertical jump and his 6-3 frame, defenders were able to
deflect 17 passes out of his hands in 2006 and he failed to run under 23
other throws...Will need to add more bulk and strength in order to beat the
press at the next level...Has the size and vertical jump to go up and make
the catch over the middle, but you sometimes wonder if he has the strength
to take a pounding there...Needs to improve on short routes, as like most
tall receivers he struggles to drop his weight and gain separation...Going
over the middle, he looks affected by close coverage at times and seems to
be too aware of traffic. Compares To: DEMETRIUS WILLIAMS-Baltimore...Rice
has excellent hands, catching almost every ball thrown to him. He has
deceptive speed and fine leaping ability, but lacks the bulk to compete for
the ball in a crowd. He can turn a short crossing pass into a big gain if he
spots the crease, and does a good job securing the ball before turning up
field. He needs route refinement and has some tightness in his hips, but
working down the sidelines, he will make the plays deep in the opponent's
secondary.
INJURY REPORT:
2004: Granted a medical redshirt after he hyper-extended his left knee
during warm-ups prior to the second game of the season vs. Georgia (9/11).
2005: Missed the season opener vs. Central Florida (9/01) after he suffered
a pinky finger fracture on his left hand that required surgery.
CAREER NOTES:
Rice became the first player in school history to gain more than 1,000 yards
in two seasons...His 142 receptions rank sixth in school annals, topped by
Sterling Sharpe (169 catches, 1983, 1985-87), Zola Davis (164, 1995-98),
Robert Brooks (156, 1988-91), Jermale Kelly (153, 1997-2000) and Fred
Zeigler (146, 1967-69)...His 2,233 yards receiving are surpassed only by
Sharpe (2,497 yards) and Davis (2,354) on South Carolina's all-time record
list...Despite playing only two seasons, Rice's 23 touchdown catches broke
the old school career record of 19, first set by Brooks (1988-91) and
matched by Kelly...His average of 15.7 yards per reception rank ninth in
Gamecocks annals...Gained more than 100 yards receiving in 11 games,
breaking the old school all-time record of 10 by Sharpe (1983,
1985-87)...Rice gained 1,143 yards receiving in 2005, breaking the previous
South Carolina single-season record of 1,106 yards by Sharpe in 1986...His
1,090 yards receiving in 2006 rank third on the school's all-time list...His
70 receptions in 2005 rank third and his 72 grabs in 2006 rank second on the
school's single-season record chart, topped only by Sharpe's 74 catches in
1986...Holds the SC single-season record with 13 touchdown catches, and his
10 scoring grabs in 2006 rank second, tied with Sharpe (1986), Monty Means
(1995) and Kelly (1997)...Rice's six 100-yard receiving games in 2005 broke
the school single-season record, and his five 100-yard efforts in 2006 tied
Sharpe (1987) and Troy Williamson (2004) for second on that same
list...Rice's 191 yards vs. Missouri in the 2005 Independence Bowl rank
fourth on the school single-game record list behind Troy Williamson (210 vs.
South Florida, 9/18/04), Davis (206 vs. Vanderbilt, 10/24/98) and Zeigler
(199 vs. Virginia, 11/2/68)...Rice caught 12 passes in that 2005
Independence Bowl. Only Davis (14 vs. Vanderbilt in 1998) had more catches
in a game for the Gamecocks...His five touchdown catches vs. Florida
Atlantic in 2006 set a school game-record, breaking the old mark of three
that was set by several players, most recently by Rice vs. Vanderbilt
(10/22/05)...Caught at least one pass in every game (24) that he played
in...Rice and Kenny McKinley combined for 1,970 yards receiving, the most by
a receiving duo in school history and one of the top tandems in the country
in 2006.
AGILITY TESTS
Campus: 4.49 in the 40-yard dash (wind-aided)...4.55 in the 40-yard
dash...35-inch vertical jump... 320-pound bench press...301-pound power
clean...32 1/2-inch arm length...9 1/4-inch hands.
PERSONAL:
African-American Studies major...Born Sidney R. Rice on 9/01/86...Resides in
Gaffney, South Carolina.
HIGH SCHOOL:
Attended Gaffney (S.C.) High School, playing football for head coach Phil
Strickland...Regarded as the best receiver in the state of South Carolina
during his senior year...Was named to the High School Sports Report
Statewide All-State team and selected Offensive Player of the Year...Ended
his career with 138 receptions for 2,500 yards and 25 touchdowns...In 2003,
Rice caught 57 passes for 897 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior... Had
38 catches for 735 yards and 11 touchdowns his junior campaign...Also
excelled in basketball, earning 2002-03 Class 4A basketball Player of the
Year, after helping lead Gaffney to the state championship...That season, he
averaged 18 points and seven rebounds per game for his school, as the
Indians finished the basketball season 28-0.
MARCUS McCAULEY, Jr.
Cornerback/Free Safety
Fresno State University Bulldogs
#17
6:00.6-203
Sacramento, California
Rancho Cordova High School
OVERVIEW:
A physical open-field tackler, McCauley built a reputation with his ability
to take on the powerful running backs while also displaying the quickness
needed to shut down speedy wide receivers. But after suffering a concussion
in the second game of the 2006 season against Oregon, his performance
slipped and he was eventually replaced in the starting lineup for the team's
final four games. McCauley competed as a running back, safety, wide
receiver, cornerback and kick returner at Rancho Cordova High School. He
helped the team advance to the Division II semifinals, earning All-City
honors as a senior. He was considered one of the Sacramento area's best
all-around talents by the Sacramento Bee. He also excelled as a basketball
player. In 2002, McCauley enrolled at Fresno State, choosing the Bulldogs
over Oregon, Washington and California. He spent the season on the scout
team. He played in all 14 games on special teams and nine on defense in
2003, posting 11 tackles (6 solos) while blocking a pair of kicks. He took
over weak-side cornerback duties in 10 of 12 games during 2004. McCauley was
credited with 31 tackles (21 solos), a sack and three stops for losses. He
deflected eight passes and intercepted three others, returning one for a
touchdown. As a junior, McCauley captured second-team All-Western Athletic
Conference honors. He posted 45 tackles (38 solos) with two stops behind the
line of scrimmage. He caused two fumbles, broke up seven passes, picked off
another and gained 18 yards on a kickoff return. In 2006, McCauley saw his
string of 29 consecutive starts come to an end after he was benched during
the New Mexico State game. He finished fifth on the team with 55 tackles (40
solos), adding three stops for losses. He caused two fumbles and batted down
seven passes. He also had a 14-yard kickoff return. In 51 games at Fresno
State (46 on defense), McCauley started 32 contests. He recorded 142 tackles
(105 solos) with a 2-yard sack and 8.5 stops for losses of 20 yards. He
caused four fumbles, blocked two kicks and gained 32 yards on a pair of
kickoff returns. He added 22 pass deflections and four interceptions for 78
yards in returns (26.0 avg), including a touchdown.
ANALYSIS:
Positives: Has a lean, yet solidly built frame
with minimal body fat, defined chest and arm muscles, tapered thighs, big
hands to securely field the ball and exceptional quickness...Physical
open-field tackler who uses his strength well in run support, doing a nice
job of attacking the outside leg of the ball carrier to impede the runner's
forward progress...Quick to react to plays along the perimeter, showing the
change of direction agility and lateral movement to fly to the ball...Good
at redirecting to neutralize the cutback lanes...Has good body control to
make open-field adjustments and demonstrates good hand/eye coordination
tracking the ball in flight...Tough short-area coverage defender who fires
his hands with force in attempts to press and reroute...Squares his
shoulders and strikes with good pop on contact...Alert to blocking schemes
and does a good job of adjusting to the pre-snap movement...Plays with good
aggression, but is not the type who will boast about his accomplishments or
talk trash...Was not used on offense in college, but has the high school
experience, quickness and natural hands to be an emergency
receiver...Generally plays alert in the zone, handling the switch-offs while
making sure other secondary performers are aligned to make the play...Has a
keen knowledge of the defensive playbook and made the adjustment calls in
the secondary...Reacts quickly to the ball in flight, showing the second
gear to get under the throw...Has more than enough acceleration to stay
tight on the hip of the receiver throughout the route...Even when he gets
caught out of position, he has the loose hips and second gear to
recover...Likes to get physical in press coverage and with his ability to
play his man tight or loose, he could be a more viable free safety prospect
at the pro level...Fluid in his retreat, getting good depth in his pass
drops...Has the quickness and balance to come out of his breaks cleanly and
is quick to recover when he takes extra steps in transition (gets a little
rangy at times)...Does a good job of eyeing the backfield and trying to keep
the plays in front of him when playing in the zone...Has the timed speed to
drop back quickly into the deep areas or come up inside the box to support
against the run...Has the pursuit speed and explosion to get back into the
play when he over-pursues and shows urgency chasing down plays along the
perimeter...Has the leaping ability and timing to compete for the ball at
its highest point and shows good body adjustments to contort and make plays
on the ball in the air (not a good pass thief, though)...Charges hard to
fill the rush lanes and is active with his hands in attempts to shed blocks
and make plays working down the line...Likes the physical aspect of run
force and does a good job of breaking down and taking proper angles to use
the shortest path to the ball...Hard striker who wraps and secures with good
force behind his hits...Also shows good timing acting as a kick blocker on
special teams.
Negatives: Possibly due to the
concussion he suffered in the second game of 2006, but his play tapered off
quite a bit as the season progressed, as he seemed hesitant to step up and
fill the creases and allowed too much cushion without showing his patented
explosion when trying to close on the play...His footwork seemed to be off,
as he took false steps in transition and lacked the quick plant-and-drive
agility he showed in the past...He was a bit more undisciplined in his
reads, as he bit on play-action more often as a senior...Has good hands, but
struggled quite a bit to track the ball over his outside shoulder...Seemed
to attack and gamble on the ball often in 2006, rather than play off the
man...Needs to secure the ball better before attempting to run with it and
looked awkward trying to reach and extend to field the ball outside his
frame (had three potential interceptions turn into deflections, as he
double-caught the balls)...Looked lost at times peeking into the backfield
and did not attack ball carriers with the same authority he showed before
his concussion (seemed to be hesitant to stick his hat into the action).
Compares To: IKE TAYLOR-Pittsburgh...Both players received national
attention for their play in 2005, showing excellent range, quickness and
hitting ability. Both seemed to just be going through the motions in 2006,
not playing with the aggressiveness or decisiveness they showed in the past.
McCauley really struggled on long routes, getting turned around quite a bit
as he struggled to track the ball in flight. He will go lower than his
athletic ability dictates on draft day due to his inconsistency as a senior.
He will need some stroking and a patient coach to see if he can regain that
confidence in his ability that he showed as a junior.
INJURY REPORT:
2006: Suffered a concussion in the Oregon game (9/09).
CAREER NOTES:
Produced a string of 29 consecutive starting assignments that was snapped
when he came off the bench in the 2006 Idaho game.
AGILITY TESTS
Campus: 4.39 in the 40-yard dash...365-pound bench press...475-pound
squat...330-pound power clean...324-pound hang clean...37.5-inch vertical
jump...10'5" broad jump...31 1/4-inch arm length...10 1/8-inch
hands...Right-handed...23/31 Wonderlic score. Combine: 4.48 in the 40-yard
dash...1.59 10-yard dash...2.61 20-yard dash...4.17 20-yard shuttle...11.5
60-yard shuttle...6.61 three-cone drill...36-inch vertical jump...10'9"
broad jump... Bench pressed 225 pounds 17 times.
PERSONAL:
Sociology major, possessing a 2.7 grade point average...Son of Karla Graham
and Marcus McCauley, Sr...Born 9/03/83...Resides in Sacramento, California.
HIGH SCHOOL:
Attended Rancho Cordova (Cal.) High School, playing football for head coach
Max Miller... Competed as a running back, safety, wide receiver, cornerback
and kick returner during his playing days...Helped the team advance to the
Division II semifinals, earning All-City honors as a senior...Considered one
of the Sacramento area's best all-around talents by the Sacramento
Bee...Also excelled as a basketball player.
Brian Robison
Height: 6-2
Weight: 266
Position: DE
College: Texas
Overview
Robison was one of the more unheralded athletes in college football, but the
tandem of him and fellow end Tim Crowder was one of the best in the country.
The duo combined for 372 tackles (224 solos), 34 sacks for minus-241 yards,
81 stops for losses totaling 329 yards, 133 quarterback pressures, four
fumble recoveries, 12 forced fumbles, 21 pass break-ups, three interceptions
and six blocked kicks over the last four seasons.
Robison was a two-sport standout for the Longhorns, as he also excelled in
track-and-field. He earned All-Big 12 Conference honors and qualified for
the NCAA Finals in the discus and shot put, winning the conference shot put
title in 2005 and ?06.
He set the school shot put record with a toss of 68-3.75 (20.82m) at the
2005 NCAA Midwest Regional. His 195-10 (59.68m) mark in the discus won the
2006 Big 12 outdoor title and ranks as the third-longest toss in school
history behind Jim McGoldrick's 208-9 (63.64m) in 1976 and Derek Randall's
200-7 (61.14m) at the 2006 NCAA Midwest Regional.
At Spledora High School, Robison was also a two-sport star, earning
All-State honors in both football and track-and-field. A four-year starter
at defensive tackle (freshman) and linebacker (final three years), he
registered 66 tackles for losses and 28 sacks in his final three seasons. As
a senior, he earned second-team All-State Class 3A and first-team
All-District honors, registering 98 tackles, 20 stops behind the line of
scrimmage, eight sacks and four pass deflections.
Robison was an honorable mention All-State and first-team All-District
selection as a junior. He posted 121 tackles, 14 stops for losses, eight
sacks and seven pass break-ups for a defense that allowed only 101 points in
2000. He added 125 tackles, 32 stops behind the line of scrimmage, 12 sacks,
12 pass deflections and an interception as a sophomore. He also saw action
at running back (averaged 11 yards per carry and scored three times) and
tight end during his career.
In track, he was one of the state's top discus and shot putters, winning
both events at the district, regional and state meets as a senior. He won
the 2002 UIL Championship (Class 3A) in the discus (203-1) and shot put
(64-3-3/4), and won the shot (63-0-1/2) and placed second in the discus
(192-9) at the 75th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays. Robison also played
basketball (forward) for four years and baseball (pitcher) for two years.
Robison enrolled at Texas in 2002, spending the season competing on the
scout team as an inside linebacker. He started three of 13 contests at
inside linebacker in 2003, coming up with 38 tackles (22 solos) with a sack
and three stops for losses. He caused a fumble and generated 14 quarterback
pressures while tying a school single-season record with four blocked kicks.
In 2004, Robison shifted to right defensive end, earning Associated Press
All-Big 12 Conference honorable mention. He produced 48 tackles (27 solos)
with 1.5 sacks, ranked second on the team with 14 stops behind the line of
scrimmage and posted 18 pressures.
Robison was again named All-Big 12 honorable mention as a junior. He
collected a career-high 58 tackles (35 solos) while leading the Longhorns
with seven sacks and 15 stops for losses. He generated 10 pressures with two
fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles. He also blocked a kick and
deflected four passes.
Robison was bothered by right leg and knee problems, a strained quadriceps
muscle and also battled pneumonia. He missed the Sam Houston State game, but
still managed to start 10 times at right end. He registered 37 tackles (22
solos) with 5.5 sacks, nine stops behind the line of scrimmage and 15
pressures. He blocked a kick for the sixth time in his career and batted
down three passes.
In 49 games at Texas, Robison started 36 times (three at inside linebacker,
33 at right end). He recorded 181 tackles (106 solos) with 15 sacks for
minus-121 yards and 41 stops for losses totaling 171 yards. He added 57
quarterback pressures, a two-yard interception return and eight pass
deflections. He caused four fumbles and recovered two others, advancing one
recovery nine yards. He also blocked six kicks.
Analysis
Positives: Has adequate upper body muscle tone,
but displays a thick lower torso, with strong, well-developed thighs and
calves and has room on his frame to add at least another 10 pounds of bulk
without it affecting his quickness...Has good knee bend and flexibility
working down the line...Is a quick study with the playbook and has a good
feel for blocking schemes...Active with his hands, getting them up quickly
coming out of his stance to get into the blocker's chest...Plays with
awareness and has no problems locating the ball in a crowd, despite his lack
of ideal height...Lacks explosion coming off the ball, but will attack with
a consistent tempo...Has good bend and sinks his pads well in attempt to
avoid blocks working through trash...Effective at holding his ground vs.
double teams due to his lower body power and strong anchor...When he keeps
his hands active, he is effective at controlling blockers with good lock-out
and extension...Struggles some to disengage, but when he does, he has
adequate lateral quickness to make plays on the move...Closes from the
backside with good urgency and has the sustained speed to take a long route
to the ball (just lacks suddenness)...Gets better success when he slants or
takes angles, but when he faces up to the blocker head-on, he is ineffective
at getting a push to rock the linemen back on their heels...Shows good hand
strength when he wraps and secures the ball carrier...Compensates for a lack
of blazing speed by reading the play quickly to get into proper position to
make the tackle (good at neutralizing the cutback lanes)...Has good swim and
rip moves coming off the edge on the pass rush and uses his hands well to
sidestep low blocks, keeping his balance when playing in space...Has great
timing on his leaps and excels as a kick blocker on special teams...With his
linebacker experience dropping back into pass coverage, he could provide
value standing up in a 3-4 alignment...Might not win all of his battles, but
he has a hard charge chasing from the back-side, displaying proper body lean
off the corner...Adequate at flushing the quarterback out of the pocket and
showed improvement in 2006 using his hands to control and adjust off blocks.
Negatives: Has natural strength, but needs to add
upper body bulk, as his lack of ideal size hurts him at times when combating
double teams (can stack when he keeps his hands active, but lacks
consistency pushing the blocker back)...Needs to come off the ball with a
quicker burst (tends to take a rolling start, but the tempo is
consistent)...Susceptible to reach and cut blocks, as he lacks the long arms
to keep blockers from engulfing him... Tends to lose leverage when taking a
blocker head-on...Gets most of his sacks on effort, lacking the suddenness
to close...Not a viable option as a full-time linebacker, as he doesn't show
the range to change direction and an instant and chase down plays along the
sidelines...Durability issues in 2006 limited his effectiveness (right knee
and leg might need further medical evaluation).
Compares To: BRYCE FISHER-Seattle...Robison is a
blue-collar type who lacks quick-twitch moves coming off the snap, is a bit
undersized and needs to improve his upper body strength. Despite his size
issues, he finds ways to get to the ball and has the lower body strength to
hold his position at the point of attack. He excels as a kick blocker and
plays with good discipline, as he always seems to be in position to make the
play. While he might not be starting material, he has enough assets to
contribute in a line rotation.
Career Notes
Ranks 12th in school history with 41 tackles behind the line of
scrimmage...His four blocked kicks in 2003 tied the school single-season
record that was first set by Shane Dronett in 1991...His total of six
blocked kicks during his career set a Longhorns all-time record.
2006 Season
All-Big 12 Conference honorable mention...Battled through a rash of
injuries, but still managed to start ten of twelve games at right defensive
end...Recorded a career-low 37 tackles (22 solos)...Added 5.5 sacks for
minus 47 yards, nine stops for losses of 55 yards and 15 quarterback
pressures...Deflected three passes and blocked one kick...Sat out the Sam
Houston State game after he was carted off the field in the second quarter
of the Iowa State clash, suffering a deep right knee and patella tendon
bruised and a quadriceps muscle strain.
2005 Season
All-Big 12 Conference first-team selection by the Austin-American Statesman,
adding second-team honors from the Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle
and Fort Worth Star-Telegram and honorable mention from the league's coaches
and Associated Press... Started 12 games at right defensive end...Recorded a
career-high 58 tackles (35 solos), as he led the team with seven sacks for
minus 62 yards and 15 stops for losses of 80 yards...Credited with ten
quarterback pressures, four pass deflections and three forced
fumbles...Blocked one kick and recovered two fumbles...Was a key member of a
defense that ranked 10th nationally in total defense (302.9 ypg), eighth in
scoring defense (16.4 ppg), eighth in passing defense (172.0 ypg) and 33rd
in rushing defense (130.9 ypg).
2004 Season
Associated Press All-Big 12 Conference honorable mention...Started all
twelve games at right defensive end and also participated on special
teams...Was a key part of a defense that allowed just 320.1 yards per game
(23rdth NCAA), 107.4 rushing yards per game (16th NCAA) and 17.9 points per
game (18th NCAA)...Recorded 48 tackles (27 solos) with 1.5 sacks for minus 6
yards and a 2-yard interception...Finished second on the team with 14 stops
for minus 26 yards and 18 quarterback pressures.
2003 Season
Played in all thirteen games at middle linebacker, starting the Arkansas,
Rice and Kansas State contests for an injured Garnet Smith...Earned one of
UT's Whatever It Takes (W.I.T.) Awards, as he registered 38 tackles (22
solos), a 6-yard sack and four stops for losses of 10 yards...Collected 14
quarterback pressures and caused one fumble...Deflected one pass and tied
the school single-season record with four blocked kicks, matching a mark
first set by Shane Dronett in 1991.
2002 Season
Redshirted as a freshman, competing on the scout team as a middle
linebacker.
Track
Standout in track for the Longhorns, lettering four times in the shot put
and discus...Was an All-Big 12 Conference choice as a freshman, sophomore
and senior...Qualified for the NCAA Finals in the discus and shot put,
winning the conference shot put title in 2005 and ?06... Set the school shot
put record with a toss of 68-3.75 (20.82m) at the 2005 NCAA Midwest
Regional...His 195-10 (59.68m) mark in the discus won the 2006 Big 12
outdoor title and ranks as the third-longest toss in school history behind
Jim McGoldrick's 208-9 (63.64m) in 1976 and Derek Randall's 200-7 (61.14m)
at the 2006 NCAA Midwest Regional.
Injury Report
2005: Missed most of the Oklahoma State game (10/29) and sat out the Baylor
game (11/05) with a right knee sprain.
2006: Played vs. Ohio State (9/09) while battling pneumonia...Missed the Sam
Houston State contest (9/30) after he was leg whipped in the second quarter
of the Iowa State game. Was carted off the field with right knee and patella
tendon bruises and a quadriceps muscle strain.
Agility Tests
Campus: 4.84 in the 40-yard dash...450-pound bench press...560-pound
squat...345-pound power clean.
High School
Attended Splendora (Tex.) High School, playing football for head coach Kevin
Weldon...Earned All-State honors in both football and track and
field...Four-year starter at defensive tackle (freshman) and linebacker
(final three years)...Registered 66 tackles for losses and 28 sacks in his
final three seasons...As a senior, he earned second-team All-State Class 3A
and first-team All-District honors, registering 98 tackles, 20 stops behind
the line of scrimmage, eight sacks and four pass deflections...Honorable
mention All-State and first-team All-District selection as a junior...Posted
121 tackles, 14 stops for losses, eight sacks and seven pass break-ups for a
defense that allowed only 101 points in 2000... Added 125 tackles, 32 stops
behind the line of scrimmage, 12 sacks, 12 pass deflections and an
interception as a sophomore...Also saw action at running back (averaged 11
yards per carry and scored three times) and tight end during his career...In
track, he was one of the state's top discus and shot putters, winning both
events at the district, regional and state meets as a senior...Won the 2002
UIL Championship (Class 3A) in the discus (203-1) and shot put (64-3-3/4),
and won the shot (63-0-1/2) and placed second in the discus (192-9) at the
75th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays...Recorded the top discus (215-2) and
shot throws (66-2) in the state as a senior (all classes)...His discus mark
also was the best nationally among prep players...Won the Texas 3A discus
title (184-6) and placed fourth in the shot (55-2 1/4) as a
junior...Finished second in the discus at the 2000 state meet...Set the AAU
Junior Olympic national record in winning the discus (202-7) in the summer
of 2002...Also finished second in the shot and sixth in the javelin...Earned
the Joe Ferrell Most Outstanding Field Athlete for his performance at that
meet...Also played basketball (forward) for four years and baseball
(pitcher) for two years...Honor Roll student...Four-year Academic
All-District selection...Earned second-team Academic All-State honors as a
senior...Had his number 40 jersey retired by Splendora High School in
September 2004.
Personal
Liberal Arts major...Member of UT's Athletics Director's Honor
Roll...Father, Jimmy, played linebacker on Ranger Junior College's National
Championship team in the 1970s... Cousin, Casey Jones, played offensive
guard at Texas Tech (1994-96)...Born Brian Gale Robison on 4/28/83 in
Houston, Texas...Resides in Splendora, Texas.
TOP
Aundrae Allison
Height: 6-0
Weight: 202 Position: Wide Receiver
College: East Carolina
Overview
Allison arrived from Georgia Military College and had an immediate impact on
the Pirates program in 2005. He was responsible for 43.6 percent of the
team's first downs passing (110), amassed 36.4 percent (1,024 of 2,816) of
the Pirates' receiving yards, accounted for 50 percent (7 of 14) of their
touchdown catches and produced 37.8 percent of the team's big plays (14 of
37 catches for over 20 yards) en route to inking his name in the school
record books.
In 2006, the explosive big-play receiver was sorely missed in the two games
he was forced to sit out with an ankle injury. But he was still able to help
lead the program to its first bowl game since 2001.
Allison was an Associated Press All-State selection during his senior season
at A.L. Brown High School, where he was the program's top receiver and
return specialist. The two-time All-Conference choice earned Conference
Offensive and Special Teams Player of the Year honors in 2001.
Allison caught 50 passes for 1,101 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior,
despite missing two games due to an injury. That season was highlighted by
his 11 catches for 202 yards and one touchdown against the South Point High
Red Raiders, while also contributing additional scores on a punt and kickoff
return. He also participated in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas.
Upon graduating from high school, Allison enrolled at Coffeyville (Kan.)
Community College in 2002, but did not compete in football. He transferred
to Georgia Military College in 2003, going on to catch 33 passes for 410
yards (12.4 avg) and six touchdowns. He earned National Junior College
Athletics Association (NJCAA) All-American second-team and All-Region XVII
first-team honors at Georgia Military in 2004, when he snared 37 passes for
455 yards (12.3 avg) and five scores.
Taking over a program that finished 2-9 in 2004, new head coach Skip Holtz
needed all of his recruiting skills to lure Allison to East Carolina in
2005. Allison went on to shatter the school's single-season record for yards
receiving (1,024), becoming the first player in ECU annals to gain more than
1,000 yards in a season.
Allison became only the second player in school history to catch more than
55 passes in a season, catching 83, with seven of those resulting in
touchdowns. He also completed 1-of-2 pass attempts for 41 yards, gained 65
yards on seven carries (9.3 avg) and totaled 33 yards on six punt returns.
Allison started all 11 games he played in at split end for the Pirates in
2006. He led the team with 62 receptions for 708 yards (11.4 avg) and four
touchdowns. He gained 16 yards on four punt returns (4.0 avg) and lost 10
yards on four reverses. Allison hit on 1-of-2 pass attempts for a 34-yard
touchdown and recorded two solo tackles.
In 22 games at East Carolina, Allison started every contest. As a Pirate, he
caught 145 passes for 1,732 yards (11.9 avg) and 11 touchdowns. He returned
10 punts for 49 yards (4.9 avg) and rushed 12 times for 55 yards (4.6 avg).
He registered a pair of solo tackles and connected on 2-of-4 throws for 75
yards and a touchdown.
Analysis
Positives: Has a good bubble, split high, with
long legs, high calves and that explosive playing burst to easily gain
separate after the catch...Shows above average lateral agility and balance
when changing direction, doing an excellent job of extending for the ball
and keeping his feet inbounds when working along the sidelines...Has loose
hips and good feet to get in and out of his cuts. His quick first step lets
him explode off the line...Also has the hip wiggle and head fakes to elude
defenders after the catch...Even when his speed fails to elude the defensive
back, he has the hip wiggle and shake needed to prevent from being
rerouted...Might not look physical enough to fight off the jam, but knows
how to use his arm-over action to separate when the defender attempts to
press...Has the quickness to separate along the perimeter and the "make you
miss" burst to get down field...His vertical speed is evident by his ability
to consistently stretch the field and make good body adjustments to the
ball...Can uncover and free up from his man working in the short
area...Demonstrates the ability to sink his hips and go low to grab the ball
on shallow crossing routes...Has the burst to get under the ball and make
the over-the-shoulder grab look routine...Is quick to gobble up the cushion,
especially when working in the zone...Very quick off the line and has the
suddenness to get to top speed instantly...You notice on film his ability to
drop his weight, sink his hips and maintain body control in and out of his
cuts when separating...By staying at a low pad level, he is very effective
at rapidly accelerating to get under the ball...Shows the ability to keep
his eyes on the ball, even when knowing the defender is about to deliver a
viscous hit...Has a good feel for the sticks and chains and makes good body
adjustments on the move to uncover...Excels at keeping his feet in-bounds
working along the sidelines and slipping through tight coverage...Has a good
working relationship with his quarterback and that timing and ability to
stay in sync lets him come back when the pocket collapses...Looks like a
gazelle in the open field, showing a smooth stride that quickly gobbles up
the cushion...Knows he doesn't have the brute power to break tackles, so he
uses his change of direction and planting agility to elude the lethargic
defender...He twists, turns and spins to slide away from contact and can use
the defender's body well to push off and gain separation...Effective
open-field cutter because of his ability to attack the defender low and use
his hands to mirror and sustain...A lethargic defender is soon surprised by
Allison's quickness and explosion using his hands to lock on and steer in
the second level.
Negatives: Needs to improve his upper body muscle
definition...Like most junior college players, he still has not developed
good weight room habits, but is improving...Is not a "first one to enter,
last one to leave" type in the training room, but if he receives patient
coaching, he will develop those traits...Did not have the brute strength to
out-muscle the more physical defenders when he arrived on the ECU campus in
the spring of 2005, but he compensated with his long arms, good ball
concentration and leaping ability to get to the balls thrown into a crowd
(has now added 15 pounds of muscle to his frame and was not beaten by press
coverage in any games during 2006)...Gets into a pattern where he throttles
down when not involved in the play...Needs to do a better job of timing his
leaps, as he had 10 passes deflected in 2006, including five in the final
two games...Needs to be monitored, as he has a history for being late to
practices and meetings...Won't play with pain and does not take well to hard
coaching (poor work habits put him in the doghouse last season)...Relies
more on his speed than pattern development and needs to become a better
route runner (fails to set up the defenders and must be more aggressive
going for the ball)...Adequate second-level blocker, but will back away from
the action when asked to block in-line...Must improve his upper body
strength or the more physical NFL corners will have good success rerouting
or jamming him...Tries to run before securing the ball, leading to a very
high amount of dropped or missed balls ? 44 total in 2006 (had 12 batted out
of his hands and missed catching nine throws vs. UAB, five more in each of
the West Virginia, Southern Mississippi and North Carolina State games and
eight vs. South Florida).
Compares To: SANTONIO HOLMES-Pittsburgh-Like
Holmes, Allison is very capable of surprising a defender with his explosive
burst. He is simply a playmaker who is a threat anytime or anyway he touches
the ball. Like Holmes, he's a big distraction for a defense, as he is
perfectly capable of taking a handoff and either running with the ball or
pulling up to unleash a perfectly-timed pass.
Career Notes
Allison's 145 receptions in just two seasons at East Carolina rank second on
the school's career record list behind Jason Nichols (152, 1994-97)...His
1,732 yards receiving as a Pirate rank third in school annals, topped only
by Troy Smith (1,982 yards, 1995-98) and Mitchell Galloway (1,754 yards,
1993-96)...Allison's 1,024 yards receiving in 2005 shattered the old East
Carolina single-season record of 897 by Terrance Copper in 2003...His 83
receptions in 2005 rank second in school annals behind Copper's 87 grabs in
2003...His 62 grabs in 2006 are topped only by his 2005 total of 83 and
Copper's 87 catches in 2003 on the school's single-season record list...His
seven touchdown catches in 2005 rank sixth on the school's annual record
list behind Bobby Hodges (10 in 1953), Clayton Davis (10 in 1991), Walter
Wilson (9 in 1989), Larry Shannon (9 in 1996) and Hunter Gallimore (8 in
1991)...He became the first player in school history to begin his career
with three consecutive 100-yard receiving games...His five 100-yard
receiving performances in 2005 set a school single-season record (only six
players in ECU annals have gained more than 100 yards receiving four times
in a career)...In the 2005 Rice game, Allison (109) and tailback Chris
Johnson (129) each had more than 100 yards receiving. The last time the
Pirates had a pair of 100-yard receivers in one game was on Oct. 23, 1999
(Lamont Chappell-100 and Marcellus Harris-109)...Allison's 13 receptions vs.
Southern Methodist in 2006 is one shy of the school single-gamerecord of 14
by Dick Corrada vs. Southern Illinois in 1970...In 22 games at East
Carolina, Allison gained more than 100 yards receiving seven times...For his
entire collegiate career, Allison amassed 2,597 yards and 22 touchdowns on
215 catches (12.1 avg) in 40 games...139 of his receptions produced first
downs, including 83 during his two seasons at East Carolina.
2006 Season
All-American honorable mention and All-Conference USA first-team pick by The
NFL Draft Report, adding second-team All-Conference USA honors from the
league's coaches...Was named to the Biletnikoff Award (nation's top
receiver) Watch List...Started eleven games at split end, sitting out the
Virginia and Tulsa contests after he suffered an ankle sprain in the West
Virginia clash...Despite sitting out those two contests and not catching any
passes vs. Alabama-Birmingham, Allison ranked 20th in the nation with an
average of 5.64 receptions per game...He led the team with 62 catches for
708 yards (11.4 avg) and four touchdowns...His 62 grabs are topped only by
his 2005 total of 83 and Terrance Copper's 87 catches in 2003 on the
school's season-record list...Of the 106 passes thrown to Andrae, twelve
were deflected by the opposition...35 of his receptions produced first
downs, including converting 11-of-22 third-down plays and one more on
fourth-down... Had twelve receptions for 20 yards or longer...Credited with
big catches that set up nine touchdown drives and three more that ended with
field goals...Completed 1-of-2 passes for a 34-yard score, but lost ten
yards on five reverses...Returned four punts for 16 yards (4.0 avg) and
registered a pair of solo tackles.
2005 Season
All-American honorable mention and named Conference USA Newcomer of the Year
by The NFL Draft Report...Unanimous All-Conference USA first-team
choice...Earned TEC Male Athlete of the Year honors...After a stellar
preseason performance, Allison took over split end duties for the Pirates,
starting every game...Ranked fourth in the nation with an average of 7.55
catches per game, topped only by Jeff Webb of San Diego State (7.67 rpg),
Mike Hass of Oregon State (8.18 rpg) and Greg Jennings of Western Michigan
(8.91 rpg)...Finished 19th nationally and second in the conference with an
average of 93.09 yards per game receiving, ranking behind Garrett Mills of
Tulsa (95.0 ypg) in Conference USA action...Ranked third in the conference
and 25th in the nation with a school single-season record 1,024 yards
receiving, shattering the previous ECU mark of 897 by Terrance Copper in
2003...His 83 receptions rank second in school annals behind Copper's 87
grabs in 2003...Those catches and yardage totals are also the most ever by a
junior in ECU history, breaking the previous marks of 54 grabs for 795 yards
by Troy Smith in 1997...Seven of his 83 catches were good for touchdowns,
but he also had big-play receptions that set up twelve other touchdown
drives and four drives that resulted in field goals...Became the first
player in school and Conference USA history to begin his Pirates' career
with three consecutive 100-yard receiving performances...His five 100-yard
games set a school single-season record...Of the 135 passes targeted to
Allison, 16 were deflected by the opposition while 35 others were either
over- or under-thrown (had only one dropped ball)...Recovered one of his two
fumbles...Of his 83 receptions, 48 resulted in first downs (team had only
110 first-down catches), including 16 that helped convert third-down plays
and two others on fourth-down plays...Fourteen of his catches were good for
20 yards or longer...Helped convert 59.3% (16-of-27) third-down plays that
he was involved in...Added 65 yards on seven carries (9.3 avg), with two of
those runs resulting in first downs, including one for 23 yards...Also
completed 1-of-2 pass attempts for 41 yards...Averaged 102.0 all-purpose
yards per game, the fourth-best total among Conference USA receivers in
2005...His 83 catches in 2005 not only led the team, but were 48 more than
the Pirates' second-leading pass catcher (Chris Johnson, 35 grabs) and 55
more than the squad's second-leading wide receiver (Phillip Henry, 28
catches)...Responsible for 43.6% of the team's first downs (110) passing,
amassed 36.4% (1,024 of 2,816) of the Pirates' aerial yards, accounted for
50% (7 of 14) of East Carolina's touchdown catches and produced 37.8% of the
team's big plays (14 of 37 catches for over 20 yards) en route to inking his
name in the school record books...Led the team's receivers and running backs
with 48 knockdown blocks, including eight blocks that resulted in
touchdowns...48 of his receptions came in road games.
Injury Report
2005: Missed most of the second half of the season finale vs.
Alabama-Birmingham (11/26) after he suffered a right knee medial collateral
ligament sprain at the start of the third quarter.
2006: Sat out the Virginia and Tulsa games after he suffered a sprained
ankle (posterior tendon) late in the West Virginia game (9/23).
Agility Tests
Campus: 4.4 in the 40-yard dash...295-pound bench press...38.5-inch vertical
jump...31 1/2-inch arm length...9-inch hands...Right-handed...11/22
Wonderlic score.
Combine: 4.39 in the 40-yard dash...1.51 10-yard dash...2.53 20-yard
dash...37--inch vertical jump... 10'7" broad jump.
Junior College
Allison enrolled at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College in 2002, but did
not compete in football. Transferred to Georgia Military College in 2003,
where he played two seasons for head coach Bert Williams...Finished his
career with 70 receptions for 865 yards (12.4 avg) and 11
touchdowns...Fifty-six of those catches resulted in first downs...Wore
jersey No. 14 at Georgia Military.
2004 Season: Earned National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA)
All-American second-team and All-Region XVII first-team honors at Georgia
Military, when he snared 37 passes for 455 yards (12.3 avg) and five
scores...Also named the team's MVP...Had six receptions for 86 yards and two
touchdowns vs. Ranger College...Added 67 yards on six catches in the Nassau
Community College clash...Had 82 yards and a score on six receptions vs.
Erie Community College.
2003 Season: Caught 33 passes for 410 yards (12.4 avg) and six touchdowns as
a freshman in 2003...Scored his first career touchdown on a 23-yard catch
vs. the Brigham Young junior varsity...Set a school single-game record with
four touchdown receptions vs. Erie Community College.
High School
Attended A.L. Brown (Kannapolis, N.C.) High School, playing football for
head coach Ron Massey...Was an Associated Press All-State selection during
his senior season, where he was the program's top receiver and return
specialist...The two-time All-Conference choice earned Conference Offensive
and Special Teams Player of the Year honors in 2001...Made 50 catches for
1,101 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior, despite missing two games due
to an injury...That season was highlighted by his 11 catches for 202 yards
and one touchdown against the South Point High Red Raiders, while also
contributing additional scores on a punt and kickoff return...Participated
in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas.
Personal
Communications major...Born 4/20/86...Resides in Kannapolis, North Carolina.
TOP
Round 6, Pick 2
Rufus Alexander
Height: 6-1
Weight: 227
Position: Outside Linebacker
College: Oklahoma
Overview
The Oklahoma weak-side linebacker has drawn comparisons to Tampa Bay's
Derrick Brooks for his quickness, range and ability to stay on his feet and
flow to the ball, closing with a sudden burst. He was the team's most
consistent defender the last three seasons, becoming the first Sooner to
lead the team in tackles in consecutive seasons (2005-06) since Rocky Calmus
from 1999-2001.
Alexander earned All-State first-team honors and was ranked among nation's
top 20 linebackers in the country by Prep Star and Super Prep during his
senior year at Christian Life Academy. The three-year defensive starter also
played tight end. In seven games as a senior, he had team highs with 86
tackles, 14 stops behind the line of scrimmage and 12 sacks. He led the team
to the district titles as a junior (10-2) and senior (8-4). He also earned
All-District honors in basketball.
Alexander enrolled at Oklahoma in 2002. While redshirting that season, he
shared the Iron Man Award for top strength and conditioning by a freshman
with Paul Thompson. A right knee anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2003
spring drills would force Alexander to sit out the first five games of the
season. He saw action in one contest, posting two tackles.
In 2004, Alexander started 10 of 12 games at weak-side outside linebacker.
He was named All-Big 12 Conference second-team by the Associated Press and
honorable mention by the league's coaches, coming up with two sacks and
seven stops for losses. He ranked third on the team with 79 tackles (49
solos), as he caused and recovered three fumbles, intercepted a pass and
deflected four others. He also had five quarterback pressures.
A consensus All-Big 12 Conference first-team choice and member of the Butkus
Award Watch List, Alexander led the team with 102 tackles (56 solos) in
2005. He tied for third on the team with five sacks and finished second with
17 stops behind the line of scrimmage. His nine pressures paced the Sooners,
as he also batted away nine passes and picked off another. He recovered one
fumble and caused two others.
Alexander was selected All-American first-team by the American Football
Coaches Association and second-team by the Walter Camp Foundation as a
senior. He again led the team with 118 tackles (75 solos), adding 3.5 sacks
while also leading the team with 14 stops for losses, the fourth-best figure
in the conference. He caused four fumbles, recovered two others, batted down
three passes and had one interception.
In 39 games at Oklahoma, Alexander started 36 times at weak-side linebacker.
He posted 296 tackles (182 solos) with 10.5 sacks for minus-78 yards, 38
stops for losses of 121 yards and 17 quarterback pressures. He caused 10
fumbles and recovered six others. He also had three interceptions and 16
pass deflections.
Analysis
Positives: Has lean upper body muscle development
with long arms, tight waist and hip and room to carry at least another 10
pounds of bulk without it impacting his overall quickness...Move-oriented
type of tackler who is better making plays in space than when stationed at
the line of scrimmage...Very active moving down the line, showing the loose
hips and lateral range to pursue long distances in attempts to make the
play...Has a good feel for plays in front of him and works hard to avoid and
slip through single blocks to create havoc in the backfield...Quick-twitch
type who has the sudden burst needed to close in a hurry...Shows good
open-field acceleration and ease of movement in transition, making him a
possible safety prospect (best fit is at weak-side linebacker in a Cover-2
scheme)...Hard worker in the weight room who plays at a high intensity
level...Lacks great read-and-react skills, but will show urgency in getting
to the ball once he locates it...Relies more on his speed than strength
(power fails to translate to the field at times) to beat offensive linemen
off the edge...Good at keeping his pads down and colliding with the lead
blocker to clog the rush lanes...Can squeeze the tight end to make inside
run plays (will get engulfed by offensive tackles, though)...Uses his hands
effectively to mirror and reroute tight ends and backs in the short-area
passing game...Scrapes to the ball well when he uses his hands to play off
blocks and keep separation...Pursues well in the open, showing good
acceleration, but is more of a flow-type rather than a take-on type of
defender...Can run, slide and move in space to make outside plays and shows
good recovery when he out-runs the action...Needs more strength and bulk to
work through trash, but has the speed to cover ground from sideline to
sideline...Not a blow-up type of tackler, but efficiently strikes to fit
(more dependable in the open than tight areas)...Has the body control to
break down in space...Has good recovery speed when the receivers gets behind
him, but is best handling slot receivers rather than playing in the deep
secondary...Opens his hips smoothly dropping back in coverage, getting good
depth in the zone...Adequate at anticipating the receiver's moves and does a
good job of reaching around to deflect some throws...Has very good timing
and leaping ability (just lacks the natural hand extension to make the
interception)...Effective outside blitzer who has the change of direction
agility and rush moves that make it difficult for slower lineman to block
him on the outside...Showed improvement in 2006 when using his hands to
create a rush lane and has the sustained speed to pressure the pocket, even
when taking a wide loop to the ball...Comes out of his stance and attacks
the ball carriers with decent pop on contact.
Negatives: Lacks the bulk or raw power to split
double teams or bull rush when working in-line...Plays with good urgency,
but his motor will shut down at times, especially on plays directed away
from him...Lacks great ball anticipation skills and is slow to locate the
ball at times when working through trash...Does not have the anchor to hold
ground at the point of attack...Lacks the upper body strength or good hand
placement to shed and gets frustrated when his rush moves fail...Will get a
bit reckless in his play and is prone to costly penalties...More of a
drag-down type of tackler, as he fails to generate that good weight room
strength when striking in closed quarters...Doesn't have natural hands for
the interception and several easy pass thefts resulted in pass break-ups
instead, as he doesn't extend well to catch outside his frame... Lacks the
girth and bulk to face up to the bigger blockers and is easily washed out
when trying to shoot tight gaps...Generally a good character type, but did
have one incident in 2006 in which he was arrested on Oct. 15 in Norman on
misdemeanor charges of disturbing the peace and interference with official
process (was not suspended, as the coaches determined he was trying to break
up a fight before it happened).
Compares To: IAN GOLD-Denver...Put Alexander in a
Cover-2 defense, where he will play in space and utilize his speed and you
will have a very effective player on the weak side. Some compare him to
Derrick Brooks, but while he has that closing speed, he lacks the instincts
and feel for the ball that Brooks displays. He could make like Seattle's
Michael Boulware and shift to safety at the next level to compensate for a
lack of bulk. He is best served playing on the move, as his recovery speed
lets him make up for a lack of superb field awareness.
Career Notes
Alexander became the 10th player in school history to lead the team in
tackles in two consecutive seasons (2005-06) and was the first since Rocky
Calmus (1999-2001)...Ranks 14th in on the school's career record list with
38 tackles behind the line of scrimmage...Tied with Derrick Strait (2000-03)
for 11th in school history with six fumble recoveries...Registered five
stops for losses in the 2006 Middle Tennessee game, tying the Oklahoma
single-game record that he shares with Teddy Lehman (vs. Kansas State,
2003), Jimmy Wilkerson (vs. Baylor, 2000), Brian Bosworth (vs. Kansas,
1986), Tony Casillas (vs. Iowa State, 1984), Keith Gary (vs. Florida State,
1980) and Greg Sellmeyer (vs. Nebraska, 1976)...Alexander's 17 tackles vs.
Boise State in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl are the most by a Sooner in postseason
action.
2006 Season
First-team All-American selection by the American Football Coaches
Association (AFCA), adding second-team honors from The NFL Draft Report and
the Walter Camp Foundation All-Big 12 Conference first-team choice and named
the league's Defensive Player of the Year...Started all year at weak-side
linebacker, leading the team with a career-high 118 tackles (75 solos), 14
stops for losses of 44 yards and four forced fumbles...Credited with 3.5
sacks for minus 25 yards and three quarterback pressures...Recovered a pair
of fumbles and deflected three passes...Also had one interception...Produced
102 plays vs. the run and 26 vs. the pass...Registered 20 third-down stops
(15 vs. the run) and four more on fourth-down...Tackled opposing ball
carriers at the line of scrimmage eleven times... Made eight tackles inside
the red zone, including five on goal line plays...Helped lead a defense that
ranked 16th in the nation in total defense (287.14 ypg) and rushing defense
(98.71 ypg)...Twice charged with personal foul penalties (vs. Texas and Iowa
State).
2005 Season
Consensus All-Big 12 Conference first-team selection...Started all year at
weak-side outside linebacker, leading a unit that ranked fourth in the
nation in rushing defense (90.58 ypg), 13th in total defense (306.67 ypg),
fourth in sacks (3.75 per game) and ninth in tackles for losses (8.5 per
game)...Paced the Sooners with 102 tackles (56 solos) and finished second
with 17 stops for losses of 51 yards...Tied for third on the team with five
sacks for minus 36 yards and shared the team-lead with nine quarterback
pressures...Caused a pair of fumbles and recovered another...Deflected nine
passes and intercepted another.
2004 Season
All-Big 12 Conference second-team selection by the Associated Press, earning
honorable mention from the league's coaches...Started ten games at weak-side
outside linebacker, coming off the bench vs. Nebraska and Colorado)...Did
not play in the season opener vs. Bowling Green...Finished third on the team
with 74 tackles (49 solos), including two sacks for minus 17 yards, seven
stops for losses of 26 yards and five quarterback pressures... Caused and
recovered three fumbles...Deflected four passes and returned one
interception 5 yards (vs. Kansas)...Had a season-high ten tackles in the
Texas clash.
2003 Season
Missed most of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a tear of his
right knee anterior cruciate ligament...Suffered the injury in the annual
spring game...Made two tackles in the Texas clash.
2002 Season
Redshirted...Shared the Iron Man Award for top strength and conditioning by
a freshman with Paul Thompson.
Off-field Issues
Alexander was arrested on October 15th, 2006, after a confrontation with
police. Alexander said he was trying to stop a fight early Sunday. He was
charged with disturbing the peace and interfering with official process -
both misdemeanors - and was released after posting bail. Alexander told The
Oklahoma Daily he was in his car with a friend, Jared Scelfo, when James
Wheeler stepped in front of the vehicle. A disturbance followed and police
arrived. "My friend got out of the car and I was stopping him before he did
something stupid," Alexander told the student newspaper.
Injury Report
2003: Suffered a third degree anterior cruciate ligament sprain and slight
tear in his right knee during April drills...Underwent surgery and missed
most of the season.
Agility Tests
Campus: 4.62 in the 40-yard dash...420-pound bench press...500-pound
squat...340-pound power clean...35-inch vertical jump...10'0" broad jump.
Combine: 4.79 in the 40-yard dash...35-inch vertical jump...9'9" broad
jump...4.30 20-yard shuttle run...7.06 three cone drill...Benched 225 pounds
25 times.
High School
Attended Christian Life Academy (Baton Rouge, La.), playing football for his
father, head coach David Barham...Earned All-State first-team honors and was
ranked among nation's top 20 linebackers in the country by Prep Star and
Super Prep during his senior year...The three-year defensive starter also
played tight end...In seven games as a senior, he had team highs with 86
tackles, 14 stops behind the line of scrimmage and 12 sacks...Led the team
to the district titles as a junior (10-2) and senior (8-4)...Also earned
All-District honors in basketball.
Personal
Sociology major...Son of Melissa and David Barham...Born 4/12/83...Resides
in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
TOP
Round 7, Pick 7
Tyler Thigpen
Height: 6-1
Weight: 216 Position: Quarterback
College: Coastal Carolina
2006 Season
Tyler Thigpen, who was also the Big South Conference Offensive Player of the
Year and finished seventh in the balloting for the Walter Payton Award,
ranked second in the Football Championship Subdivision with 329.3 ypg of
total offense, while being fourth nationally with 274.7 passing yards per
game after leading Coastal to its third consecutive Big South title and
first-ever berth in the NCAA Division I Football Championships. The
first-ever Big South player to be nominated for the Payton Award and a 2006
American Football Coaches Association All-American and Associated Press
First Team All-American, he set nine Conference season records in 2006 in
total offense (3,952), total offense per game (329.3), passing yards
(3,296), touchdown passes (29), passing yards per game (274.7), passing
efficiency (167.42), 300-yard passing games (5), 300-total yard games (9)
and rushing yards by a quarterback (656). He was named Player of the Week
four times this season and became the first Big South quarterback to rush
for more than 600 yards in a season, with his 656 ranking fourth overall in
league rushing, while adding five touchdowns. His 3,296 passing yards also
made him the first quarterback ever to throw for more than 3,000 yards in a
single season. He also ranks second all-time in the Big South in total
offense with 8,236 yards, while also helping CCU to a 34-11 (30-8 as a
starter) during his four years with the Chanticleers.
2005 Season
Started in all 11 games as Coastal’s quarterback... Set school records in
every major passing statistic starting, going 133-for-246 for 1,589 passing
yards and 11 touchdowns... Named an I-AA.org Weekly All-Star... Rushed 97
times for an impressive 437 yards and four touchdowns... Broke the school
passing records against James Madison, going 24-for-36 for 287 yards and
three touchdowns in the dramatic win over the defending national champions,
helping the CCU offense earn Big South Offensive Player of the Week honors
as a group... Connected with receiver Jerome Simpson for a thrilling 27-yard
completion on the game-winning drive that was named the Play of the Day by
ESPN on their Sept. 13 broadcast as well as among the top-10 Plays of the
Week.
Had at least 100 yards passing in six games during the year, with two going
for more than 200 yards, and recorded touchdown passes in seven contests...
Earned Big South Offensive Player of the Week honors after directing CCU on
the game-winning drive in the closing minutes at South Carolina State...
Also was named Big South Player of the Week after throwing for 157 yards and
a touchdown and rushing for a career-best 112 yards and three touchdowns on
11 carries during the homecoming win against VMI, including a school and
Brooks Stadium record 77-yard dash for the final score of the game.
2004 Season
Started all eight games he played in before a shoulder injury ended his
season at Gardner-Webb and was a major factor in Coastal’s first Big South
title... Became the first passer in CCU history to throw for more than 1,000
yards, finishing with 1,008 and eight touchdown passes... Also rushed 55
times for 251 yards and one touchdown... Named Big South Offensive Player of
the Week for the first time in his career after going 9-for-20 for 200 yards
with three touchdowns in the air and rushing for 83 yards and a touchdown on
seven carries in the win over Charleston (WV)... Had his career-best passing
game against Davidson, going 20-for-30 for 217 yards and a touchdown...
Opened the 2004 season by going 12-for-23 for 134 yards and two touchdowns
to spark CCU to a road win at Morehead State.
2003 Season
Was the starting quarterback through most of the season, starting in nine of
the 10 games he played... Was the leading passer for CCU, completing 58 of
136 passes for 705 yards and five touchdowns... Got his first collegiate
touchdown pass on a six-yard toss to tight end Brandon Jeffcoat at
Davidson... Added a pair of touchdown passes each in the final two games of
the year at Liberty and Charleston Southern... Tallied his first 100-yard
passing day at Liberty, going 7-for-11 for 105 yards and two touchdowns with
no interceptions... Had three rushing touchdowns on the season, including a
career-best 31-yard scamper at Savannah State, where he finished with a
season-best 69 yards on 11 carries... Led the team with 987 yards of total
offense... One of the 2002 Coastal recruits.
High School
Lettered three years in football, earning All-State honors as a senior... A
multi-purpose player for the Griffins had 116 yards passing, 198 yards
rushing and 359 yards receiving his senior season... Also averaged 43.2
yards a punt and was 17-of-23 on PATs and 4-for-4 on FGs... Named to the
All-Region team twice... Also a four-year letterwinner in baseball, earning
All-Region honors as a junior and senior... Was a member of the Honor Roll
and the Beta Club.
Personal
Full name: Tyler Beckham Thigpen... Born: 4-14-84... Son of Clint and
Harriett Thigpen... Brother Chris played two years of football at the
University of Louisville... Majoring in recreation and sports management
Chandler Williams
Height: 5-11
Weight: 184 Position: Wide Receiver/Return Specialist
College: Florida International
OVERVIEW
The only Golden Panther to ever catch more than 200 passes
in a career, Williams has not only proven to be a capable possession
receiver, but also showed flashes of brilliance on punt and kickoff returns.
In 2006, he became the first FIU receiver to finish a season ranked in the
top 10 nationally, finishing ninth with an average of 6.7 receptions per
game.
Williams was a standout athlete at Miami Senior high School, where he earned
eight varsity letters, including three in football, two in basketball and
track and one in badminton. He was named the football team's Offensive MVP
as a junior and senior with 36 receptions for 578 yards in 2001 and
completing 88-of-209 passes for 890 yards and 300 rushing yards as a senior
quarterback. He also participated in the 5000 Role Models of Excellence
Program.
Williams played in 10 games as a true freshman in 2003 at Florida
International, starting once. He caught 29 passes for 460 yards (15.9 avg.)
and two touchdowns, adding a 9-yard rush and two tackles. In 2004, he
started three of 10 contests. He would finish second on the team with 46
receptions for 525 yards (11.4 avg.) and three touchdowns. He also had 19
kickoff returns for 412 yards (21.7 avg.) while adding 27 yards on three
reverses.
As a junior, Williams took over flanker duties. He earned All-Sun Belt
Conference second-team honors as he led the team and ranked second in the
league with 61 receptions for 870 yards (14.3 avg.) and two touchdowns. He
also rushed twice for 25 yards. Despite his suspension, Williams caught a
career-high 67 passes for 664 yards (9.9 avg.), but had just one touchdown
in 2006. He returned four punts for 86 yards (21.5 avg.) and a score, adding
130 yards on seven kickoff returns (18.6 avg.).
In 41 games at FIU, Williams started 24 contests. He set the school career
record with 203 receptions and finished second in school annals with 2,519
yards (12.4 avg.), including eight touchdowns. He returned six punts for 90
yards (15.0 avg.) and a score, adding 542 yards on 26 kickoff returns (20.8
avg.). He rushed nine times for 52 yards (5.8 avg.) and recorded eight
tackles (seven solos).
ANALYSIS
Positives: Has quick feet, good
change of direction agility and the vision to avoid defenders … Makes sharp
open-field cuts and has the second gear to separate after the catch …
Demonstrates suddenness accelerating through his routes and gets to top
speed in a hurry … Possesses good plant and cut agility with good lateral
speed … Has that natural release to elude the press, but will get rerouted
if a defender attacks his jersey … Can reinforce coverage with his foot
speed and sinks his hips and comes off his plants in an instant to freeze
defenders … Separates from the secondary after the catch and shows good
focus maintaining contact on the ball in flight … Makes natural adjustments
to the ball on returns … Has soft hands, catching the ball outside the
framework … Runs crisp routes, showing the body control and extension to get
to off-target throws … Good at locating soft areas on the field and has a
knack for sticking and driving through his patterns to find the seam in the
zone … His juking and jittery moves after the catch allows him to escape and
he shows willingness to go for the ball in a crowd … His initial burst
generally will stretch the defense … Can handle return duties in an
emergency … Has the balance to adjust to the ball in flight and does a nice
job of extending his arms to catch outside his frame … Can turn up field
quickly thanks to sharp cutting agility … Will take a hit in order to get to
and hold on to the ball … Has a good feel for coverage and does a good job
of slipping under arm tackles.
Negatives: More of a deceptive runner than one
with true explosiveness, despite his timed speed (more slippery when trying
to elude) … Has good toughness, but his lack of bulk gets him pushed around
a bit, especially vs. the press or on underneath routes … While he shows
good effort as a blocker, he needs to finish off his hits rather than supply
only glancing blows … Relies on moves, rather than linear speed to escape
the defenders, despite good timed speed … If reached, a defender is quick to
shut him down … Will compete for jump balls, but lacks the strength to
out-muscle most defenders … not afraid to take a hit, but tends to body
catch the ball when he hears the defender's footsteps.
Compares To: Fred Milons, ex-Philadelphia Eagle …
The hands appear natural, but his slight frame and lack of strength sees him
get jammed often at the line of scrimmage … He is never going to beat the
press at the next level and has to rely on his hip shake and burst to elude
… Despite his speed, he wasn't used much on out routes and, while he will
battle for the ball in a crowd, he will get ping-ponged quite a bit due to
his size.
INJURY REPORT
Injury report unavailable.
AGILITY TESTS
Campus: 4.5 in the 40-yard dash.
Combine: 4.5 in the 40-yard dash … 1.6 10-yard dash … 2.59 20-yard dash …
4.29 20-yard shuttle … 11.4 60-yard shuttle … 6.99 three-cone drill …
32½-inch vertical jump … 10-foot-3 broad jump.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Miami (Fla.) Senior High School, playing football for head coach
Earl Tillman … Standout athlete, earning eight varsity letters, including
three in football, two in basketball and track and one in badminton … Named
the football team's Offensive MVP as both a junior and senior with 36
receptions for 578 yards in 2001 and completing 88-of-209 passes for 890
yards and 300 rushing yards as a senior quarterback … Also participated in
the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence Program.
PERSONAL
Criminal Justice major, with a minor in Sports Management major … Son of
Chandler Williams, Jr. … Born Aug. 9, 1985 … Resides in Miami, Fla.
TOP
DT Joe Anoai (Georgia Tech), Safety Jeremy Burnett (Florida), OL Brian Daniels (Colorado), OL Josh Day (Colorado State), CB Sergio Gilliam (Clemson), MLB George Hall (Purdue), DB Chad Johnson (Northwestern State), OT Chase Johnson (Wyoming), TE Baden Jones (Southern Illinois), Center Dan Mozes (West Virginia), Punter Alex Reyes (Texas Tech) and RB Arkee Whitlock (Southern Illinois).